THE SAAR PLEBISCITE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 44, 19 January 1935, Page 7

THE SAAR PLEBISCITE.

STRAIN ON MR KNOX

LAST FEW MONTHS.

LONDON, Jan. 17

The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Express, save that Mr G. G. Knox was present at the Council meeting and suggested a pardon tor those imprisoned in the Saar for political offences. The Council agreed. Mr Knox’s hair has become greyer in the last few months. He said: It lias been a long business, and I must say I feel somewhat tired. I have not the faintest idea where I shall go after March.

The Saarbrueken correspondent of the Times says that Herr Nietmann, the German Front leader, issued an Ultimatum that if Mr Knox’s deputy, Herr Beimurger (Minister of the Interior) does not resign, Herr Neitmann will not be answerable for his safety. This indicates possibilities underlying the present calm. Others have reason ,to fear lapse from the discipline which Horr Hitler has enjoined.

ATTITUDE DEFINED,

FRANCE AND REFUGEES

GENEVA, Jan. 17. M. Laval (French Foreign Minister) addressing the League Council said: France accepts the decision of the Saar people but interprets Herr Hitler’s broadcast speech on January 13 as meaning that there will be no re prisals on lives or property. If refugees became an international problem France would receive them in the spirit of humanity but would not fail to submit the matter to the League Council.

ACTS OF INTIMIDATION.

TOLD ACROSS BORDER

PARIS. Jan. 17

The refugees at Sarregue mines, .France, present the most pitiful spectacle of despair. They are silent till they cross the frontier, then excitedly discuss intimidatory acts. They declare that two Communists, Miehtenburg and Mattheu, were beaten to death at Neunkirohen, and the face of another anti-Nazi beaten to a pulp and salt rubbed into the wounds.-

Thousands arc applying daily to the French Consul at Saarbrueken for visas. Many people are without money and must be provided for.