384.11/147: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:15 p.m.]
350. My 339, May 14, 10 a.m.44 The Marshal told me in conversation that his convoys between here and Dessie were still being attacked and that he had to send two regiments back from Addis Ababa to keep the road open. There has also been a serious attack on Italian troops at Addis Alam 25 miles west of the capital. Marshal’s son [Page 77] states that Debra Markos is not yet in Italian hands and they have apparently no news from Lalabella [Lalibela?]. I also learn that advance to Lake Tsana was made with only 4,000 men which is of course utterly insufficient for any effective occupation.
I, therefore, doubt very much whether the Italians can move large forces into the southern provinces where most of our missionaries are until after the next rainy season by which time I fear that entire area comprising over a third of the Empire will have fallen a prey to brigandage and rapine.
- Not printed.↩