884.05/19
The Minister in Ethiopia (Southard) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received June 1.]
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Department’s No. 230 of March 8th, 1932, indicating the views of the Department on the subject of the unsatisfactory functioning of the Special Tribunal [Page 662] in Addis Ababa and requiring that I place these views before the Emperor.
Several days ago I mentioned this subject to the Emperor and he asked that I discuss it with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.5 I then had a long discussion with the latter official who promised that steps were being actively considered for the initiation of the reform of the Special Tribunal. He has by instruction of the Emperor just sent to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps a copy of a Decree on the subject. Translation of this Decree from Amharic into French has been made for study and consideration by the Corps. Copy of the French translation is herewith enclosed.6
This Decree includes many of the points covered in the enclosures with the Legation’s No. 852 of November 9th, 1931,6 and other points will, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, be covered either in subsequent decrees or in later communications to the Diplomatic Corps.
The Legation believes that the issuance of this Decree is a distinct step forward in the light of local conditions and difficulties. It will be considered at an early date by the Diplomatic Corps, and report will be made to the Department of the attitude and recommendations of that body.
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Respectfully yours,