POLICING SAAR

Southland Times, Issue 22450, 10 December 1934, Page 7

POLICING SAAR

INTERNATIONAL FORCE BRITAIN’S INITIATIVE ATMOSPHERE LIGHTENED (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 7. The decision to send an international force to die Saar has been well received not only in Britain but throughout the world. Anxiety regarding possible disturbances in the Saar and the international repercussions which might have followed have been immediately relieved, and the whole European atmosphere sensibly lightened. In France the initiative in this matter taken by Britain has been especially welcomed, for M. Laval made no effort to conceal his distaste for general action in the event of a Saar emergency by France, and French opinion hardly anticipated such prompt and positive proof from Britain of acceptance of collective responsibility in Western Europe. The decision greatly increased at a critical moment the League’s prestige and authority. Meanwhile details of the organization of an international force are being worked out by military experts at Geneva. British troops can be at their stations in the Saar at less than a week’s notice, and it is probable that the arrangements will provide for the force to take up its duties shortly before Christmas. The prompt decision by the Italian Government to participate with Britain in this work has been welcomed in London, and it is hoped that contingents from other conveniently situated countries, particularly countries which were neutral during the war, will also be made available. , The Times remarks: The quiet but manifest concurrence of public opinion with the important decision of the British Government and the cheers which followed Sir John Simon’s announcement in the House of Commons show that the people of this country are perfectly ready to undertake reasonable international responsibilities within limited areas under the general direction of the League. Public opinion may even be ahead of official opinion, in the matter. The people seem to know instinctively that often in their long history British intervention has been decisive for peace, whereas aostention inevitably weakens British influence without ensuring ultimate immunity. The importance of the decision to send troops to the Saar is not that it is a new departure, but that it is a striking reaffirmation of the collective principle.” . It is understood that no nomination has yet been made as to who is to command the international force in the Saar, but if it is decided to have a supreme command it is assumed that it will be entrusted to a British officer. The convenience of such an arrangement, in view of the fact that the chairman of the Saar Governing Commission, to which the force will be immediately responsible, is of British nationality, will be apparent, and it is also pointed out that the project for the despatch of an. international force to the Saar originated with the British Government. • It is now revealed that this method of ensuring maintenance of order in the Saar had been under consideration by the British Government since it became clear that the French would prefer to stand aside. Sir Eric Drummond (British Ambassador at Rome) visited Signor Mussolini, and thanked him for Italy s cooperation in the Saar plebiscite arrangements. Appreciation of Italy’s action has also been formally expressed to the Duce by Germany and France,