365D.1163/133

The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

No. 1304

Sir: With reference to the Department’s instruction No. 429 of February 6, 1939, concerning compensation for the properties at Sayo and Gore, Ethiopia, which were taken over by the Italian authorities from the United Presbyterian Mission, I have the honor to inform the Department that this matter has again been brought to the attention of the appropriate Italian authorities.

The Embassy has on various occasions pressed for further information regarding the present status of the Mission properties and has repeatedly asked for a report from the Italian authorities. On February 1, 1939, a member of the Embassy staff called at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire regarding recent developments. He was informed at that time that the Foreign Office was experiencing difficulties in obtaining information from Addis Ababa and a copy of the latest communication addressed by the Foreign Office to the Ministry of Italian Africa urgently requesting a prompt reply was shown as evidence of the hope of the Foreign Office that an early settlement might be reached.

As soon as further information may be received, it will be communicated to the Department.

Respectfully yours,

William Phillips