765.84/4347: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert)
217. Your 298 May 6, 11 a.m.; 311 May 7, 11 a.m., and 327, May 10, noon. You may acknowledge receipt of the note handed to you on May 6 and add a statement similar to that which you made orally to Alessandrini, that is, that you are personally prepared to cooperate with the Italian military authorities for the protection of American nationals and property.
The Department is in accord with the views set forth in the third paragraph of your 327, May 10, noon. In this connection you will of course be careful to refrain from any statement or action which would commit this Government in any way. Your foremost duty at this time is of course to protect American nationals and American interests.