365D.1163/83: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 13—7:59 a.m.]
274. My 272, June 11, 11 a.m. The British Ambassador has just received a written communication from Count Ciano confirming the decision that the educational work of the foreign missionaries in Ethiopia must cease, that the missionaries would be withdrawn and the mission properties taken over by the Italian Government. The letter continued that in so far as the purely humanitarian and social work of the missionaries’ was concerned this phase might again be considered after recognition of the Empire.
It is understood that the new order will apply to all foreign units including American, British, Swedish and a small French Catholic mission.