CONTROL OF SAAR COALFIELD

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1929, Page 9

CONTROL OF SAAR COALFIELD

FRANCO-GERMAN NEGOTIATIONS - By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. • " Rcc. 12.25 a.m, Paris, Nov.- 22, The French and Gerihan delegations to-day began their negotiations for a settlement of questions concerning the ‘Saar region. After a speech of welcome sub-committees were appointed to deal with mines, tariffs and legal questions. The negotiations are expected to be very lengthy. It is recalled that under the Versailles Treaty the exploitation of the Saar mines was handed over to France as compensation for Germany’s destruction of mines in northern France, The ’ Germans say France has already received 26,000 tons of coal more than it lost through the destruction of its mines in wartime, and has had an economic advantage in including the Saar district in its customs system for the decennium profits therefrom. It is also recalled that the future of the Saar must be settled. A plebiscite is to be taken in 1935, and it is agreed this will almost certainly favour Germany; hence the French anxiety for an earlier agreement, which Germany . is using as a lever for earlier restora- Aj tion of the mines. According to the Morning Post’s correspondent France is willing to cede the mines on reasonable terms and wants an equitable tariff between the Saar and France which will not hinder the export of coal from tho Saar needed by French industries which on the other hand will not hinder the import of 'J French goods into the Saar. France's idea is that the mines should be vested in a Franco-German company virtually representative of the two States.