Annexed to either France or Germany in the years leading up to World War One, the Saar Territory came into existence as a separate political entity when the Treaty of Versailles made it an autonomous territory in 1919. It was administered by France, under League of Nations supervision, pending a plebiscite to be held in 1935 to determine its final status. France also received the right to exploit its coal fields until that time. When more than 90% of the votes cast in the plebiscite favoured the Saar's reunion with Germany, the Saar was restored (March, 1935) to German control as the Saarland Province.

As a separate territory between the wars, the Saar celebrated its coal resources and industrial development, most of which were developed under Prussian, Barvarian and German occupation after 1815.

  [Scott #444, A71]

This stamp celebrates the return of the Saar to Germany.

  [Scott #451, A74]

 The Saar has come home!

(The poster below echoes this sentiment; the child has escaped the covetous clutches of the French!)