765.84/3942: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:02 p.m.]
162. Communiqué yesterday once more denies emphatically Italian reports that direct negotiations between Ethiopia and Italy are about to take place. Ethiopian people have never been more firm in their support of the Emperor’s decision to decline all negotiations which do not respect letter and spirit of League Covenant.
Italian report that Ras Desta has been dismissed in disgrace and deprived of his titles and honors is without foundation.
Five thousand Azebo Galla tribesmen to whom the Italians had given money, arms and munitions to induce them to revolt against the Ethiopian Government have come to General Headquarters with their arms and equipment and have expressed to the Emperor their devotion to him and the common cause.
On March 16th seven Italian bombers dropped on Korem explosive and gas bombs but without causing victims.