SAAR CONTROL

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 December 1934, Page 7

SAAR CONTROL

BRITISH TROOPS ARRIVE. [BT CABLE—PBEBB ABBN.—COPYRIGHT.] SAARBRUCKEN, December 23. When the East Lancashire Regiment arrived at Saarbrucken Station the inhabitants looked on in silence. This was surprising to the •British troops, who when journeying to the Saar had received cheers, smiles and Nazi salutes at level crossings and stations. The East Lancashires were somewhat disappointed on hearing that the displays of Nazi bunting were not in honour of their arrival, but were a political demonstration. . There were no signs of hostility. General Brind, British Commander, said: “I do not expect the Saarbruckers to be enthusiastic over the presence of foreign troops, but the British will certainly get on well.” FLAG-FLYING. SAARBRUCKEN, December 22. The Saar Commission has issued an order which forbids the flying of flags after to-day. The Deutsch Front have replied, urging the population to display the German flag as a protest. Consequently, one thousand Nazi flags are now hanging out of windows throughout the town. “FREE” VOTERS WELCOMED. (Recd. December 24, noon.) SAARBRUCKEN, December 23. Strikingly contrasting with the silent reception given to foreign troops, an uproarious welcome was accorded three hundred Saarlanders, arriving in garlanded train from North and South America, whose fare and expenses were paid in return for the promise that they will vote for Germany in the plebiscite. Though the flying of flags was forbidden, they were greeted with cheers and patriotic songs. ANGLO-FRENCH LEADERS.

PARIS, December 23. Sir J. Simon while en route to the Riviera on holiday, lunched with M. Flandin, and M. Laval. According to a communique they generally discussed European affairs. It is believed Sir J. Simon urged the necessity of a compromise regarding Germany’s rearmament, which would satisfy her national pride, and enable her to return to the League. It is recalled that Sir J. Simon, last Christ, mas, halted at Paris on a similar errand. The problem, meanwhile, has not altered materially, but M. Laval is now sympathetic. The Flandin Government is making an effort to reach a Franco-German agreement more earnestly than any French Government for the past five years.