SAAR PLEBISCITE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 32, 7 August 1934, Page 9

SAAR PLEBISCITE

WILL NAZIS WRECK IT?

THE AUSTRIAN LESSONS

GROWING TENSION

Is the- -League of Nations competent to govern in trust'? Under the peaeo terms, tho Saar. basin "was handed over to tho League of Nations as a trustee, to be governed until 1935—next year—by a. Commission of live, appointed by and responsible to the League Council." It may bo said that, up to the present, tho League has governed in trust not unsuccessfully, but tho big hurdle is still to come, for in 1935 tho people of tho Saar basin must decide by plebiscite (vote of all the people) whether to stay under the governnieift •of the League of Nations, or be united with France, or return to Germany. Tho Loague is responsible for carrying out the plebiscite; and, if tho vote is for return to Germany, tho League must "arrange for the Saar mines to bo bought back by Germany from France." NAZI TAOTIOS ALTER THE OUTLOOK. When the peace terms were laid down, tho taking of a plebiscite in a country governed in trust did not look difficult. But it looks quite different now, since tho Nazis have demonstrated in Austria how the wheel of government can bo spoked, and. how people can be intimidated, and, if necessary, murdered. Tho question is now asked: Can tho police in tho Saar bo trusted to do their job? Must oxternal forces bo imported to protect voters, and defend broadcasting stations, and other vital points? If so, what forces?. Tho pending plebiscite in Germany, to confirm Hitler's supremacy, will bo watched with added interest, because of the coming Saar plebiscite. "The state of affairs in the Saav," writes Major B. T. Beynolds in ''The Listener" of June 25, "has followed pretty closely tho course of FrancoGerhian relations since the war. Up to the time of tho Buhr occupation in 1923, therG wore constant troubles. The governing Commission dealt with them by calling on the French troops stationed in the area. During this time a lot of French money camo into the Saar, French industrialists bought; up many of the concerns there at a cheap rate owing to the fall of the mark. The year 1924 marked tlie end of the period of Frcuch expansion. "Then there came a lull, until 1930. The tension relaxed,'the French troops were gradually withdrawn, and a local gendarmerie of 1000 men was trained for tho job of maintaining law and order in the Saar—a territory of 800,000 inhabitants! The Germans had all along complained of tho presence of French troops as well as of French propaganda.in connection with the mines schools. Their point was that the French mines authorities were forcing German miners to send their children to the French schools. EITECT OF HITLER'S ADVENT. "Up to 1930 and later ovcrybody seemed to be agreod that the people of tho Saar would vote unanimously for «i return to Germany. Then came Hitler, and the whole situation altered. Tho great increase in national feeling in. Germany caused fresh tonsion in the Saar. Tho Nazis in tho Saar had to be prevented by the Govorning Commission from trying to force people of other views to como in with them, which, of course, would bo quite contrary to the wholo idea of the plebiscite. Hitler has referred to the Saar on many occasions, and has claimed that it should be handed back to Germany without more ado, without waiting for the plebiscite, but the French won't agree. '• "Meanwhile the tension is growing; there has been a, series of monster demonstrations just outside the territory, to which the Saar inhabitants have como in their thousands. Mr." Knox, the chairman of the Commission, has to make periodical . reports to the League, and he has called attention to' what he'thinks is a very serious stato of affairs—widespread intimidation of non-Nazis—and ho has apparently even found reason to fear that the Nazis might try to seize tho Saar. I think that is probably an exaggeration, at tho moment, but if for any reason tho plebiscite is delayed, awkward things might quite well happen. "Three weeks ago there was a_ meeting of the League Council, and it was found impossible to reach agreement as to how the plebiscite was to be v held. Tho matter was then referred to a special meeting on May 31. Tho French openly say that tho existing police would be quite unable- to ensure fair play, and the Germans arc firmly opposed to any extra force being brought in. In any case, it is obvious that neither Trench nor German troops could bo used, and no other country is anxious to take on such an awkward ■job. ' GUARANTEES FOR MINORITIES AND JEWS. "Tho Froneh are demanding that thp Saar Government shall give guarantees for the good treatment of tho minority—that means, of course, tho Socialists, Communists, Jews, believers in Parliamentary government, and all the other classes of" unfortunates who 'aave come under the official ban in Nazi Germany. The whole situation is unpleasant, and will want very careful handling, and wo in England are interested—firstly, as a member of tho Leaguo Council, and, socondly,' through our obvious concern with anything that affects the problem of world peace. "The Saar is an aiea about tho size of Greater London, situated on the border between Germany and Lorraine. It is chiefly important on account of its rich coalmines and the iron and steal industry that has sprung up round them." •