The Danger in the Saar The French note to the
League Council on the problems arising out of the possible transfer of the Saar to Germany still further complicates an almost intolerably complicated situation. There is nothing unreasonable or unexpected in the French contention. The position in regard to the mines was stated in a leading article in The Spectator last week. But the suggestion that unless Germany can make satisfactory arrangements about payment for the mines the territory shall not be handed over to it can only be regarded in Germany itself as deliberately provocative—strictly logical though it may be. Actually it would be impossible to postpone the transfer of sovereignty to Germany once a vote had been given in her favour. But it is right that the League Council, and its Saar Committee, should have every element in the problem laid before it now. There are heavy res- ponsibilities to shoulder, and they must be shouldered by the Council as a whole, not thrust lightly on the Governing Commission. The Treaty provides for direct negotiations between France and Germany over the mines, and the time has come for entering on them.
Previous page
