775.5 MSP/7–2854

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director, Office of African Affairs ( Utter )

confidential

Subject:

  • Follow-up on Ethiopian Requests by Ethiopian Ambassador

Participants:

  • Ambassador Deressa, Ethiopian Embassy
  • Henry A. Byroade, Assistant Secretary, NEA
  • John E. Utter, AF

At his request Ambassador Deressa called to review the requests for military and economic aid which had been presented to the State Department by the Ethiopian Foreign Minister during the Emperor’s visit to this country.

Mr. Byroade regretted that he was unable to give any different answers with regard to the military assistance since the Congress had not yet completed its consideration of foreign aid. He did assure Mr. Deressa, however, that he would continue to pursue this matter and felt confident that there would be a continuation in the military assistance which had been begun last year.

A short résumé was then given with regard to the economic requests made by the Ethiopian Government:

(1)
Atomic Energy: A suitable geologist would be sent to Ethiopia in October.
(2)

Private Investment

Ports and Fishing: We were awaiting the Ethiopian Government’s reaction with regard to the proposals already made concerning these items.

(3)
Highways: We still felt that the Ethiopian Government should approach the IBRD on this subject.
(4)
Aviation: As recommended an initial approach should be made to the Ex–Im Bank to see whether this agency could give suitable assistance.
(5)
Education: The FOA was pursuing the question of scholarships and would doubtless be in touch with the Ethiopians on this subject.

The Ethiopian Ambassador stated that he expected to discuss certain of the subjects with Mr. Moran of FOA on the following day. He said [Page 480] that his present call was made as a result of the Emperor’s admonitions to him to keep in close contact with the Department of State in order that the Ethiopian requests might be given constant attention by the Department. Mr. Byroade told the Ambassador that he was grateful for his call and hoped that he would continue to prod us on the still outstanding problems.