Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎167v] (334/348)

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move organised by the Germans in connectioo with the occupation of the Ruhi, t a
it had had to be sharply dealt with by the French Chief of the Administration, wo
had brokeu the back of the strike, and that the ordinance, of which a complaint haf
been made, had now been, or was about to be, withdrawn by him. In these
circumstances there was, in the French Government’s opinion, no case for enquiry.
I replied that, according to our information, this was far from being the C ‘ 1K( ^
The matter was not one of the recent strike alone, or of the ordinance that had
apparently been withdrawn. Grave points had been raised concerning the administration
of the area during the past year. We had given pledges to Parliament that at the next
meeting of the Council of the League we should raise the matter, and we had already
informed the other Governments represented on the council of our intention. In these
circumstances, it was impossible for us to desist. Lid the French Government, 1 asked
the Ambassador, really contest the position that the Council of the League of Nations
had a right to enquire into an administration set up by itself ? W as it not both at
liberty to do so and bound to do so if a serious case was made for enquiry <! 1 could
not say what view the members of the council might take. Of course, it was possible
that they might say that no case for investigation had arisen, or they might decide bv
a majority not to concede it. But this, I thought, was a very unlikely position, and I
could hardly anticipate that in some form or another the enquiry would not be held.
When the - Ambassador went on to ask if I contemplated a local investigation by
persons sent into the Saar Basin for the purpose, and to say that this was a suggestion
which his Government could not possibly accept, I replied that the form and nature of
the enquiry were for the Council of the League and not for myself to settle, and I could
form no idea, supposing them to agree to the enquiry, as to the form which they might
decide to give to it.
His Excellency then turned to the question of the forthcoming German note, and
enquired with some anxiety whether it had been communicated to me and whether I
proposed to express an opinion about it.
I replied that I had declined to receive a communication on the subject from the
German Ambassador, preferring not to express any opinion before the note was
officially delivered, and that to that attitude I should adhere.
He then expressed some nervousness at the report that Herr Bergmann had been
in London and had had interviews with Mr. Reginald McKenna. Cpon this I could
give him no information, as it was the first I had heard of it.
I am, &c.
CURZON OF KEDLESTON.