741.8411/11–744: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Ethiopia (Caldwell)
164. The British Embassy today was requested26 to clarify the references in your telegrams 206 of October 1227 and 225 of November 7 to the alleged existence of a British-American-Soviet agreement, or a British-American policy, to refrain from discussing territorial questions until the end of the war. It was pointed out to the Embassy that even if such an agreement existed it would be difficult to understand why it should be applied to areas embraced within the territory of Ethiopia. A request for clarification was also made in regard to Lord de la Warr’s reported assertion that the Ogaden was required for prosecution of the war against Japan. Finally, the Embassy’s attention was called to your conversation with Lord de la Warr regarding the probable effect on public opinion in the United States and England if the treaty negotiations should fail because of the British demand for retention of the reserved areas and the Ogaden.
[Page 80]Despite the statement in your 214, October 24, that the Embassy was being kept currently informed as to the negotiations it is apparent that very little has reached Washington from British sources. The Embassy promised to telegraph immediately for further information and clarification regarding the British position.