884.001 Selassie I/318: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Ethiopia (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:50 p.m.]
322. While we were at the British Legation on May 5, the Minister informed me in strict confidence that the Emperor had sent for him the same day, he following me, id est April 30 (see my 254, April 30, 8 p.m.42 and 259, May 1, 10 p.m.) and told him his family would shortly be leaving for Palestine. I gathered from Sir Sidney’s remarks that it was then intimated to the Emperor from London that he could probably best serve his country by leaving with his family and proceeding not only to Palestine but also to Europe. This suggestion was accepted and on May 4, entire imperial family embarked in Djibouti on H.M.S. Enterprise.
British Minister tells me a certain amount of friction arose between London and Paris with respect to the Emperor’s transportation from Djibouti but that the French Government finally acceded to British wishes.
In order to assist me in keeping the Department promptly informed of views of my colleagues regarding the present situation kindly repeat to me such reports as may be available to you as to developments in the Ethiopian question in Europe.
- Not printed.↩