Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-06-10

are subject to revision before the al
lied governments make their reply
to Germany.
Disposal of Sarre Basin.
Possibly the most striking clauses
Of the treaty, which were but partial
~ revealed in the summary, relate
to the disposition of the Sarre basin
and mines. The general summary of
the treaty indicated immediate turn
ing over of the mines to France. At
first glance the annexes of the clauses
relating to the Sarre, which are car
ried in the full text, would make it
appear that France would receive the
mines outright forever. but closer
perusal of the treaty shows that the
territory will be under the super
vision of the league of nations. prop
erty of Germans will be protected
and every means for fair elections
at the end of fifteen-year period
provided for.
None of the machinery set in mo-
ton in previous plebiscites in Europe
elections which almost invariably
have served to Illustrate justice to
the power in temporary charge of ter
ritories involved-can be brought into
motion under the terms of the treaty.
That there is possibility of inventing
new means of lodging the exact text
of the treaty is admitted. However,
on the face of the terms of the text.
it may be generally stated that every
measure has been taken to safeguard
fair play in such future elections
as may be held to determine the even
tual control of the territory. 1t is
even provided, should the people vote
for return to Germany, that Germany
will have the privilege of repurchas-
ing the Sarre mines. The machinery
of the league of nations is at all times
called into play in order to realize
fair and square adjustment either at
the moment or in later years.
Summary on the Sarre.
The summary of the Saar provi-
sions said:
THE Sarre-In compensation for the
destruction of coal mines in northern
France and as payment on account of
reparation, Germany cedes to France
full ownership of the coal mines of
the Sarre basin, with their subsidiaries.
accessories and facilities. Their
value will be estima ted/ by the rep
aration commission and credited
against that account.
THE French rights will be governed
stice excepting war legislation.
France replacing the present owners,
whom Germany undertakes to indem-
nifty. France will continue to furnish
the present proportion of coal for To-
cal needs and contribute in just pro-
portion to local taxes.
THE basin extends from the from
tier of Lorraine, as re-annexed to
france, north as far as ST. Wendell.
including on the west the valley of
the Sarre as far as Saarholzbach and
on the east the town of Homburs.
In order to secure the rights and
welfare of the population and to guar
antee to France entire freedom in
working the mines, the territory will
be governed by commission appoint
ed by the league of nations and con-
sisting of five members, one French,
one native inhab of the Sarre
and three representing three different
countries other than France and Ger
many. The league will appoint a
member of the commission as chair
man to act as executive of the COM
mission. The commission will have all
powers of government formerly be-
longing to the German empire
Prussia and Bavaria will administer
the railroads and other public services
and have full power to interpret the
treaty clauses. The local courts will
continue, but subject to the commission
Existing German legislation will remain
the basis of the law, but the commission
may make modifica ton after consulting
local representative assembly which it
will organize. 1t will have the taxing
power, but for local purposes only New
taxes must be approved by this assem-
bly,. Labor legislation will consider the
wishes of the local labor organizations
and the labor program of the league
Trench and other labor may be freely
utilized, the former being free to belong
to French unions. All rights acquired as
/, to pensions and social insurance will be
maintained by Germany and the Saar
commission. There will be no military
service, but only a local gendarmerie
to preserve order.
1.-The people will preserve their local
assemblies, religious libs>>es, schools