McGhee Files: Lot 53D468: Box 711

Memorandum of Conversation, Prepared in the Office of African Affairs

top secret

Subject: Visit of the Ethiopian Foreign Minister.

Participants: Ato Aklilou, Foreign Minister of Ethiopia
Mr. John Spencer, Adviser to the Ethiopian Government
Assistant Secretary McGhee
AF—Mr. Bourgerie2
AF—Mr. Cyr3
AF—Mr. Wellons4

Discussion:

His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia called on Mr. McGhee to thank him for the United States contribution to the solution of the Eritrean problem. He stated that he was returning to Addis Ababa soon and that he could not do this without indicating to his friends in the State Department how grateful he and the Emperor are for the untiring efforts of the United States representatives, Mr. McGhee in particular, in behalf of Ethiopia. He was particularly grateful, he stated, for the good offices of the United States representatives in bringing together Mr. Brusasca5 and himself at a luncheon recently. He indicated that he and Mr. Brusasca have had long and constructive conversations on the question of resuming diplomatic relations. He asked Mr. Brusasca that any questions which may arise in the minds of the Italians on Italo-Ethio relations be frankly and fully presented to the Ethiopians for explanation, and stated that he on his part would do the same thing. For example, he had mentioned to Mr. Brusasca the fact that persons from Somalia had been detected smuggling hand grenades across the so-called Ethio-Somalia border. He had mentioned this to Mr. Brusasca as a friend and not as a complainant.

Aklilou said he had also expressed the hope to Mr. Brusasca that the question of the boundary line between Ethiopia and Somaliland could be crystallized in a resolution so that upon his return to Addis Ababa there would merely remain the question of implementation. Mr. McGhee mentioned the resolution drafted on this subject by the [Page 1704] United States, and Mr. Wellons indicated that the reaction of the Italians to this draft has not been received in the Department.

Mr. McGhee expressed his pleasure at the prospect of the Italo-Ethio rapprochement and stated that he was convinced of the Italian sincerity in seeking closer relations with Ethiopia. He expressed considerable satisfaction over the fact that two countries which had been so far apart could through negotiations resolve their differences. He said that the negotiations in respect to Eritrea had reestablished his confidence in negotiations as a means of settling disputes. He said that the success of the negotiations was attributable to the Italians but more particularly to the high statesmanship of the Ethiopians and to the wisdom of the Emperor in allowing Aklilou the necessary latitude. He sounded a note of caution about placing too heavy a burden on the new found friendship and urged that an effort be made to raise as few questions as possible which might have the effect of straining relations.

Mr. McGhee said that he would like to take advantage of Aklilou’s presence to mention a few problems. It is our understanding, he said, that the British Military Mission will soon be leaving Ethiopia.6 He wondered whether the Ethiopians plan to replace it with another. Aklilou replied that he did not know of the plans to withdraw the British Mission and would cable Addis Ababa about it. Mr. McGhee said that this was not necessary. Mr. McGhee referred to the draft treaty of friendship which has been submitted to the Ethiopian Government. He referred to the fact that conditions have changed somewhat since its submission but that despite the world crisis it might be hoped that relations between the United States and Ethiopia might be permitted to remain sufficiently normal to witness increased United States investment under a new treaty of friendship. Aklilou indicated that upon his return he would expedite consideration of the treaty because the treaty was proposed in the first instance at the initiative of the Emperor. Mr. McGhee mentioned also the fact that a standard form of Point Four Agreement has been forwarded to Addis Ababa. Aklilou indicated that Point Four has been under considerable discussion in Addis Ababa but that he would try to bring things to a head on this subject too when he returns.

Mr. McGhee mentioned in passing United States interest in continuing to operate Radio Marina in Asmara. He noted a report7 from our Military Attaché to the effect that one Gabriel Tedros, Director [Page 1705] of Radio Communications in the Ministry of PT and T of the Ethiopian Government, had stated that, “we will be very unhappy to have a foreign radio station in our territory.” Aklilou did not seem to know Mr. Gabriel Tedros. Mr. McGhee stated that some time before implementation of the Eritrean federation resolution is completed representatives of the United States and Ethiopia should get together to discuss United States interests in a telecommunications base facility at Asmara and in an air and naval base facility at Massawa for use in times of emergency. Aklilou nodded his agreement to such a procedure.

Aklilou agreed that considerable progress has been made in achieving United States-Ethiopian objectives since the time of Mr. McGhee’s visit to Addis Ababa in March 1950. The Eritrean federation resolution, the IBRD loan, the passage of Point Four legislation, and the draft treaty of friendship are all evidences of the progress which has been made. Aklilou mentioned, however, that His Majesty will probably raise again the question of why Ethiopia has not been able to obtain military equipment from the United States. Mr. McGhee reviewed the Department’s efforts to obtain aircraft for Ethiopia and pointed out that the high cost of reconditioning surplus planes was a matter beyond the control of the United States Government. He referred to the higher priorities of countries now under attack, and Aklilou replied that he personally understands very well the great strain under which the United States procurement agencies are laboring. He merely wished to be able to tell the Emperor of the current status. Mr. Wellons indicated that there have been no developments making Ethiopian efforts to procure military equipment any nearer to success.

  1. Lot 53D468 contains copies of memoranda and correspondence of Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs George C. McGhee for the years 1949–1951.
  2. Elmer H. Bourgerie, Director of the Office of African Affairs.
  3. Leo G. Cyr, Officer in Charge of Northern Africa Affairs, Office of African Affairs.
  4. Alfred E. Wellons, county specialist in the Office of African Affairs.
  5. Giuseppe Brusasca, Italian Under Secretary of State for Africa.
  6. In telegram 101, November 12, not printed, Ambassador Merrell reported that the British Ambassador, Daniel W. Lascelles, had informed him that the British intended to withdraw their military mission from Ethiopia (741.58/11–1250).
  7. Not found in Department of State files.