Protection for minorities in the Saar region after the plebiscite of January 16, 1935, in accordance with the minority clauses of the Covenant of the League of Nations, similar to the protection afforded minorities in Upper Silesia, was demanded today in a memorandum submitted to the League of Nations by the French government.
In the memorandum, submitted to the League Council for consideration at its sitting opening on September 10, France declared that it was prepared to guarantee that, “if the whole or part of the Saar is joined to France, all inhabitants will enjoy the same civil and political rights enjoyed by French nationals, without distinction as to race, language or religion and will be equal before the law and receive full protection in those rights.”
ASK CLAUSE INCLUSION
“We desire the inclusion of such a clause in the decision of the League Council, also in the eventuality of the return of the territory to Germany,” the French memorandum said.
Unofficially it was said that the French motive is to avoid an influx of refugees into France, certain to take place if the Saar minorities are left without protection by the League of Nations.
The French government fears that such an influx would aggravate the existing unemployment situation in France.
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