IMPERIAL ETHIOPIAN LEGATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
March 30, 1949
MEMORANDUM OF POINTS TO BE RAISED BY THE ETHIOPIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT THE MEETING OF 30TH MARCH, 1949, WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, WASHINGTON, D.C.
1. The agreement reached at Paris in November of last year, with the American and British Governments represents what would appear to be a reasonable compromise of the viewpoints and claims of the three respective states. His Imperial Majesty has already expressed to the American Minister for Foreign Affairs now renews the expression of satisfaction at this settlement. At Paris, Ethiopia received assurances from the quasi- unanimity of States in regard to Eritrea. These assurances came not only from all the Middle and Far Eastern States and the British Dominions, but also from France and the Latin American countries. In consequence, it would seem clear that, at least as regards Eritrea, there should be little difficulty in reaching an immediate decision at the forthcoming Assembly, all the more so in that the promised support of the other States just mentioned is posited on the return to Ethiopia of the totality of Eritrea rather than on the Anglo-American formula.
2. The Agreement with the American and British Governments was entered into in order to provide an immediate solution of the Eritrean question and to lay the basis for a wider settlement in East Africa. In fact, the formula itself recognizes this need since it provides for postponement until the next session of the General Assembly of any decision as to a certain portion of the territory, discussion as to which at this time might jeopardize an immediate solution for the rest. It is essential for Ethiopia that this decision be reached as a preliminary to any settlement of the colonial question East Africa. Moreover, any failure by the present session to implement this formula, corresponding as such failure would, with the generally expressed Italian desire for postponement would be interpreted in Ethiopia as an acceptance of the Italian thesis and would seriously jeopardize the possibility of a general agreement regarding both former Italian colonies in East Africa so far as Ethiopia and the numerous States of the middle and Far East are concerned. This view was clearly expressed by those States at the General Committee of the Assembly in December last.
3. In line with the formula adopted for Eritrea, it would seem appropriate to suggest that Libya be considered as a single unit with an immediate decision by the Assembly as regards Cyrenaica and postponement until the next session of a decision concerning Tripolitania. It would seem difficult for Italy, who has pushed for postponement, to oppose such a solution.
4. Expression of satisfaction at the decision of the Secretary of State communicated to the Minister by the American Embassy in London, to raise the Legation in Addis Ababa to the rank of an Embassy and of the hope that such an action can be taken without delay.