701.6511/818b: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert)
284. In connection with the appointment of a new Italian Ambassador here and the possible appointment of a new American Ambassador at Rome when that post might become vacant, the question has arisen as to the use of the King of Italy’s titles in letters of credence. This matter has been discussed both with the Italian Ambassador here and with the Foreign Office at Rome. It was pointed out to the Ambassador that there would be no objection to receiving an Ambassador accredited to the President by the King of Italy with the addition of any other titles provided for by Italian law, provided [Page 247] it was understood that in accepting such letters of credence in any new form this Government was not giving any consideration whatever, either favorably or unfavorably, to any new question involved in such appointment.
The American Chargé d’Affaires at Rome learned from the Foreign Office on June 20 that the Italian Government would accept letters of credence addressed to the “King of Italy”, but that it proposes to add the title “Emperor of Ethiopia” in the credentials of Italian diplomatic representatives to foreign countries. The Chargé d’Affaires was told at the same time that the latter term would not be given an interpretation involving considerations affecting the questions of recognition. On June 22 the Chargé d’Affaires reported that letters of credence presented to the King on the preceding day by the new Turkish, Austrian, Egyptian and Haitian Ministers had been addressed to “His Majesty Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy” but that he was informed the letters had been accepted in the name of the King and Emperor.
The President yesterday signified his approval of the appointment of Signor Suvich as the new Italian Ambassador at Washington. It will be clear from the above paragraphs that this agrément involves in no way the question of recognition of Italian sovereignty over Ethiopia.