In order to secure the rights and welfare of the population and guarantee to France entire freedom in working the mines the territory will be governed by a commission appointed by the League of Nations and consisting of five members, one French, one a native inhabitant of the Sarre, and three representing three different countries other than France and Germany.  The League will appoint a member of the Commission as Chairman to act as executive of the Commission.  The Commission will have all powers of government formerly belonging to the German Empire, Prussia and Bavaria, will administer the railroads and other public services and have full power to interpret the treaty clauses.  The local courts will continue, but subject to the Commission.  Existing German legislation will remain the basis of the law, but the Commission may make modification after consulting a local representative assembly which it will organize.  It will have the taxing power but for local purposes only.  New taxes must be approved by this assembly.  Labor legislation will consider the wishes of the local labor organizations and the labor program of the League.  French and other labor may be freely utilized, the former being free to belong to French unions.  All rights acquired as to pensions and social insurance will be maintained by Germany and the Sarre Commission.

[Sidenote:  Liberty of religion and language.]

There will be no military service but only a local gendarmerie to preserve order.  The people will preserve their local assemblies, religious liberties, schools, and language, but may vote only for local assemblies.  They will keep their present nationality except so far as individuals may change it.  Those wishing to leave will have every facility with respect to their property.  The territory will form part of the French customs system, with no export tax on coal and metallurgical products going to Germany nor on German products entering the basin and for five years no import duties on products of the basin going to Germany or German products coming into the basin.  For local consumption French money may circulate without restriction.

[Sidenote:  Plebiscite to be held after fifteen years.]

After fifteen years a plebiscite will be held by communes to ascertain the desires of the population as to continuance of the existing regime under the League of Nations, union with France or union with Germany.  The right to vote will belong to all inhabitants over twenty resident therein at the signature.  Taking into account the opinions thus expressed the League will decide the ultimate sovereignty.  In any portion restored to Germany the German Government must buy out the French mines at an appraised valuation.  If the price is not paid within six months thereafter this portion passes finally to France.  If Germany buys back the mines the League will determine how much of the coal shall be annually sold to France.

SECTION IV