884.515/36: Telegram
The Minister in Ethiopia (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:10 p.m.]
68. I have discussed with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs the matter of the silver referred to in the Department’s telegram No. 42, November 26, 10 p.m., and left with him a signed communication with copies of the three documents which will require signature. I have amended the note of request and the contract to provide for signature by the Emperor and stated in my note that it is presumed that he will sign them, explaining orally in reply to a query of the Vice Minister [Page 120] that this was due to the lack of both Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs. It is my understanding that this lack is due to the desire of the Emperor to act as his own Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in which case it would seem that the documents in question should be signed by the Emperor. If any other course is proposed I will communicate further regarding it.
The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me orally yesterday that question is now to be discussed with the British Minister pending the result of which documents submitted by me cannot be signed.
Repeated to the Legation Cairo for Gunter.