On the other hand, Hitler's propaganda machine developed full activity, and the local Nazis made all the trouble they could. Nevertheless, responsible men on both sides were anxious to find a way out, and, thanks to the League of Nations, it was found. Having cleared the approaches by arranging the terms on which Germany should re-acquire the Saar coalfields from France, the League proposed that the Saar should be policed by foreign troops throughout the period of the plebiscite, so that order might be maintained and the vote taken in an impartial atmosphere. Late in 1934 the main street of Saarbruecken again abounded in foreign uniforms—British, Italian, Swedish and Dutch.
The plebiscite was fixed for Jan. 13, 1935, and as the date drew near a furious war of words was waged under the eyes of the ' international force and of journalists from all over Europe. Many expected a notable anti-Hitler poll, but more than nine-tenths of the papers declared in favour of union with Germany, In face of this enormous majority there was nothing more to be said. and on March 1 the Saarland was
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.