765.84/4793: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 7—2:08 p.m.]
455. My 454 of tonight.33 Impression gained from my interview is that the Italians are exceedingly nervous regarding the local situation and especially their ability to hold Addis Ababa during the rainy season. Communications with Dessie have largely been impossible for a week and the railway is by no means well protected. Airfield just outside the city is reported to have been attacked last night. A few days ago Graziani33a said to the British Chargé “I sometimes feel like Gordon in Khartum” and in reply to a question said he had no objection to the British Legation extending its defense system to areas beyond its own compound.