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 members, one French, one a native inhabitant of the
Saar, 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
legislation will remain the basis of the law, but the commission may
make modification after consulting a local representative assembly which
it will organize.

THE PEOPLE'S RIGHTS SECURED

The people will preserve their local assemblies, religious liberties,
schools, and languages, 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 will have every facility with respect
to their property. The territory will form part of the French customs
system with no export tax on coal and metallurgical products going to
Germany nor on German products entering the basin, and for five years no
import duties on products of the basin going to Germany or German
products coming into the basin for local consumption. French money may
circulate without restriction.

POSSIBLE RETURN TO GERMANY

After 15 years a plebiscite will be held by communes to ascertain the
desires of the population as to the continuance of the existing regime
under the League of Nations, union with France or union with Germany.
The right to vote will belong to all inhabitants over 20 resident
therein at the signature of the treaty. Taking into account the opinions
thus expressed, the league will decide the ultimate sovereignty in any
portion restored to Germany. The German Government must buy out the
French mines at an appraised valuation, if the price is not paid within
six months thereafter this portion passes finally to France. If Germany
buys back the mines the league will determine how much of the coal shall
be annually sold to France.

GERMAN RELATIONS WITH FORMER AUSTRIAN STATES

"Germany recognizes the total independence of German Austria in the
boundaries traced." Germany