The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-21
ALEXANDER OF JUGO
SLAWA SAYS He
WILL NOT RESIGN
Is Much Interested in The Ar
mament Conference
Wants Boundary Line
For His Country


subject and indeed 1t may be said
that NO cause ever existed for
such a step. The young Serbian
ruler already has taken the oath
to support the constitution and
his coronation probably will oc-
cur soon after completion of the
new palace which ia expected to
be ready for the event sometim
next summer.
The King. in an interview granted
to an Associated Press correspon~
dent, declared that stories forecast
ing his ahdieation as other reports
concerning him while in Paris were
false. He said his health was ex-
cellent 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 appearance, quick
step and buoyant. cheerful spirit en-
tirely supported his statement that
he was in excellent physical condi-
ton.
King Alexander received the cor
respondent in the modest one-story
terra Gotta palace. which is so old
that 1t has become one of the land
marks of Belgrade.
Prince Paul
Prince Paul, the Kings cousin, who,
it is believed, eventually will become
the heir apparent and who is grad
uate of oxford. was present during
the interview and translated the cor
respondents questions into Serbian
axxI, - - II
and several pictures reminiscent of
Serbia's military campaigns decorated
the walls of the Kings comfortable
tastefully arranged sitting room in
which the interview took place
Alexander sought news of the
Washington conference in the out
come of which he said he was.deeply
interested. He expressed tire wish
for it's fullest success.
"Jugo- Slavia welcomes most cor
daily every step toward the avoid
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 en-
able us by the mutual effort of our
united races 10 achieve our full
statue and to gain that position and
standing In the family of nations, to
which our industry, our riches and
our situation entitle u.s. / should In
deed be happy II our greater friends
among the allies followed With a
larger degree of sympathy and vn-
Outstanding our efforts In this dlrec-
ton"
boundary Dispute
Asked his views concerning the de-
cislon OF the allied council of am
bassadors on the boundary dispute
the King replied that It naturally
had caused great surprise and disap-
pointment 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-
lfsfed order" he said I'VE have no
inperialistic ambitions in Albania
or elsewhere. Albania consists of
poor, unproductfve mountain land and
no part of It could add materially to
our wealth or Importance. We seek
only strong boundary line which
viii assure us security and immunity
from the constant incursions and adj
vance of the tribal groups that make
up that country"
1t was pity, Alexander added,
that Europe and America seemed so
slightly to understand Albania and
the real character OF its people.
They seemed to think Albania was a
modern, progressive and orderly
country, with an organized and stable
government and an enlightened
peaceful and lawabiding population.
Albania
IF you have been in Albania you
will know how far this is from be-
10 q
country is extremely primitive. rocky
and inhospitable. The government is
weak and without decisive authority,
the people are untutored, hostile and
resentful.
THE country is made up largely
of tribal groups which constantly
are at war even among themselves.
They are led by chiefs who rule by
paternal right.
Perhaps this is not unnatural in
people who for 500 years have been
kept in bondage within their rock
bound land by the Turks and denied
contact with western civilizing in
fluences."
Alexander said he understood the
council of ambassadors was ready
to make some slight territorial con-
cessions to Jugo-Slavia, but he says
they were not enough.
He claims his country needs
strong natural barrier of mountains
and rivers He claims this is the only
of keeping out border clans.
THE United States" he declared,
has shown complete understanding
and feeling for our sufferlngs Our
needy people are benehting by the
succor, sympathy and moral encour-
agement which the willing hands OF
your generous people are giving
them"