765.84/5222: Telegram

The Chargé in Ethiopia (Hughes) to the Secretary of State

85. Department’s 40, March 25, 6 p.m. Associated Press representative informed me last night of press reports. This office knows of [Page 697] no case of attack or mistreatment after refugees departed. They remained from 3 to 5 days after shooting subsided partly because of fear and partly because many of their homes burned.

Upon Italian advice to them that they could return to homes they consulted this Legation. Engert obtained promise from Chief of Cabinet, Mazzi, that refugees would not be molested. Mazzi also promised an issue of food for them. Some flour was issued at least 1 day and former refugee spokesman stated this morning that none of them had been molested to date.

Hughes