884.113/–
The British Ambassador (Geddes) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honour, on instruction from my Government, to draw attention to the present state of affairs in Abyssinia in connection with the shipment of modern fire-arms to that country.
I understand that there is now at Aden a consignment of American arms ordered in the United States and paid for by the Heir Apparent, Ras Taffari. This consignment consists of six machine guns, six repeating rifles and thirty thousand rounds of ammunition.
The importation of arms into Abyssinia has, since the war, been practically stopped by the operation of the Tripartite Treaty of 1906 between Great Britain, France and Italy, reinforced by informal arrangements between these Powers.
Ras Taffari has, however, been endeavouring since April last to obtain permission to import the consignment of American arms to which I have already referred. The French and Italian Governments have agreed to their importation. His Majesty’s Government have not yet agreed but have the matter under consideration. Should permission eventually be given by His Majesty’s Government it will be in return for strict guarantees that the arms will remain in the personal possession of Ras Taffari.
In view, however, of the present conditions it is, in the opinion of His Majesty’s Government, most undesirable that the importation of arms into Abyssinia except in the most restricted quantities, should be permitted. I feel sure that this opinion is fully shared by the Government of the United States and that it is unnecessary for me in any way to enlarge upon the unfortunate results which would be likely to flow from any widespread distribution of firearms in that country.
In the circumstances, therefore, I venture to express the hope that you may be disposed to move the competent authorities of the United States Government to take such steps as are necessary to impose effective supervision over the export of arms from the United States to Abyssinia.
I have [etc.]