United California Bank v. Kennedy

The Attorney General of the United States, as successor to the Alien Property Custodian, appeals from an order divesting the United States of its interest in the estate of an enemy alien pursuant to Public Law 87-846 (50 U.S.C. App. §41).

The decedent, then a resident and national of Germany, died testate in 1942, bequeathing her residuary estate in specified proportions to certain near relatives. The property located in California consisted of a modest amount of cash and securities. In 1950 the United States Attorney General, acting pursuant to the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App.…