Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission facts for kids

The Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission was an important group created after World War I. Its job was to oversee the occupation of the Rhineland region in Germany. This was part of the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the war. The Commission started on January 10, 1920, and was based in Coblenz. Its main goal was to make sure the Allied armies occupying the area were safe and had everything they needed.

Who Was on the Commission?

Paul Tirard, who led the Commission

The Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission was made up of representatives from the countries that won World War I. These included France, the United States, Belgium, and Britain. They worked together to manage the Rhineland region.

Here are some of the key people who were part of the Commission:

• Paul Tirard (France): He was the Chairman of the Commission for many years, from 1919 to 1930.
• Pierrepont Noyes (United States): An early High Commissioner from the U.S. (1919 - May 1920).
• Henry Tureman Allen (United States): He took over from Noyes in May 1920 and served until January 1923.
• Professor Rolin Jacquemyns (Belgium): He represented Belgium on the Commission.
• Sir Harold Stuart (Britain): One of the first British High Commissioners (1919 - December 1920).
• Victor Hay, 21st Earl of Erroll (Britain): He served after Sir Harold Stuart (December 1920 - May 1928).
• William Seeds (Britain): The last British High Commissioner listed (May 1928 - December 1929).

There were also non-voting members from Germany, like Karl von Starck and Prince Hermann von Hatzfeldt-Wildenburg. They helped connect the Commission with the German people.

Why Was the Rhineland Occupied?

The Treaty of Versailles included strict rules for Germany after World War I. One of these rules was the occupation of the Rhineland. This was meant to guarantee that Germany would follow the treaty's terms.

Here's what the treaty said about the occupation:

• Long-Term Occupation: The German land west of the Rhine River, plus some bridgeheads, would be occupied by Allied troops for 15 years. This started when the treaty became active.
• Gradual Withdrawal: If Germany followed the treaty, the troops would leave in stages:
  • After 5 years: Troops would leave the area around Cologne.
  • After 10 years: Troops would leave the area around Coblenz.
  • After 15 years: All remaining occupied German territory, including areas near Mainz and Kehl, would be evacuated.
• Delayed Withdrawal: If the Allied countries still felt unsafe after 15 years, the troops could stay longer. This was to ensure Germany would not start another war.
• Reoccupation: If Germany failed to pay its war damages (reparations), the Allied forces could immediately reoccupy parts of the Rhineland.
• Early Withdrawal: If Germany met all its treaty promises before the 15 years were up, the occupying forces would leave right away.

See also

• Occupation of the Ruhr
• British Summary Court
• Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control