711.00111 Armament Control/878: Telegram

The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State

352. Department’s 211, May 9, 4 p.m., and my 351, May 17, 9 a.m.42 At the present moment it can hardly be said that the war has definitely ended although the Italian Government is most anxious to create that impression. By referring to my 339, May 1443 and 350, May 17,44 the Department will see that some of the Italian footholds in the north are by no means secure and that penetration into the south is bound to be slow and hazardous. Pacification of the whole country will therefore take time.

On the other hand organized military opposition in any modern sense of the term is not likely to develop on a large scale. Although there are still a number of leaders in the field with guerilla bands, it is impossible to estimate their strength. I understand that the most important is Ras Imru with perhaps 10,000 men operating in Gojjam.

May I suggest that the Department defer action until the situation has become more clarified? It may also perhaps be advisable to instruct London to make discreet inquiries.

Engert
  1. Latter not found in Department files.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Ante, p. 76.