How did the League of Nations administer the Saar territory?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Delegates in formal attire seated closely together at an international League of Nations conference, circa 1930. — League of Nations Delegates attending a League of Nations meeting, c. 1930.

Following World War I, the League of Nations assumed administrative responsibility for the Saar territory for a period of 15 years. This arrangement was established under the Treaty of Versailles, which also awarded the region's coal mines to France.123

The League’s administration was intended to be a temporary measure, serving as a neutral oversight body while the territory remained under international supervision. During this 15-year period, the League was tasked with governing the region until a plebiscite could be held to allow the inhabitants to determine their own political future.123

On January 13, 1935, that plebiscite took place, and more than 90 percent of the Saar's inhabitants voted for the territory's return to Germany.1