SAAR’S WISH

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 96, 17 January 1935, Page 9

SAAR’S WISH

Result of Poll Causes Relief in Europe RETURN TO GERMANY Hopes of Peace Thought to be Improved LEAGUE COUNCIL MEETING By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received January 16, 8.40 p.m.) The result of the Saar vote was received with a sigh or relief throughout Europe, mingled with surprise at the size of the majority. The French are of the opinion that it removes a thorn from the side of Europe, leading io fresh hope of Franco-German appeasement. An Italian spokesman said that Italy was elated that the problem liad been solved expediently and peacefully. The Pope considers the outcome a step toward peace. Austria also.believes it will aid peace. Of the votes cast 90.8 per cent, were for return to Germany, 8.87 per cent, for the status quo and 0.4 per cent, for union with France. Mr. Ward Price, the well-known journalist, sums up the position as follows :— (1) Despite the fantastic anti-Hitler propaganda, Saarlanders have proved that they are Germans always. (2) Although the status quo would have been of economic advantage to the Saarlanders, patriotism prevailed over profit. (3) Herr Hitler’s position is vastly strengthened as his fellow countrymen for the second time have given him a cent, majority, recalling his opponents’ declaration that the German plebiscite was faked, which could not be said about the Saar one, held under ' neutral auspices. (4) Germans, are instinctively enemies of Communism, the Saar Catholics evidently saying “better Nazis than Bolsheviks.” (5) The Saar population represents ■ an. army corps and also returns to Germany the corridor through which the Grown Prince’s men marched to Verdun. (6) Germans want a plebiscite in disputed regions, especially Memel. The Council of the League of Nations met” privately yesterday morning at Geneva, a British Official Wireless message states, and the result of the plebiscite was officially communicated by the Secretary-General of the League. Press reports state that it was decided that , the Council of Three under the chairmanship of Baron Aloisi should meet immediately to settle the final details of the transfer, and French and German experts will also meet to out various commercial and economic details. BRITISH OPINION Situation Simplified POINT TO BE DECIDED Rugby, January 15. The general view taken in British circles in regard to the Saar plebiscite result is that, quite apart from every other consideration, the emphatic, nature of the vote has definitely simplified the situation. British interest in the Saar has naturally been considerably increased by the leading 'role British troops have taken in the measures for ensuring the maintenance of order there, and it is with considerable gratification that British opinion notes the absence hitherto of any serious disorder. Some anxious days still remain, but there is increasing confidence that these will pass in comparative peace. There seems little doubt that tne decisipn of the League Council by ' which the Saar territory will be reunited to Germany will, in fact, now be little more than a formality. The main point that remains to be decided is the length of the interregnum required to enable the transfer to take place. Certain matters which have to be done will require time. For example, the Customs offices on the east of the territory will be removed and others substituted on the west, while local administration will also have to be transferred. The currency problem has been dealt with in part by the Aloisi Committee, appointed by the League Council, and in part by the Bank of International Settlements. The geographical position of the Saar assures that it will become part of the demilitarised zone. One of the last things likely to happen before the transfer of the territory will be the withdrawal of the international force. It remains for the League Council to fix dates for these matters on recommendations made to it by Baron Aloisi’s Saar Committee. In an earlier report by that commitfee it was suggested that a minimum time-limit should be fixed to allow administrative transfers, and the period it suggested was one month. Some time ago both the German and French Governments gave assurances‘that, whatever the result of the vote might be, the minorities should not he subjected to reprisals or discrimination. It is anticipated that Sir John Simon, British Foreign Secretary, will return to Geneva toward the end of the week to participate in the Council’s decisions. He has already made known his desire that the necessary, arrangements shall be completed within the shortest possible time. HOPE OF FRENCHMEN Improvement in Relations (Received January 10, 8.40 p.m.) Paris, January 10. M. Flandin, Prime Minister, states that the great majority of Frenchmen hope that the Saar result will mean that Franco-German relations will progressively improve with collaboration for European peace as the goal. . In expressing satisfaction with the result of the Saar pleb scile, M. Flandin said he did not foresee great difficulty in the financial settlement affecting the French public and private interests in the Saar. “The most difficult problem,” he said, “is the possible emigration of people from the Saar which a Mnifderj.al .Committee under

the presidency of M. Herriot has studied, but it concerns the League of Nations. Above all, it is the duty of the League to protect those not voting for Germany against reprisals. I remain persuaded that the German Government itself will take all measures to prove in the eyes pf the world that it can respect the rights of minorities, and so avoid emigration en. masse.”