124.842/132: Telegram

The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State56

261. Department’s 83, July 10, 4 p.m. I discussed this matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning and urged that instructions be issued as outlined in paragraph 3 of the telegram referred to above. Ciano said that it would be necessary for him to consult with the Minister for Colonies and that he would communicate with me as soon as possible. As regards the use of the radio he said that whatever measures had been taken were in no way directed against [Page 302] the American Legation and that he could see no objection on principle to radio communication between the Legation and Washington but that he had heard that other radio stations in Addis Ababa had been used for “broadcasting” to points in Ethiopia where Italian forces had not yet established actual control and that presumably it was necessary to take some action to prevent such use of foreign radios.

In this connection the Tribuna reports from Addis Ababa that “responsible foreign circles” there are using every means to spread false reports and that they have been warned to desist.

Kirk
  1. Text of this telegram was transmitted to the Minister Resident in Ethiopia as Department’s telegram No. 307, July 13, 6 p.m.