Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: Political and Economic Matters, Volume II

740.00119 Council/9–1445: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at London

Washington, September 14, 1945—8 p.m.

8019. Secdel 54. Following telegram reed from AmLegation Addis Ababa re Ethiopian territorial claims

“233 Sept 12, 9 a.m. Further note from Foreign Office received September 10 re territorial claims, historical justifications for which based on various Italian aggressions during past 50 years and racial considerations are set forth in appended memorandum. Latter closes with expression of confidence that pursuant previous request addressed five powers Ethiopian Government will ‘have the opportunity of participating at the conference of London in the discussion of the future of the former Italian colonies of Eritrea and Somaliland, at which time they will present the reasoned basis of their claims’. Identic memoranda said [were?] addressed USSR, UK, France, and China. Text being forwarded.¹⁵

During interview September 10 Vice Minister Foreign Affairs¹⁶ expressed strong hope US Government support of these claims. Cole.”

Following telegram, no. 235, Sept. 13, 9 a.m., also reed from Addis Ababa.

“As Ethiopian Govt has learned from press that Yugoslav Minister of Foreign Affairs is preparing to attend London Conference Spencer requests information re status of any plans for its representation there. Cole.”

Following telegram is being sent to Addis Ababa in reply

“The Dept is taking note of the Ethiopian Government’s request and is forwarding it to the Secretary of State in London.”¹⁷

Acheson

15. The undated memorandum from the Ethiopian Ministry for Foreign Affairs was enclosed in its note No. 4161/50, September 8, 1945, to Charge William E. Cole, Jr.; both were transmitted to the Department as enclosures to despatch 511, September 10, from Addis Ababa, received in the Department on September 27 (none printed).
16. Ato Aklilou Abte Wold.
17. Message quoted in this paragraph is telegram 171, September 14, 8 p.m., to Addis Ababa. On the morning of September 15, the Department received telegram 239, September 14, 5 p.m., from Addis Ababa, which reported on Charge Cole’s interview on September 14 in the course of which Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Aklilou stated that Emperor Haile Selassie sought assurance that the Ethiopian Government would have an opportunity to state its views before the Council of Foreign Ministers before any territorial decisions were taken (740.00119 Council/9–1445).