THE SAAR
rrHE victory of the pro-German parties in the Saar elections, I though by no means as sweeping as had been expected. nevertheless sets the seal on the rejection of the Saar statute. All that is now in doubt is by what means the territory will be united to Western Germany, and whether this can be done without harming Franco-German relations. Up to now the attitude of both governments has been calm and sensible (it is absurd for M. Pinay's political opponents in France to tax bim with having sold the pass to Herr von Brentano; he was simply recognising the facts of the situation), but there is no doubt that any arrangement for the future of the Saar in which French economic interests were not safeguarded might do great damage. Dr. Schneider, leader of the Saar Democratic Party and candidate for the post of Minister of Economic Affairs, is reported to have a plan to integrate the Saar's economy with that of Western Germany. What would happen then to the French special position in the territory? The leaders of the German parties in the Saar and German politicians generally should behave with moderation. They have won a political victory. They should not ruin it and much else besides by dis- regarding French feelings.
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