775.00/11–1550: Telegram

The Ambassador in Ethiopia (Merrell) to the Secretary of State

secret

102. Garretson,1 American adviser to Foreign Office tells me Emperor is much worried about lack of military assistance. Emperor feels strongly presence of American planes and other equipment in Somalia and American assistance elsewhere in Africa. Although we do not know exactly what he fears, Garretson believes he is apprehensive that in case of general holocaust Ethiopia would become forgotten corner and prey to anyone who comes along. Emperor feels keenly criticism of younger elements of country for his lack of preparedness in 1935 and for what they consider too real a stand re Somalia and Eritrea.

Garretson says Emperor intends renew his request for planes and equipment (Deptel 69, October 4)2 and both he and I would like to avoid this since good case cannot be made considering legal provisions and prior commitments in US and repetition would put Emperor who is sincere in desiring security and welfare of country in fatuous and undignified light and might be contra producente. He is being told that Italy is reducing troops in Somalia before the end of fiscal year (June 30, 1951) from 5916 to 1400, 3200 of whom will have departed by end of 1950, but that is not enough.

It is therefore suggested as best present means of satisfying Emperor who is good friend of US and with whom American prestige has been steadily increasing in last few years, but which may now be reaching point of decline, that an outstandingly well-known and high-ranking American general be sent here, perhaps accompanied by some small show of force such as two or three medium bombers in his flight, (1) to explain to the Emperor, what we conceive Ethiopia’s role to be in general matter of defense of non-Communist world, (2) if feasible, to assure him that US would not permit Ethiopia to [Page 1702] be aggressed against, (3) to discuss possibility of sending military mission to Ethiopia similar to those sent number other countries, and (4) to dissuade him from military expense beyond economy of country. Garretson, who had discussed these matters extensively with Emperor, Acting Minister Foreign Affairs and Emperor’s private secretary has been informed by all three that such a visit would be most welcome and promising. It would also be consistent with recent visits of General Sir Brian Robertson, Commander-in-Chief Middle East3 (Embtel 101, November 12),4 Gaston Pawleski,5 De Gaulle,6 Lebdera,7 and December 1947 visit of Field Marshal Montgomery.8

In view of desirability of warding off repetition of plea for military assistance, embarrassing to both countries, urgent consideration of foregoing is requested.9

Merrell
  1. Albert H. Garretson, an American citizen, was legal adviser to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  2. Supra.
  3. General Sir Brian H. Robertson, Commander-in-Chief, British Middle East Land Forces, spent three days in Ethiopia in November.
  4. Not printed, but see footnote 6, p. 1704.
  5. Gaston Palewski was a leader of the French political party Rassemblement du Peuple Français.
  6. Maj. Gen. Charles de Gaulle, wartime leader of the Free France movement and French Prime Minister, 1944–1946.
  7. Not further identified.
  8. Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, Chief of the British Imperial General Staff, 1946–1948.
  9. In telegram 110, to Addis Ababa, November 22, not printed, the Secretary of State acknowledged the suggestion contained in this telegram, noted that it would require careful study with the Department of Defense, and promised to keep the Embassy informed on the matter (775.5–MAP/11–1450).