Referendum in the Saarland

On 13 January 1935 citizens of the Saarland decide the political future of their state. Should the Saarland become an independent nation, return to the German Reich or remain a part of France which has, according to the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, administered the territory since 1920? Ninety per cent of Saarlanders choose to belong to the Reich.

© Beyer The officially announced  final result of the referendum in the Saarland

The National Socialists celebrate the result as the first great success of their foreign policy and as a victory over the “Shameful Treaty of Versailles” whereas the Saarlanders pay for their commitment to Germany with the loss of their political and civil freedoms. The “annexation” to the Reich is completed on 1 March.