Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-10
Believes, With Stimson, That
Disarmament Is Next Step
on Road to Recovery.
DECLARES ITALY READY
TO ACCEPT LOW FIGURE
Holds Success at Geneva Indis-
pensable That People Have
Faith in Government.

BY the Associated Press.
ROME, July l0.-Prenier Mussolini
agrees with Secretary of State Stimson
that world peace is the shortest road to
economic recovery.
Universal disarmament, they believe,
is the next. milepost on the trail al
ready blazed by the suspension of war
debts and PREPARATIONS for one year.
MuSSclini granted one of his rare
interviews to foreign correspondents
last night in the Paiazzo Venezia and
communicated to them the import OF
his conference with Mr.. Stimson.
There are two roads-a rcad toward
war and a road toward peace" he said.
IT told Mr.. Stimson that have chosen
the road toward peace. Mr.. Stimson
and find ourselves in accord in chocs-
ing that road.
Sincere Desire for Peace.
Italy. for her part, VIII go to the
next disarmament conference with a
sincere desire for peace. In order to
solve the economic problem it is neceS-
sary to solve the political crisis and
LlldG Va IIlC4dI IlG SuGCSSS VI bIlS hLo-
armament conference is indispensable
so that the people may have faith in
their government. The people must not
be disillusicned."
Arms reductions should be discussed
al Geneva next February in terms Of
principles rather than terms OF guns
and tons. he said
Italy is disposed to accept the lowest
figure of armament-even limit OF
10000 rifles for all Italy" he con-
tinued, provided no other nation has
more. OF course, if any other nation
had more such a reduction would be
placing Italy in the position Of defend
ing herself with pistol against club.
Optimistic Over Prospects.
II have a great optimism over the
prospects of economic recovery during
the coming years, especially If the dis
armament conference is a success
Disarmament success would clear a
horizon which would be obscured if the
conference does not produce results.
The date must not be postponed"
He described the Hoover moratorium
as a nomentous ent and Mr. Slim
sons visit to Eur pc as an important
one.
Italy seconds fully President Hoo
ver'S initiative" he said. IAN initiative
that I consider one of the greatest
political factors since tine war.
Secretary Stimson'S visit to Europe
is highly important. even though 1t
is not official. because he is the Sec
rotary of State of the largest republic
in the world. I am most favorably i'm
pressed by the Secretary. Besides being
q likeable and cordial gentleman, he
is also a very wise statesman
Second Talk at Dinner.
Mr.. Stimson again talked with Pre-
miar Mussolini and Foreign Minister
Grandi at dinner given by American
Ambassador John S. Garrett and Mrs.
Garrett later in the evening. II Duce
was dressed in a white flannel suit,
white Shoes and a soft blue shirt and
was in the best of humor, joking in
English when he could and resortin9 to
Italian when words failed him.
The Secretary issued a brief state
ment denying a story reported TO have
been published in the United States
that he favored postponement of next
Years disarmament conference.
He said there was no basis for such
a report, adding that the United States
does not favor postponement and will
be represented at the conference.
Talks Satisfactory.
Secretary StinSon said the talks he
had with Premier MuSsolini and Min
lister Grand were eminently satisfac-,
tory
They furthered one purpose mad
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