BRITAIN’S AIM

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 100, 22 January 1935, Page 9

BRITAIN’S AIM

Friendly Relations in Europe SPEECH BY MR. EDEN Effect of Solution of Saar Problem (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January 19. The sole aim of British policy to-, wards Europe was defined iu a broadcast address last night by Mr. Anthony Eden, the British delegate at the Genera meeting of the League Council, as the establishment and maintenance of frank and friendly relations, established and maintained between all neighbours on that Continent. He suggested that it was not unreasonable to hope that a volution of the long-standing Saar problem would open a new era of opportunity, which, if well used, would enable 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 which in itself was an essential element in enduring peace all nations must combine. German Undertakings in Saar. Referring to the undertaking given by Germany to refrain from reprisals and persecution in the Saar, Mr. Eden said that nations were entb.led to expect promises to be kept. They included, firstly, an agreement by Germany that for the transitional period of one year, all voters and such non-voters as had been in the territory for three "years might bring before the Supreme Plebiscite Tribunal of the Saar, itself an international body, complaints of political persecutions, reprisals, and discriminations, and, secondly, an undertaking that for the same period the inhabitants of the Saar territory, whatever their nationality, should not be subjected to discriminations on account, of language, race, or religion. Mr. Eden paid a warm tribute on behalf of the British Government to the tact and patience of Baron Aloisi and his committee and to the truly exceptional service of Mr. Geoffrey Knox, the English President of the Saar Governing Commission. There is no official confirmation in London that any date has so far been 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 International Force was sent to prevent disorder during the plebiscite and transition period, and will be completely withdrawn when the dangers of disturbance have passed, that is, presumably when the transfer is effected on March 1. Attacks on Mr Knox. The Geneva correspondent of “The Times” says that the manner of the negotiations there between France and Germany has left a cloud which 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 which begin on January 31. Particular reference is made to the continued vilification of Mr. Geoffrey Knox, chairman of the Saar Commission, reports of incidents in the Saar and the contrast between the utterances of Herr Buerkel, Herr Hitler’s Saar Commissioner, and the carefully prepared and amicable speeches of Herr Hitler. “The Times” adds that the motive of the London, meeting was a desire to tackle the European situation with speed and determination. It was made clear that German co-operation was sincerely desired. What does not seein to have been grasped so clearly is that the further relations of Germany will be discussed, whether her practical cooperation is forthcoming or not.

STOPPING FLOW OF REFUGEES ‘ Nazi Efforts in Saar (Received January 21. 7.-10 p.m.) London, January 20. The “News-Chronicle’s” Saarbrucken correspondent says that, realising/that the stream of refugees from the Saar is damaging German prestige Nazis are trying to stop it. Anti-Nazis’ passports are “eing confiscated in the streets and -hey are forced to apply to the commission for fresh ones. Others preparing -n leave are being offered money to stay and have been promised immunity, to which little credence is given. Denunciations are in full sway, the favourite form of intimidation being to dig a pit in front of an anti-Nazi’s house and -oiling him “this is your grave after Man'll 1.” . \ EFFECT OF SAAR VOTE May Mean Fresh Trouble ITALIAN WARNINGS London, January 20. The Rome correspondent of “The Times” says that political circles are openly asking whether the Saar vote, far from tranquillising Europe, is only a herald of fresh complications Although allowance is made for 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 confounded with Austria. which is not German