384.1162 Seventh Day Adventists/6: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—3:30 p.m.]
340. Italian doctor who is director of sanitation called at Seventh Day Adventist Mission this afternoon and informed them that the Italians desired to take over their hospital. He implied that this was not because of a temporary military emergency but the settled policy of his Government. He was informed that the matter was being referred to the Legation.
I respectfully suggest that the Department send for L. H. Christian of the General Conference Seventh Day Adventists, Washington, who I understand is thoroughly familiar with the legal aspects of the mission’s tenancy. Contract with the Ethiopian Government shown me still has 16 years to run.
Should the Italian military authorities in the meantime attempt to take possession of the hospital I shall of course protest.