IN THE SAAR.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19461, 28 December 1934, Page 5

IN THE SAAR.

TROOPS KEEP CHRISTMAS. & , OLD TRADITIONS OBSERVED: PLEBISCITE PREPARATIONS. (Ohlclal Wireless.) (Received Dec. 28, 1.2,45 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 27. One of the 'British battalions in the Saar, who ate their Christmas dinner in a local hotel, heard the King’s message through the kindness of the German owner, who provided a wireless set. All the British contingent celebrated Christmas in traditional fashion* and in the best of spirits, The last Lancashire regiment were able to take their turkeys and plum puddings all together, the noil-com-missioned officers for once in the year Waiting on the men. The only difference was that on this occasion they drank German instead of English beer. The Essex regiment had a church parade, and there was ah inspection of British troops, the Italian regiment, and the Netherlands contingent hy Mr Geoffrey Knox, president of the Governing Commission. A battalion of the East Lancashire regiment is stationed on the outskirts of Saarbrucken. To-day they carried out their lirst, long route march. The cheerful and friendly demeanour of the men and their general- hearing are reported to have made an excellent impression, on the local population. The Saar frontiers' were closed today, and until after the plebiscite Only those foreigners will be admitted to the territory whose passports have been specially visaed. As a precautionary measure all cafes and similar establishments must, from to-day, close at midnight.