The Saar Statute was a Franco-German agreement signed in 1956 which resulted from lengthy diplomatic negotiations between France and Germany. It helped to pave the way for a more modern Europe following post World War II tensions and geo-political disputes. The incorporation of the Saarland was finalised on January 1 1957.In 1947 the Saar was separated from the French occupied zone in Germany and entered into a customs, economic and monetary union with France. The Saar Regional Government did enjoy political autonomy but remained under the authority of the High Commissioner, Gilbert Grandval, who represented the French Government. A real economic frontier between the Saar and the rest of Germany therefore existed. The Americans and the British were quick to block France from integrating with the Saar more closely.