765.84/4940: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
Addis
Ababa, July 31, 1936—10
a.m.
[Received August 1—12:30 p.m.]
[Received August 1—12:30 p.m.]
502. Department’s 327, July 30.
- (1)
- My 501 July 30, 11 a.m. represents gist of the official Italian version of recent events which I sent en clair in order to show the Marshal that I am reporting truthfully. In view of his request mentioned in my 498, July 28,39 I do not wish to send too many or too lengthy cipher messages for this privilege, as the Department correctly assumes, might at any time be withdrawn.
- (2)
- As the Italian story by no means gives the entire picture, I am still of the opinion that the Belgian Legation would at the present moment offer no advantage over ours. A Sikh guardsman recently received stray bullet through his hand in the British Legation compound. So long as fighting continues all foreigners are in danger but our Legation is just now less exposed than others.
- (3)
- Move to the Belgian Legation would be advisable chiefly if natives in the city should rise against the Italians. Events of the last few days indicate that if that should occur it is now much less likely to succeed. But fighting on the outskirts may intermittently take place throughout the rainy season.
- (4)
- By obtaining permission to occupy Belgian Legation, the Department has done all that under existing circumstances is possible for our protection and we are most grateful. Ultimate decision as to whether or when the move should be made must necessarily be left in my hands and will depend on developments which may vary from day to day. Department may rest assured that we shall avoid all unnecessary risks.
Engert