§ My right hon. Friend criticised the administration in the Saar and he 702 two years ago. If I had been making a speech two years ago upon that subject, I daresay I should have used very much the same language as my right hon. Friend, though I will not commit myself to it, because I do not know exactly what it was, but certainly I was very critical of the Saar administration in its earlier years. I think there has been a change which has been all for the better in later years. We had some questions of administration and some decisions of the Commission before us at our meeting in Rome. The decisions of the Commission on three matters were challenged and there was a lengthy argument by the German authorities. The Council examined them, but they did not find that the complaints of the Germane were well-founded. The Reporter of the Council upon that subject was, if my memory serves me right, Signor Salandra, who dwelt at the close of his report on the expectation of the Council that the powers of the Commission should be exercised with wisdom and moderation. I took occasion to observer that, while heartily concurring in the decisions recommended by the Reporter, I desired to draw the special attention of the Council and the Chairman of the Saar Commission who was present to those words of the Reporter, which I have quoted from memory. I drew special attention to the importance of that spirit being observed by M. Rault in the administration of the Saar. M. Rault responded in entirely the same terms, and assured us that it was in that spirit that he and his fellow Commissioners would carry out the duties which devolved upon them. I am bound to say, having seen him and' had some opportunity of further talk after the formal proceedings in the Council were over, that I have sensibly modified my view as regards the spirit which he will bring to the administration, and I believe, myself, that his presence in the Chair will serve to prevent many exaggerated demands being made which might easily be made if anyone less acceptable to France, which is so immediately concerned, occupied that position. In any case, weighing all the circumstances, I had to consider, not only the qualifications of M. Rault, but the qualifications of any other member of the Commission who might be available for the post, and I 703 have come to the conclusion that at present we could not do better than prolong his occupation of the post.
§ Mr. FISHERIs that for one year?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, I think the ordinary appointments are for one year. That was my recollection—that it is a re-appointment for one year; and, of course, every member of the Council is free to decide as he may think the circumstances demand thereafter—or rather, every Government represented on the Commission; I do not think he is appointed by the Council.