765.84/1086: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 9—2:25 p.m.]
293. I have just been informed by an American, in whom I have complete confidence, that he has learned that the propositions presented [Page 647] to the Italians in the recent tripartite conversations at Paris were not transmitted to Ethiopia at the time but only a few days ago; that the Abyssinian representatives here have today received a reply to the effect that the Negus would agree to these propositions as a basis for discussion under two conditions; (1) that the concessions by Ethiopia would not be made to Italy qua Italy but to the League though Italy could profit under them and, (2) that the Negus as a member of the League would have a say in the appointment of the “administrators”.
So far as my informant is aware the fact[s] of this reply have not yet been communicated to the powers concerned and still remains a secret in the Ethiopian delegation. I am therefore not repeating this telegram anywhere.