SAAR EVACUATION

Taranaki Daily News, 22 January 1935, Page 7

SAAR EVACUATION

ITALIANS TO GO FIRST

SAFETY OF MINORITIES

JUBILATION IN GERMANY

WARNING BY ROME PAPERS

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.

Geneva, January 18.

The Council of the League of Nations decided that the evacuation of the international force in the Saar would begin on February 1, the Italians going first. The sole aim of the British policy towards Europe was defined by Mr. R. A. Eden as the establishment and maintenance of frank and friendly relations between neighbours on the Continent, says a British Official Wireless message. It was not unreasonable to hope, he said, that the solution of the long-stand-ing Saar problem would open a new era of opportunity that 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 confidence, in itself an essential element in enduring peace, all nations must combine.

Referring to the undertaking given by Germany to refrain from reprisals in the Saar, Mr. Eden said the nations were entitled to expect the promises to be kept.

There is Ho official confirmation at London that any date so far jjiad be 6ll fixed for the withdrawal from the 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 Governments whose troops are in the area.

The Times’ Geneva correspondent says that the manner of the negotiations there between France and Germany left a cloud that 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, beginning on January 31. Particular reference was made to the continued vilification of Mr. Knox’s reports of incidents in the Saar and the contrast between the utterances of Herr Nelstadt Buerckel, Herr Hitler’s Saar Commissioner, and the carefully prepared and amicable speeches of Herr Hitler.

The Times adds: "The motive of the London meeting is a desire to tackle the European situation with speed and determination. It has been made clear that German co-operation is sincerely desired. What does not seem to have been grasped so clearly is that the further relations of Germany will be discussed whether her practical co-operation is forthcoming, or not.” Political circles are openly asking whether the Saar vote, far from tranquilising Europe, will only herald fresh complications, says a Rome message. Although allowance is made for the German jubilation, Italian newspapers emphasise passages in the German Press, notably that Germany is destined to assume the spiritual guidance of all peoples. The newspapers warn Germany that Europe will not permit the Saar to be confused with Austria, which is not German.