The world is watching

The world is watching
Under the Versailles Treaty, local people were to be allowed to decide after 15 years whether they wished to maintain the status quo, belong to France or be reintegrated into the German Reich. Up to 1932, most Saarlanders wanted to become part of Germany again. However, the consensus in Saarland society broke down when Hitler seized power in 1933, after which thousands of German refugees came to Saarland. Political life became radicalised and threats and intimidation were common. To ensure a fair and orderly plebiscite, in 1934 the League of Nations sent in an international electoral commission and a military protection force that can be seen as a historical precursor to present-day UN 'blue helmet' missions. The plebiscite was very closely monitored. Over 90% of those entitled to vote opted to become part of Germany again. Despite international guarantees for a transitional period, thousands of Saarlanders chose to emigrate as soon as the
result of the vote was announced.