Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa

282. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia⁰

Washington, November 21, 1962, 9:33 a.m.

237. Addis Ababa’s 287 to Dept, rptd Asmara 44; Addis Ababa’s 288 to Dept, rptd Mogadiscio 42, Asmara 45.¹ In audience with Emperor Thursday, Dept suggests further points for discussion in addition those outlined Deptel 232:²

(1) Re Eritrean Unification: In frank and friendly manner which has characterized our relations with Emperor, we wish state we have noted step and appreciate that there are factors relating nation’s security which bear on Ethiopian policy toward Eritrea. Step has, however, placed US in difficult position. While USG wishes give full support measures designed increase security of Ethiopia, Eritrean federation was action supported by US in UN, action which, at time, was considered favorable to Ethiopia.

(2) If it appears appropriate pursue subject, or if Emperor raises question message you may inform HIM that, while US does not feel it appropriate commend Ethiopia on dissolution of federation or participate in formal observances of event, in view history federation and general interest international community, US has noted with favor Emperor’s intention maintain rights and freedom Eritrean constitution and hopes unification may strengthen IEG’s hand in moving forward with plans for reform and modernization (Embtel 287).

(3) If it would be of assistance in presentation that portion Deptel 232 relating arms for Somalia, you may indicate that, while our program by no means certain, and will in part depend on how other programs develop, our initial thinking solely in direction training and minimum supplement to equipment provided by UK and Italy.

(4) You may state, if occasion arises, US remains interested, as Ambassador Bowles stated, in viewing Five Year Plan (Embtel 249).³

(5) We hope have further telegrams re visit to you prior Thursday audience.⁴

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 775.00/11-1962. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Newsom on November 20; cleared by Sisco, Junkermann (OSD/ISA), Witman, Harrison (AID), Tank, Hackler, Bergesen, and Stone; and approved by Tasca. Repeated to London, Mogadiscio, Rome, Asmara, and USUN.
1. Both dated November 19. (Ibid.)
2. Document 281.
3. Telegram 249 from Addis Ababa, October 19, reported Ambassador Bowles’ conversation with Emperor Haile Selassie on October 18. (Department of State, Central Files, 675.77/10-1962)
4. Telegram 304 from Addis Ababa, November 27, reported that during his farewell audience with the Emperor on November 23, the Ambassador stressed that the U.S. Government was gratified at the Emperor’s public pledge to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in Eritrea. (Ibid., 775.00/11-2762)