Strict Control in the Saar

Horowhenua Chronicle, 29 December 1934, Page 7

Strict Control in the Saar

,PBELUDE TO PLEBISCITE

(By Telegraph-Press Assn. —Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 27.

The Daily Telegraph's Saarbrucken 'correspondent says that the new passport regulations are so strict that the Saar is cut off from the remainder of Europe. Only journalists and other visitors on legitimate business are allowed to visit the territory. The local population is taking with ill grace the restriction of its accustomed liberties of using wine and beer halls until four o'clock in the morning. All parties are required to conform to the midnight curfew, which is enforcedxto prevent the possibility of political- incidents in the small hours, when they previously most frequently occurred.

The President of the Commission (Mr Knox) made ; a Christmas presentation to 2000. poor children in the Saar.

One of the British battalions in the Saar, who ate their Christmas dinner in the local guest house, heard the King's message through the kindness of the German owner, who provided a wireless set. All the British, contingents celebrated Christmas in the traditional fashion and in the best of spirits.

The East Lancashire Regiment were able to take their turkeys and plum puddings all together, the non-commis-sioned officers for once in the year waiting on the men. The only difference was that on this occasion they drank German instead of English beer.

The Essex Regiment held; a church parade, and there was an inspection of British troops, of the Italian regiment, and of the Netherlands contingent by Mr Geoffrey Knox, President of the Governing Commission. A battalion of the East. Lancashire Regiment stationed on the outskirts of Saarbrucken, to-day carried out, its first long «route march. The cheerful '■> and friendly demeanour of the men "and their bearing are reported to. have made an excellent impression on th« local population.