SAAR TRANSFER

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 98, 19 January 1935, Page 7

SAAR TRANSFER

Agreement Reached at Geneva ADOPTION BY LEAGUE Reunion With Germany on March 1 TRIBUTES TO MR. KNOX By Telegraph.—Press Assu. —Copyright. London. January 17. The League Council adopted ihe Saar transfer agreement. Mr. R. A. Eden. British Lord I’rivy Seal, Baron Aloisi, chairm.in of the Leagues Saar committee, and M. Litvinoll. Russian Foreign Minister, pahi.a tribute to Mr. G. G. Knox. Chairman of the Saar Commission. MLaval, Frenth Foreign Minister, said that lie was convimed that Hen Hitler did not intend reprisals. An agreement was reached at Genet a last evening between the French and German representatives and Baron Aloisi’s Committee of Three upon the various arrangements bound up with the transfer of the Saar Territory, thus enabling the committee to submit its report for adoption by the League Council, a British Official Wireless message states. This, it is understood, provides for the reunion with Germany of the entire Saar territory, whereupon all results which flow from the Treaty of Versailles, including the incorporation of the Saar in the demilitarised zone, shall take effect. The date of transfer will be March 1. A commission, composed of representatives of France, Germany and the Saar Governing Commission, will deal with all measures in connection with the transfer and will report on February 15. If a final agreement has not been reached, Baron Aloisi’s committee will submit a report to the League Council, which, if necessary, will hold a special session. In regard to the demilitarisation of the territory the little that requires to be done is left in the hands of the Governing Commission.

The immediate fixing of a definite x date, which was desired by Germany, created some complications and hampered the work of the Council’s Committee of Three, under Baron Aloisi, which was engaged in drawing up the necessary formula. This work was also held up pending the results of the Franco-German negotiations regarding such questions as the application- to the Saar Territory of Article 42 of the Treaty of Versailles, providing for a demilitarised zone of 50 kilometres east of the Rhine within which the Saar lies. Certain other technical questions were also raised. Tho Geneva correspondent of the “Daily Express,” a London cable states, says that Mr. Knox was present at the Council meeting and suggested a pardon for those imprisoned in the Saar for political offences. The Council agreed. Mr. Knox's hair has become greyer in the last few months. He said: It hits been a long business, and I must say I feel somewhat tired. I have not tho faintest idea where I shall go after March.

FLIGHT OF REFUGEES

Acts of Terrorism Related

GERMAN’S ULTIMATUM

(Received January 18, 7.15 p.m.) Saarbnicken, January 18.

The flight of all classes of refugees to France is increasing dally, including many .Jews.* The French frontier guards are turning back thore not possessing French visas. Many of the poor are spending the night in border stations and barracks, where they are being fed by soldiers. Several related Hitlerite acts of terrorism. The French Mines Administration building at Sulzbach was invaded by 100 men, women and children afraid to remain in their homes on learning of Nazi violence. The German Front leaders declare they will not harm anyone. Nevertheless, Communists and Socialists are convinced that the present calm is tho prelude to a storm which will shortly burst over ihe antiHitlerites.

The refugees at Sarregucmines, France, present the most pitiful spectacle of despair. They are silent till they cross the frontier, then excitedly discuss intimidatory acts and declare that two Communists, Michtenburg and Mattheu, were beaten to death at Neunkirchen, and the face of another antiNazi beaten to a pulp and still rubbed into the wounds.

Thousands are applying daily to the French Consul at Saarbnicken for visas. Many people are witbout money and must be provided for. The “Figaro” says that they will be regarded as citizens of the League of Nations and the money spent on them will be regarded as -an advance by France to the League which will be responsible for their final destination. Possibly a strip of territory in one of the French colonies will lie allotted to the refugees.

< Tlie Saarbrucken correspondent of “The Times,” a London message states, says that Herr Nietmann, the German Front leader, issued an ultimatum that if Mr. Knox’s deputy, Herr Beimurger, Minister of the Interior, does not resign, Herr Neitmann will not be answerable for his safety. This indicates possibilities underlying the present calm. Others ha;e reason to fear lapse from the discipline which Herr Hitler enjoined. FRANCE & REFUGEES Minister Defines Attitude (Received January 18, 7.15 p.m.) Geneva, January 17. M. Laval, French Foreign Minister, addressing the League Council said: France accepts the decision of the Saar people but interprets Herr Hitler's broadcast speech on January 13 as. meaning that there will be no reprisals on lives or property. If refugees became an international problem France would receive them in the spirit of humanity but would not fail to submit the matter to the League Council.