765.84/4542: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
382. Decree issued by Governor General but text of which I have not yet received provides that in civil and criminal cases Italian subjects [Page 239] and all other foreigners, being “on an equal footing as regards rights and duties”, come under Italian law. In criminal cases they are tried by Italian judges and appeal lies to Court of Appeals in Rome.
Eritreans, Italian Somalis, and Libyans are subject to laws of their respective colonies. In penal cases they are tried by Civil Governor of Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian natives are tried according to prevailing local customs and by existing magistrates except that native Moslems are tried by Cadis and Ulemas who apply Sheri laws.
Whites who acquired Ethiopian nationality (for example Armenians, Greeks, Russians, etc.) are tried by the Civil Governor of Addis Ababa.
Full text of decree by mail as soon as obtained.