124.842/141: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Italy (Kirk)
93. Following is text of telegram 486, July 23, 9 a.m. from Addis Ababa:
“Received last night at 8 p.m. copy of decree signed by Marshal Graziani dated July 21 to the effect that inasmuch as reasons of public order which prompted decree of July 8th still exist, no exception can be made to the rule that private wireless stations must not be used for transmission.
Second article of same decree states that all those desiring to use cipher must first obtain authorization from the Government which will only be granted if code book is deposited with telegraph office.”
Please take this up immediately with the Foreign Office and request a clarification of the meaning of the second article of the above mentioned decree.
If you ascertain that the article in question is intended to apply to telegraphic communications between Mr. Engert and the Department you are instructed to enter a vigorous and emphatic protest and to state that this Government cannot admit the right of the Italian authorities to interfere with communications with its representative at Addis Ababa. This Government therefore urgently requests that early steps be taken by the Italian Government to bring about the amendment of the decree of July 21, so as to permit unrestricted communication between this Government and its representative at Addis Ababa.
Please inform the Department as soon as possible of the results of your representations in this matter.