BRITISH TROOPS IN SAAR

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21355, 24 December 1934, Page 13

BRITISH TROOPS IN SAAR

CHEERS ON THE WAY SAARBRUCKEN PEOPLE SILENT (UKTID PRESS ASSOCIATIOH—»Y ELICTJUO TELBOBAPH COFYBICHT.) (Received December 23, 9.40 p.m.) SAARBRUCKEN, December 23. On their way to the Saar, the main body of the British troops, numbering 1000, who will form part of the international force, were warmly welcomed everywhere. At Calais, where the people flocked to the quayside to greet the men, the scene recalled 1914. As the train neared Saarbrucken there were cheers, smiles, and Nazi salutes at levelcrossings and stations, but at Saarbrucken itself, to the surprise of the men, the inhabitants looked on in silence. The Governing Commission had issued an order forbidding the flying of flags after to-day. The German Front replied urging the population to display the German flag as a protest, so thousands of Nazi flags were hanging out of windows throughout the town. The East Lancashires were disappointed on hearing that the display of bunting was not in honour of their arrival, but a political demonstration. There were no signs of hostility. Major-General J. E. S. Brind (in command) said: "I do not expect the Saar people to be enthusiastic about the presence of foreign troops, but the British will certainly get on well." The British advance parties found the available accommodation more satisfactory than expected, especially at Brebach, where a large disused workmen's hostel has been put at the disposal of the troops.

SIR JOHN SIMON IN PARIS AN AGREEMENT WITH GERMANY URGED A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK (Received December 23, 8.50 p.m.) PARIS, December 23. Sir John Simon (Foreign Secretary), on his way to the Riviera on holiday, had lunch with M. Pierre Flandin (French Premier) and M. Laval (Foreign Minister). According to a communique, there was a general discussion of European affairs. It is believed that Sir John Simon urged the necessity of a compromise on Germany's rearmament which would satisfy her national pride and enable her to return to the League. It is recalled that Sir John Simon last Christmas stopped in Paris on a similar errand. The meanwhile has not altered materially, but M. Laval is now sympathetic and the Flandin Government is making an effort to reach an agreement with Germany more earnestly than any other French Government for five years.