Eidesstattliche Versicherung [NS AFFIDAVIT FORM - RACIAL REGISTRATION]

Sextodecimo (5 3/4 x 8 3/8'). Original affidavit printed to both sides in German and Polish. The front relating to the definition of Jew, the verso to Jewish half-bread. This form is indicative of the enforcement of racial laws in occupied Poland in 1941. These affidavits were an integral part of NS racial policies aimed at segregation and persecution of the Jewish population as well as those of partial Jewish descent. By forcing individuals to declare their racial status under threat of punishment, the NS regime solidified its racial hierarchy, leading to exclusion, marginalization and persecution of millions based solely on their ancestry. The document exemplifies the oppressive bureaucratic machinery used to implement racial laws during W.W.II. Both affidavits, one each on front and verso, open with the general text: After careful examination I have no reason to believe that the assumption would be justified that I am a Jew according to §§ 1 and 2 of the decree on the designation of the term "Jew" in the General Government of July 24, 1940 (Vbl. GG. I S. 231). Following are texts of §§ one and two, respectively § three on verso, indication the definition of the term Jew and who is assumed to be a Jew, including former Polish Citizens. The term Jew is defined as being somebody descending from at least three Jewish grandparents, assumed to be Jew are those descending from at least two Jewish grandparents. The latter if they were a member of a Jewish religious community on September 1, 1939, or admitted to one afterwards. Also if the person was married to a Jew when this decree was issued, respectively married a Jew afterwards. And finally, if the signatory descends from an extramarital relation with a Jew and was born after May 31, 1941. Grandparents are considered to be Jewish, if they were members of a Jewish religious community. The text of the affidavit closes in stating that delinquency occurs when knowingly providing false information. The Verso contains the affidavit with stipulations relating to the definition of the term Jewish half-breed. Age-toned. The Internet-Archive displays this affidavit with penciled "749040 VII 1-Roiuc?" at bottom of front page, and a stamp with "749040 III Res." and unidentified official stamp on verso.…