The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-23
r F|UME QUESTION |S NUT SO SERIOUS,
 MUSSOL|N| SAYS
Two Sides To Controversy, Premier Tells Italian
 Newspaper

NEW YORK. Sept. Differences between Italy and Jugoslavia over Plume are being exaggerated great ly in foreign countries. according to an interview with Premier Mussolini. published in Corriere D'America to- day.
 There are two sides to the Ques- tion," the Itaiar newspaper quoted MussolinI, There is political one, which concerns the good relations between Italy and Jugoslavia, which cannot be taken to heart by the re- sponsible governments; and one of local interest. which concerns the possibility of peaceful life, political ly and economically, Tn the city of Plume.
 "Experience has proved it is inn possible for Plume to live. from financial and economic point of view, as an autonomous state, solely on It's own resources
 'In order to guarantee Fumes au- tonomy, Italy has made great sac rifices, both material and moral. Suf- flee it to remember Christmas of 1921, when Italy. reconciling her love for the Italian city. with the great est consideration for European peace, went to the extreme of abneg gation by allowing one of her generals to open fire against the Italians who, under Leadership of the most popu- lar man of the time, p'AnnunZio, had gone to Plume to vindicate its 'Italianity.'
 After this painful act Italy all lowed the government of Plume to be taken over by the followers of Zanella. who was the exponent of anti-Italian feeling. But that gov ernment was q complete failure and proved the impossibility of an au- tonomouS Irirme.
 Internal Discussion.
 Autonomy inevitably tends to i'm ternal dissension which threatens good relations between Italy and Jugoslavia. The problem of the port of Plume cannot be solved without direct agreement between the two states. Any other solution. with the interN ention of third parties, would only complcaUe the situation
 Italy intends to follow a policy in faithful accord with the treaties with d view to esta blish friendly Italo-Jugoslay rcla tions, for the good of both countries and recovery of Europe. Ratification cf the Santa Margherita agreement evacuation of the so-called third zoGc of Dalman- tia. evacuation of Sussak. the Croa- tian suburb of Plume. represent IS many steps in the relation of the loyal, coherent policy which Fascism has imposed upon itself
 Nervousness which still pervadcs the atmosphere of Europe, forced the Fascist gove cn'nent to quick action, in order to avoid complica tions and dangers Therefore the government appointed General Giaidino governor of Plume. The appointment is measure adequate to the needs ot the moment. both for the personali- ty, authority and energy of the gem eral, and Cor the kind of order and discipline characteriziEac the decision taken. sole aim of which is re-estab- ishing order. thus facilitt ting further negotiations, which any local crisis might have broken foleve
 Negotiations between Italy and Jugoslavia continue in secrecy. un- avoida ble in dealings of such deli cate character and for which there is such a feverish expectation Recipro- cal dispositions of both governments are the best. They arc both flrmly determined to come to an agree ment"