Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-25
MUSSOL|N| VISIT
TO j. S FOR TALK
ON ARMS RUMORED
Ri MARITIME and Stimson Talk
Over Possibility of Trip
After Laval Visit.
ANTI-FASCIST ACTION
ON ARRIVAL is FEARED
French Premier, Accepting Bid to
Confer With Hoover, Plans
to Sail October 16.
BY CONSTANTINE BROWN.

Premier Benito Mussolini may visit
the United States before the end of the
year This was the startling news
widely discussed in Washington diplo-
matte circles last night. State Depart
snent and italian embassy officials. when
uueried about the matter, replied that
they knew nothing about 1t and that
mo approaches had been made from
Rome regarding the I1imored visit.
Ambassador Giacomo di MARITIME
has left this morning for Italy. Although
embassy officials explain that this is
the yearly holiday of the Ambassador,
it was pointed cut In diplomatic circles
that the Italian Amba sSador already has
visited his country this Summer, having
spent six weeks in Italy, from May is
to the end of June.
Ambassador di MARITIME called on Sec
tetary of State Henry L. Stinson yester-
day morning and it is stated that, among
other matters of worldwide Importance,
the question of Mussolini coming to
Washington to meet President Hoover
was discussed between the two diplo-
mats.
Stimson View Hastens Laval.
Two weeks ago Mr.. Stimson had made
b statement expressing his belief that
"direct diplomacy" that is to say, per-
sonal contact between the leaders of ma
tions. now is replacing the old-fashioned
diplomacy of exchanging impersonal
notes through the usual diplomatic rep
reSentativeS In the opinion of the Sec
rotary of State personal contact between
responsible leaders can help in the solu-
tion of many a difficult problem and do
much more to improve relations between
nations than ilnpeLsonal diplomatic
notes. His views OF this matter have
had a wide repercussion in Europe, and
have resulted in Fastening Premier
Pierre Laval's visit to this country.
Benito MuSsolini is known to have de-
sired to visit the United States for
long time. Prime ministers, however,
are in a less privileged position than
kings. because they cannot visit inn
portant capitals incognito. Their moves
are watched closely by everybody. "A
visit of prime minister to this coun-
try must necessarily be interpreted as
. political move.
Danger Here for Mugsolini.
Now that Premier Laval has decided
TO visit the United States in the second
half OF the next month, the read is
open for other European political lead
ers to come to washington and meet
the President personally It is stated
in diplomatic circles that Mussolini now
wants to take advantage of this new
goodwill diplomacy" move and come
10 washington to talk over with Presi-
dent Hoover and other American lead
ers various aspects of world problems,
but mainly the question of the coming
general disarmament conference, to
be held ct Geneva next February.
There are still a number of difficulties
ia the way of II Duce's visit, the prin-
cipal being that there can be certain
dangers connected with his coming to
America. There is a very strong anti
Fascist element, in New York espe-
cIally, and 1t is not certain yet wheth-
CT Mussolini is willing to take a chance
OF having an unpleasant reception on
his arrival here.
Macdonald Trip Recalled.
On the other hand, European politi-
cal leaders realize the great Importance
OF showing themselves in the best pos
eibie light to the American people
Countries which have not been over
popular with the American people in
the last few years hope TO change pub
lie opinion in their favor by letting
their leaders come into direct touch
with our people. The example set by
Ramsay Macdonald in 1929 has given
food fer thought TO many a European
politician. It will be remembered that
the relations between the United States
and Great Britain had been none too
cordial since the failure of the Geneva
Naval Conference in 1927.
Macdonald came over in October,
1929, and won the heart Of the Amer
lean people. Ever since that visit the
relations between the two countries
have been better than ever before.
The visit Of Premier Laval is of a
similar nature. France has been openly
accused in this country Of being the
bad boy" of Europe and of blocking
President Hooyer's good intention to re-
establish normal situation in Europe.
Laval hopes that by talking directly to
the President and by showing himself
70 the American people he may change
(Continued on Page 2. Column II