The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-02
MODERATION NEAR EASTERN CRISIS ASKED
While Italy's Guns Are Quiet, Bombardment Of Diplomatic
 Statements And Arguments
 By Rome And Athens Active WASHINGTON LOOKS FOR AMlCABLE SETTLEMENT
Both England And France Are
 Not Inclined Toward Inter- vention; Are Determined No General War Shall Come

LONDON, Sept. 1.-(By Associated Press )-The Near Eastern crisis pivoted today upon Geneva where the council of the League of Nations had fortunately arranged g. meeting be- fore it was known it would be faced by the strongest test of the leagues vitality which has yet confronted it. The council went only so far as to adopt a resolution urging moderation upon the Greek and Italian govern ment until the council could examine the circumstances of the case. No belligerent events were reported dur- ing the day from reliable sources, al- though a rumor was current that Italians had landed on the island of Samos, but there has been an active Nombarment of diplomatic statements and arguments from Rome and Athens.
 The Italian premier Mussolini, telegraphed to all the powers and the League of Nations that the Italian occupation of Corfu was 8 provisional one, and-the Italian min government that it should net be re- garded as a hostile act and advised that Greece should refrain from belligerency, adding that the Italian fleet would leave when Italy's de- mands had been compiled with.
 O o O
 Greece Conciliatory.
 The Italian government asserts strongly that the question is not one for the League of Nations but con : cerns only Italy and Greece and af- fects Italy's honor The Greek gov- ernment apparently adopts an atti- tude of helplessness. It says 1t Is in the hands of the League of Nations and will do what the league decides 1t should do. The Greek government also says it is prepared to accept in advance any reDaration demanded by the counci! or ambassadors
 Greece has protested to the, pow CTS against the bombardment of Corfu and makes the points that the Italians opened fire at o'clock in the after noon whereas as the second ulti- matum was not to expire until 5 o'clock Greece also makes the point that Corfu was not fortified. The reports of the casualties vary iron, 10 killed or wounded to 15.
 The Italian navy proceeded vita the organization of Corfu in a busi- nesslike way. Vice Admiral simon etti was appointed governor and To- cal police who were willing to serve were drafted into the Italian service. This proceeding is not welcomed with enthusiasm abroad, certainly not In tHP lana TOT WnII0 Ill coiHIUtItS. OL- ficial and by the newspapers here, with exception on the \part of a few liberal papers are guarded, there is beneath the surface unmistakable un- easiness regarding Mussolini's am bitions for the Italian premier Is still a man of mystery abroad It is not forgotten in England that about the time of his rise to power he made a speech voicing his belief that Italy's destiny is to play far more powerful part in the Mediter- ranean that heretofore. 5 MussoIinps Temptation.
 Opportunity may be knocking so hard on Mussolinis door in the pres- ent instance that he may not be able to resist sealing Italy's domination of the Adriatic. That is the appre- hension which the Italian coup at Corfu arouses. Mussolini has Italy.s ancient enemy in his grasp. will he let go completely. in response to the wishes of the other powers, Is question hardly asked but hinted. draw a parallel between today and the events of the summer of 1914, there Is determination in the coua- try that no general European war shall result. The British papers ex- press the heartiest good will toward Italy, even those who criticise her leader.
 France appears alike with Eng land in carefully avoiding any step of even the mildest form of inter vention which might offend Italy;
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