New-York tribune., 1921-11-21
Alexander Brands
Predictions of His
Abdication as Silly
King of Jugo-Slavia, Now i'm
Excellent Health, Tells
His Hopes to Heal Wounds
Country Suffered i'm War

BELGRADE, Nov. 20 (By The As
sociated Press) All reports that King
Alexander has any intention of abd:cat-
ing may be put down as pure fiction
The King has never given the slightest
thought to the subject, and, indeed, it
may be said that no cause ever cx-
listed for such a step. The young Serb
ian ruler already has taken the oath to
support the constitution and his cor
onation probably will take place soon
after completion of the new palace,
which is expected to be ready for the
event next summer.
The King, in an interview granted to
the correspondent yesterday, declared
that stories forecastnE his abdication
were quite as absurd as other reports
concerning him while in Paris. He said
his health was excellent and that he
was glad to get back to Jugo-Slavia,
take up the reins of government and
help in the solution of the country s
problems. His robust, fresh appear
ane, quick step and buoyant, cheerful
spirit certainly supported his state
ment that he was in excellent physical
condition.
King Alexander received the CORE
spondent in the modest one-story terra
Gotta palace, which is so old that it has
become one of the landmarks of Bel
grade,
Alexander sought news of the Wash
ington arms conference, in the outcome
of which he said he was deeply inter
ested. He expressed the wish for its
fullest success.
"Jugo- Slavia welcomes most cordial
iy every step toward the avoidance of
armed conflict in the future" he said.
Like all other countries we need peace,
not only to heal our wounds from the
great war, which are especially grave,
but also to enable US by the mutual
effort of our united races to achieve
our full stature and to gain that posi-
tion and standing in the family of ma
tions to which our industry, our riches
and our situation entitle us. I should
indeed be happy if our greater friends
among the Allies followed with larger
degree of sympathy and understanding
our efforts in this direction"
Asked his views concerning the de-
cision of the Allied Council Of AM
bassadors on the Albanian boundary
dispute, the King replied that it natu-
rally had caused great surprise and dis
appointment in Jugo-Slavia, but that
he hoped the council, upon reflection,
would modify its decision so as to give
greater justice and protection to Jugo-
Slavia.
"All we desire is peace and estab-
lished order" he said. eve have no
imperialistic ambitions in Albania or
elsewhere. We seek only a strong
boundary line which will assure us
security and immunity from the con-
stant incursions and violence of the
tribal groups that make up that
country"
The young Slav monarch spoke ap-
preciatively of the sympathy of the
United States for aiding in the crea-
ton of unified state of the Serbs,
Croats and Slovenes, and also Cor the
material help given by the American
relief organization.
"The United States," he declared,
"has shown complete understanding
and feeling for our suffering. Our
needy peoples still are benefting by
the succor, sympathy and moral en-
|couragement which the willing hands Of
your generous people are giving Them