BELGIUM
[Sidenote: Frontier changes.]
Germany is to consent to the abrogation of the treaties of 1839, by
which Belgium was established as a neutral State, and to agree in
advance to any convention with which the allied and associated Powers
may determine to replace them. She is to recognize the full sovereignty
of Belgium over the contested territory of Moresnet and over part of
Prussian Moresnet, and to renounce in favor of Belgium all rights over
the circles of Eupen and Malmedy, the inhabitants of which are to be
entitled within six months to protest against this change of sovereignty
either in whole or in part, the final decision to be reserved to the
League of Nations. A commission is to settle the details of the
frontier, and various regulations for change of nationality are laid
down.
LUXEMBURG
[Sidenote: Germany to renounce rights of exploitation.]
Germany renounces her various treaties and conventions with the Grand
Duchy of Luxemburg, recognizes that it ceased to be a part of the German
Zollverein from January first, last, renounces all right of exploitation
of the railroads, adheres to the abrogation of its neutrality, and
accepts in advance any international agreement as to it reached by the
allied and associated powers.
LEFT BANK OF THE RHINE
[Sidenote: No German fortifications or armed forces.]
As provided in the military clauses, Germany will not maintain any
fortifications or armed forces less than fifty kilometers to the east of
the Rhine, hold any manoeuvres, nor maintain any works to facilitate
mobilization. In case of violation, "she shall be regarded as committing
a hostile act against the Powers who sign the present treaty and as
intending to disturb the peace of the world." "By virtue of the present
treaty, Germany shall be bound to respond to any request for an
explanation which the Council of the League of Nations may think it
necessary to address to her."
ALSACE-LORRAINE
[Sidenote: Territories restored to France.]
After recognition of the moral obligation to repair the wrong done in
1871 by Germany to France and the people of Alsace-Lorraine, the
territories ceded to Germany by the Treaty of Frankfort are restored to
France with their frontiers as before 1871, to date from the signing of
the armistice, and to be free of all public debts.
[Sidenote: How French citizenship may be acquired.]
Citizenship is regulated by detailed provisions distinguishing those who
are immediately restored to full French citizenship, those who have to
make formal applications therefor, and those for whom naturalization is
open after three years. The last named class includes German residents
in Alsace-Lorraine, as distinguished from those who acquire the position
of Alsace-Lorrainers as defined in the treaty. All public property and
all private property of German ex-sovereigns passes to France without
payment or credit. France is substituted for Germany as regards
ownership of the railroads and rights over concessions of tramways. The
Rhine bridges pass to France with the obligation for their upkeep.
[Sidenote: Manufactured products to be admitted to Germany.]
[Sidenote: Administration of Kehl and Strassbourg.]
For five years manufactured products of Alsace-Lorraine will be admitted
to Germany free of duty to a total amount not exceeding in any year the
average of the three years preceding the war and textile materials may
be imported from Germany to Alsace-Lorraine and re-exported free of
duty. Contracts for electric power from the right bank must be continued
for ten years. For seven years, with possible extension to ten, the
ports of Kehl and Strassbourg shall be administered as a single unit by
a French administrator appointed and supervised by the Central Rhine
Commission. Property rights will be safeguarded in both ports and
equality of treatment as respects traffic assured the nationals,
vessels, and goods of every country.
[Sidenote: Contracts, judgments of courts, political condemnations.]
Contracts between Alsace-Lorraine and Germany are maintained save for
France's right to annul on grounds of public interest. Judgments of
courts hold in certain classes of cases while in others a judicial
exequatur is first required. Political condemnations during the war are
null and void and the obligation to repay war fines is established as in
other parts of allied territory.
Various clauses adjust the general provisions of the treaty to the
special conditions of Alsace-Lorraine, certain matters of execution
being left to conventions to be made between France and Germany.
THE SARRE
[Sidenote: To compensate for destruction of mines in France.]
In compensation for the destruction of coal mines in Northern France and
as payment on account of reparation, Germany cedes to France full
ownership of the coal mines of the Sarre Basin with their subsidiaries,
accessories and facilities. Their value will be estimated by the
Separation Commission and credited against that account. The French
rights will be governed by German law in force at the armistice
excepting war legislation, France replacing the present owners, whom
Germany undertakes to indemnify. France will continue to furnish the
present proportion of coal for local needs and contribute in just
proportion to local taxes. The basin extends from the frontier of
Lorraine as re-annexed to France north as far as St. Wendel including on
the west the valley of the Sarre as far as Sarre Holzbach and on the
east the town of Homburg.
[Sidenote: To be governed by a commission.]
[Sidenote: A local representative assembly to be organized.]
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 régime
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.