Page:Collier's New Encyclopedia v. 09.djvu/545

LEFT TREATY 475 TBEATY Council of the League of Nations may think it necessary to address to her." ALSACE-LORRAINE After recognition of the moral obliga- tion to repair the wrong done in 1871 by Germany to France and the people of Alsace-Lorraine, the territories ceded to Germany by the Treaty of Frankfort are restored to France with their fron- tiers as before 1871, to date from the signing of the armistice, and to be free of all public debts. Citizenship is regulated by detailed provisions distinguishing those who are immediately restored to full French citi- zenship, those who have to make formal applications therefor, and those for whom naturalization is open after three years. The last named class includes German residents in Alsace-Lorraine, as distin- guished from those who acquired the po- sition of Alsace-Lorrainers as defined in the treaty. All public property and all private property of German ex-sovereigns passes to France without payment or credit. France is substituted for Ger- many as regards ownership of the rail- roads and rights over concessions of tramways. The Rhine bridges pass to France with the obligation for their up- keep. For five years manufactured products of Alsace-Lorraine will be admitted to Germany free of duty to a total amount not exceeding in any year the average of the three years preceding the war, and textile materials may be imported from Germany to Alsace-Lorraine and re-exported free of duty. Contracts for electric power from the right bank must be continued for ten years. For seven years, with possible extension to ten, the ports of Kehl and Strassbourg shall be administered as a single unit by a French administrator appointed and supervised by the Central Rhine Commission. Prop- erty rights vdll be safeguarded in both ports and equality of treatment as re- spects traffic assured the nationals, ves- sels, and goods of every country. Contracts between Alsace-Lorraine and Germany are maintained save for France's right to annul on grounds of public interest. Judgments of courts hold in certain classes of cases, while in others a judicial exequatur is first re- quired. Political condemnations during thr war are null and void and the obliga- tion to repay war fines is established as in other parts of allied territory. Various clauses adjust the general pro- visions of the ti'eaty to the special con- ditions of Alsace-Lorraine, certain mat- ters of execution being left to conven- tions to be made between France and Germany. THE SARRB In compensation for the destruction of coal mines in northern France and as payment on account of reparation, Ger- many cedfi ;;o France full ownership of the coal ir.'nes of the Sarre Basin with their subsidiaries, accessories and facili- ties. Their value vsrill be estimated by the Reparation Commission and credited against that account. The French rights will be governed by German law in force at the armistice, excepting war legisla- tion, France replacing the present own- ers, whom Germany undertakes to indem- nify. France will continue to furnish the present proportion of coal for local needs and contribute in just p; oportion to local taxes. The basin extends from the fron- tier of Lorraine as re-annexed to France N. as far as St. Wendel, including on the W. the valley of the Sarre as far as Sarre Holzbach, and on the E. the town of Homburg. In order to secure the rights and wel- fare of the population and guarantee to France entire freedom in working the mines, the territory will be governed by a commission appointed by the League of Nations and consisting of five mem- bers, one French, one a native inhabitant of the Sarre, and three representing three different countries other than France and Germany. The League will appoint a member of the Commission as Chairman to act as executive of the Commission. The Commission will have all powers of government formerly belonging 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 legisla- tion will remain the basis of the law, but the Commission may make modification after consulting a local representative assembly which it will organize. It will havo the taxing power but for local pur- poses only. New taxes must be approved by this assembly. Labor legislation will consider the wishes of the local labor organizations and the labor program of the League. French and other labor may be freely utilized, the former being free to belong to French unions. All rights acquired as to pensions and social insur- ance will be maintained by Germany and the Sarre Commission. There will be no military service, but only a local gendarmerie to preserve or- der. The people will preserve their local assemblies, religious liberties, schools, and language, but may vote only for local assemblies. They will keep their present nationality except so far as individuals may change it. Those wishing to leave