THE SAAR TERRITORY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 80, 2 March 1935, Page 6

THE SAAR TERRITORY.

The administration of the Saar Territory, in accordance with the result of the plebiscite taken in January,- has reverted to Germany as from March 1. This was arranged at the meeting of the League of Nations Council after the reception of the figures recorded at the poll, being assisted in its task by the Committee of Three, which conducted the negotiations for the plebiscite and the agreement between Franc and Germany in the matter of the payment for the mines and cognate issues. On Thursday this Committee took over the administration from Mr Knox, whose long and arduous service to the League, often performed in the face of personal danger, more especially in the months immediately preceding the voting- before an International Force was despatched to the Saar to maintain order, is another instance of the high standard of devotion to its ideals and cause on the part of its servants. Speaking in Berlin when the result was announced on January 15, HenHitler declared that “with the return of the Saar there are no more territorial claims by Germany against France. We are now certain that the time has come for appeasement and reconciliation.” Hen- Hitler assured the world of Germany’s deep desire to preserve the peace, but at the same time struck a jarring note when he added that she was determined to win back equality of right to the fullest measure, and afterwards to co-operate fully in the preservation of international solidarity essential for the world. France, for her part, has studiously followed the letter of the Versailles Treaty, and in an official statement M. Flandin has congratulated his country for respecting it. Germany has certain obligations to fulfill towards France which were the subject of the agreement signed at Rome late last year. According to M. Flandin the payment of the money for the mines has been arranged. But there still remains the delicate question of the people who may prefer to _ leave the Saar rather than submit to the Germany that Herr Hitler lias created. Many left early in terror of future persecution; others who did not vote for Germany have remained, and should Hitlerism wreak its vengeance upon them and they decide to leave the territory an acute problem will be created for the League. Everything will'depend upon the good faith of Germany, who has the opportunity now to prove the truth of her Chancellor’s words. In the meantime, Mr Knox has been rewarded by the British Government for outstanding service in the conferment of a knighthood.