SAAR VOTE

Southland Times, Issue 22486, 22 January 1935, Page 5

SAAR VOTE

QUESTIONS IN ITALY

FRESH COMPLICATIONS FEARED

WARNING NOTE

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Times Service.)

Home, January 20. Political circles are openly asking whether the Saar vote, far from tranquilizing Europe, will only herald fresh complications. Although due allowance is made for German jubilation, Italian newspapers emphasize passages from the German Press, notably that Germany is destined to assume the spiritual guidance of all people. The newspapers warn Germany that Europe will not permit the Saar to be confounded with Austria, which is not German.

REFUGEES FLEEING

ACTION BY NAZIS.

INTIMIDATION METHODS.

(United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 7.40 p.m.) London, January 20. The Saarbrucken correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says that realizing that the stream of refugees from the Saar is damaging German prestige, the Nazis are trying to stop it. Anti-Nazi passports are being confiscated in the streets and they are forced to apply to a commission for fresh ones. Others preparing to leave are being offered money to stay and promised immunity, to which little credence is given. Denunciations are in full sway, the favourite form of intimidation being to dig a pit in front of an anti-Nazis house and telling him “This is your grave after March 1.”

CLOUD LEFT

FRANCO-GERMAN RELATIONS.

(British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January 19. The Geneva correspondent of The Times says the manner of the negotiations there between France and Germany has left a cloud which threatens to spoil the atmosphere of optimism in which Sir John Simon a week ago discussed with M. Laval the subjects to be raised in the. London conversations which begin on January 31. Particular reference was made to the continued verification of Mr G. Knox’s reports on incidents in the Saar and the contrast between the utterances of M. Burkel and the carefully-prepared and amicable speeches of Herr Hitler. The Times adds that the motive of the London meeting was a desire to tackle the European situation with speed and determination. It was made clear that German co-operation was sincerely desired. What does not seem to have been grasped so clearly is that the further relations of Germany must be discussed, whether her practical cooperation is forthcoming or not.

International Force.

There is no official confirmation in London that any date so far has been fixed for the withdrawal from Saar territory of the international force. A decision on this subject will be taken by the League on the advice of the Governing Commission after consultation with the Government whose troops are stationed in the area.

BRITAIN’S POLICY

FRIENDLY RELATIONS THE SOLE

(British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January 19. The sole aim of the British policy towards Europe was defined in abroadcast address by Captain R. A. Eden at the Geneva meeting of the League Council as the establishment and maintenance of the frank and friendly relations established and maintained between all neighbours on that Continent.

He suggested that it was not unreasonable to hope the solution of the long-standing Saar problem would open a new era of opportunity which, if well used, would enable the nations to contribute something more than professions of goodwill to the common stock. To allay the troubled spirit of insecurity and promote that greater sense of confiden-- which in itself was an essential element in enduring peace all nations must combine. Referring to the undertaking given by Germany to refrain from reprisals and persecution in the Saar, Captain Eden said the nations were entitled to expect that those promises would be kept

FRENCH DEMANDS

GERMAN REARMAMENT. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 12.10 am.) London, January 21. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent at Geneva says that when M. Flandin and M. Laval visit London next week, they will insist on legislation that German rearmament must be conditional on German adherence to both the Rome agreements and Eastern Security Pact. In this attitude M. Laval is supported by the Little Entente, Turkey, Greece, Russia and Italy. If Germany persists in declining to become a partner to central European security, France will proceed with other plans, including a separate agreement with Russia and Czechoslovakia, though this will remain open to German and Polish adhesion. Both Germany and Poland mistrust the multilateral engagement. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent gathers that Poland is not too pleased by the turn of events, but the Balkan Entente, headed by M. Titulesco, is jubilant.