TROOPS LEAVE SAAR

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1935, Page 11

TROOPS LEAVE SAAR

HAPPY ENDING TO THE QUESTION. HEARTY WELCOME IN FRANCE. British Wireless. Rugby, Feb. 20. The Saaf question entered upon the final phase yesterday when the first contingent of British troops left the territory for home. It consisted bf the Ist Battalion of the Essex Regiment and a detachment of the Royal Corps of Signallers. On crossing into France the troops received eh route a most cordial welcome from the French people and at times were entertained by local civic and military authorities. The arrival Of the British soldiers at Rheirns station was awaited by a large crowd, which cheered enthusiastically and shouted “Vivent les Anglais,” while a French military band played “God Save the King” and the “Marseillaise.” The British officers in the evening were the guests at an official banquet, while other ranks were also entertained. To-day a tour of Rheims has been arranged and the troops leave by special train for Calais to-night. Next Monday the First Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment will be entertained at Paris. • Under the heading, “Happy Ending to Saar Question,” the Daily Telegraph says: “Despite the delicacy of the many problems involved in the transference bf the territory the prospect can be contemplated without the least misgiving. What now remains to be seen, is whether the map of Europe can be contemplated in the same spifit as has been shown in dealing with the Saar frontier.”