765.84/4231: Telegram
The Chargé in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—9:30 a.m.]
118. The newspapers this morning published from London, Paris, Washington and Djibouti, foreign news agency despatches regarding the Emperor’s departure from Djibouti and the situation in Addis Ababa.40 The United Press report of the message received by the State Department from the American Minister is printed in full.
Foreign Office officials say that they have no reports on conditions in Addis Ababa other than those published in the press this morning although the statement was made that Italian troops had already reached the city. According to information supplied by the War Ministry, however, Badoglio is not expected to enter Addis Ababa until this evening or tomorrow morning but if necessary attempts may be made to land troops in the city by airplane in spite of danger from anti-air fire. It is understood that no instructions are being sent to Badoglio as regards the measures to be taken upon the occupation of the city as those matters are being left to his judgment. Contrary to reports previously circulated the use of native troops in the occupation of the city is not contemplated.