309. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Komer) to the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Williams)1
Soapy, it seems apparent that the rule of the Emperor in Ethiopia is in growing jeopardy. Criticism at all levels—even from hitherto loyal sources—is widespread. Coupled with the Emperor’s reported lack of concern, don’t we have some of the essential ingredients of another coup?
Would there be any merit in a quiet US campaign to convince the Emperor of the need for some quick domestic reforms designed to eliminate the most threatening complaints? We’ve had success in the past in convincing people like the Shah and King Hassan that they ought to be modern reformist monarchs. Doing so with HIM could buy the time during which more fundamental reforms could be started.
If the situation warrants, some gentle advice from President Johnson to the Emperor, as one statesman to another, might provide just the nudge that is needed. I’d be willing to suggest to the President that he write a letter, if you’ll provide a text. A useful preliminary might be to give a frank appraisal of the situation, as we see it, to the Ethiopian Ambassador here (if he has the Emperor’s confidence). In any case, AF might work up a brief for Ed Korry to use in his talks with the Emperor—perhaps including suggestions for reforms and ways in which the US might help carry them out.
Given our Kagnew installation and reports of the Soviets building radar installations and a military base in Somalia, I’m sure you’d agree that political stability in Ethiopia is most important to us. I’d be happy to join you in finding ways to help maintain it.