124.84/126: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Phillips ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—8:40 a.m.]
441. The press here indicates that the British Government has taken steps in Washington to ascertain our views with respect to the change of status of our respective representatives in Addis Ababa and that the Secretary of State has said publicly that the Government of the United States would act on its own initiative. If these facts are accurate would it not be a good moment now for us to announce Engert’s withdrawal from Addis Ababa leaving the affairs of the Legation in the hands of a subordinate consular officer? Such action would, of course, be greatly appreciated here and might well facilitate matters now before the Foreign Office.