FUTURE OF SAAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22000, 5 January 1935, Page 12

FUTURE OF SAAR

COMING PLEBISCITE

FAR-REACH IN G IMPORTANCE

RELATION TO FRANCE

AMBITIONS OF GERMANY i— The plebiscite in the Saar is to be held in little more than a week's time, and as the date draws nearer the excitement grows more intense among the populace concerned and other countries in Europe. On Januifry 13 between 400,000 and 500,000 eligible voters, men and women who were domiciled in the Snar in 1920, will record at the polls whether they wish to- return to Germany, become French or remain under the League of Nations. The plebiscite, whatever the proportion of votes cast for the various issues, will not necessarily decide the Saar's future. It is distinctly provided that the League shall!' make the actual decision, taking into account not only the wishes of the inhabitants as expressed in the voting but also other considerations. The League possesses an overriding responsibility to protect minorities," for instance, and the "Saar statute" in the peace treaty permits a partition of the territory after the plebiscite. - On the face of it, i;he problems associated with the plebiscite appear to provide a simple cho .ce. But there are conflicting political, economic and religious aspects involved which cause a large amount of friction and unrest. The work of the governing commission is being generally .admired from all parts of tho world. The five men appointed to keep order until the plebiscite is held are Mr. G. G. Knox, Great Britain, chairman; Bartholomaus Kossman, representing the Saar; Jean Morisie, France;: Dr. Leo d'Ehrnrooth,. Finland; and Dr. Milovan Zoricic., Yugoslavia. , • •<; Trade With France Economically speaking, the Saar territory h«,s benefited to a great extent during 'die 15 years' rule of Franpe and thei League of, Nations. There have been favourable exchanges of Saar coal with Lorraine's iron, and employment for thousands of miners and blast-furnace and foundry workers has been provided. Since 1919 coal mines in the Saar have been ser.t into Briey, Pont-a-Mousson and Nancy. Only a small fraction of the exports goes to Germany. The bulk of coal, pig-iron and steel products are taken by France, Holland and Switzerland. In tuiai, the Saar buys most of its food from France. Imports from France are valued at about £16,000,000. annually, witih exchange at par. The territory is fifth largest export market. Since the Armistice, Saar products hare entered France and her colonies virtually duty free, giving the territory a market of about 50,000,000 buyers. Approximately 50,000,000 tons of coat cross the frontier yearly without duty. a . ; • ; For the last, 15 years the French franc has been the .Saar's currency. The Commission hafi stated that before leaving office it will see that all international obligations; are discharged an gold. Tlie issue has a gold coverage of 80 per cent, and f»w Saarlanders - will wish to see their franc pavings cbnfis•v cated the' Nazis and with marks, Which may- nofc : have any vain*, ■in the iputure. E 1 "■> 5 . .. 1 Possible Results \ The importance, of . the. economic

aspect iis realisedwhen one examines the pofjsible changes that will -take place if the) Saar ■ votes in • favour : ..of Germany.' Hugo , Stinnes, the■ gr&at Gennar>| industrialist, voiced his opinion by stating that if the Saar ever reverted to Germany, its products would have to be sent to the scrappile. Furthermore, the French customs frontier will shift, and the'Saar's exports, will be listed as German goods and. dealt with accordingly. Lorraine and Alsace will get their coal from Northern France. Provision is made in the Versailles Treaty regarding the ownership of the coal miines. It is stipulated that Germany will have to purchase the mines if the Saar returns to her rule, and

the estimated price will be„,3(W,000,000 gold francs. It is too mycp to say where that amount will come from in a country that is already losing much of its capital. ,'V', »-. Thesurrender of international control of the Saar will not take place until the transfer or. the. mines has been completed. That clause also affects the time of the occupation of the territory bv the Nazis. If it is desired in France, she can extend the negotiations over a period of years, and iftv the meantime the Saar will be held by an international force against- the possibility of a German putsch-. Rights of the People

The result of the plebiscite may have an important effect on the Saar and the two countries immediately concerned, France and Germany. A continuation of the present\regime in the Saar would mean a of personal liberty, lower tax rate than elsewhere and a comparatively .wealthy population. If the Saar is given, .hack

to Germany, it means submission to

the Nazi dictatorship and a partnership in the social, economic, religions and financial difficulties of the Reich. It is certain that there would be unemployment, concentration camps and political subserviency. If Germany should fail to secure the object of her intensive campaign at the present moment, the loss would

reflect adversely on Hitler. The attempted putsch in Austria was a fiasco, ho has had to capitulate to the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches over disputes within the bounds of Germany, and there has been a decline of popxilaritv indicated ip recent Nazi elections. This might be a final blow against the rule of Hitler and hi» Nazis The International Force The chances that will come to France mainly concern the alteration of an important market, and the imposition of customs dqes on materials that were formerly allowed in without tariff. There would be the expense of erecting additional fortifications and the extension of a national defence scheme. If there is a rush to evacuate the Saar territory on the part of those who would no longer be safe there they will go over to France and probably swell he? already large arnj,y of unemployed. The policing of the Saar by an international force is the resuit of an appeal by the chairman of the Commission, Mr'. Knox. Forces representing Great Britain, Italy, Holland and Sweden have been sent to the area and have already taken a hand in preserving order. There are 16,000 administrative officials in Saarland, and all but 60 nro native Saarlanders. Consequently a strong and independent force is absolutely necessary if the commission is to have the strength to preserve its impartial and unpopular attitude, in spite of spirited opposition. ; '