Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1936, The Near East and Africa, Volume III

765.84/4236: Telegram

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

Addis Ababa, May 2, 1936—9 a.m.
[Received 3:15 p.m.]

261. Apparently Government left during the night. Empress with daughters and Prince Makonnen by train for Djibouti understand en route to Jerusalem. Emperor’s destination unknown. Spencer¹⁸ and Lambies¹⁹ did not accompany the Government.

As soon as news of the departure of Government became known looting began in town which is continuing. There is a great deal of firing but mostly in the air. I shall await developments in the Legation for the present.

Engert

18. John H. Spencer, an American citizen who was Adviser to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
19. Dr. and Mrs. T. A. Lambie. Dr. Lambie was Executive Secretary of the Ethiopian Bed Cross.