Opening of Nazi archive sheds light on fate of millions during Holocaust

For the first time since it was created after World War II, an archive in Germany containing tens of millions of documents on victims of Nazi persecution will be open for historical research.

The International Tracing Service's 11-member International Commission announced its decision late Tuesday after two days of intensive discussions in Luxembourg. At issue was how to protect the privacy of Holocaust victims and survivors.

The decision means that historians and others soon will have access to ITS files in Bad Arolsen, Germany, on more than 17.5 million civilians who suffered under the Nazi regime. Conditions for use and publication of information still must be determined.

Keyword(s): Holocaust; World War II (WWII); nazi