What did the London Declaration of 1943 declare about plundered property?

The London Declaration of 1943 is significant in the context of art and cultural property as it specifically addressed the issue of plundered art during wartime. The declaration asserted that artworks and cultural property that had been plundered by enemy forces could not legally transfer ownership and that such transfers would be considered invalid. This reflects a commitment to restoring stolen property to rightful owners and was part of broader efforts to address the aftermath of war and ensure that cultural property was protected from looting and theft.

This stance was rooted in the understanding that art and cultural heritage are of great value and should be safeguarded, particularly in times of conflict. By invalidating the transfers of plundered property, the London Declaration aimed to support the restitution of artworks taken during the war, reinforcing the idea that property acquired through illegal means does not confer legitimate rights to ownership.