124.84/99: Telegram

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

399. At meeting Diplomatic Corps this morning it was decided to inform our respective governments that since the departure of Marshal Badoglio and contrary to assurances in note of May 6th52 the High Command has shown desire to ignore Chiefs of Missions in their official capacity; that correspondence is addressed to them without giving them their titles; and that at an interview the Belgian [Page 294] Minister who is Dean had on June 3rd with Marshal Graziani the latter told him that as far as he was concerned the Legations no longer existed.

As I happen to have an appointment with Graziani later this afternoon I suggest no action be taken regarding the above until I report further.

Engert
  1. See telegram No. 298, May 6, 11 a.m., from the Minister Resident in Ethiopia, p. 286.