884.6461 Tsana Dam/92: Telegram

The Minister in Ethiopia (Southard) to the Secretary of State

18. The King has today signed and sealed in the form of a letter an agreement to give to the White Company construction entirely for the Tsana Dam. In this letter the Government of Ethiopia undertakes also to inform the British Government of its agreement with the White Company and of its consent to discuss proposals for a water contract. A representative of the White Company is invited to participate in the negotiations with the British Government. Under the difficult local circumstances I consider this letter a satisfactory completion of the first of three steps. The second step will be negotiation of the water contract with the British Government and the third step completion of the Ethiopian engagement to sign construction contract [with] the White Company.

Southard