The Present Situation in Germany.

I—HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION What Burdens Did the Versailles “Peace” Treaty Impose on Germany? SHALL commence by giving some historical data that will be of help in understanding the development of events in modern Germany. After the imperialist war, France took Alsace-Lorraine, with its iron ore away from Germany and also the Saar coal basin. Alsace-Lorraine was taken “for good,” while the Saar basin was to be under French control for fifteen years, after which time the population, we are assured, will be allowed to decide by referendum whether it wants to remain part of Germany or is willing to be transferred to France. Meanwhile, the French have taken the Saar coal mines as a pledge that Germany will fulfil the conditions of the Versailles treaty and pay reparations. This additional coal was very opportune for France, as it had seized the iron ore of Alsace-Lorraine.