Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969–1972

301. Telegram 3448 From the Embassy in Ethiopia to the Department of State¹ ²

Addis Ababa, September 3, 1970, 0900Z

Subject:

• Personnel Reduction Kagnew Station

Ref:

• (A) State 138074; (B) Asmara 0487

1. Charge this morning made points outlined reftel (A) to FonMin Ketema Yifru. As result earlier approach to Ketema (Addis 33761) latter had apparently had chance to consider response. Said his position had not changed and that he welcomed U.S. move, which should be helpful to him and colleagues in IEG who come under pressure from those criticizing presence U.S. “base” in Ethiopia. From context conversation this reaction applies also to probable further reductions noted reftel, of which Charge informed him.

2. CT has been briefed in terms outlined reftel and will be informed above developments at meeting next week.

Yost

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 15 ETH–US. Secret; Limdis. Repeated to Asmara, CINCSTIKE, and Kagnew Station.
2. The Chargi reported that the Ethiopian Foreign Minister welcomed the proposed personnel reductions at Kagnew Station.