Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

353. Telegram From the Embassy in Ethiopia to the Department of State¹

Addis Ababa, July 29, 1968, 1625Z.

4905. Subject: Ethiopia-Somali Relations.

1. During audience with Emperor today I raised Ethiopian-Somali relations, referring to our earlier discussion this subject. I knew he had been concerned about problem and had been pleased with Egal’s initiative and wished to reciprocate. I expressed personal view there had been slowdown in progress toward detente. Ethiopia had placed Egal in difficult position and time had come to make a positive response. I recounted my conversation with Egal, including his interest in collaborating on such matters as overflights, exchange of vehicles and lifting state of emergency. I said Egal also had expressed hope for cooperation in development of Webi Schebelli and Juba Rivers and in commerce.

2. HIM reasserted his warm personal regard of Egal and belief that Egal was sincerely interested in improving relations with Ethiopia. He said it intent of Ethiopia to respond to Egal’s initiative and noted that IEG had invited Egal to Addis to discuss these matters. The Emperor said there are still problems of Somali agents in Ogaden, guerrilla camps along border and activity of ELF Headquarters in Moga, all of which had aroused increasing concern in IEG. He said IEG feels that progress must be made slowly and must be reciprocal on both sides. He realized Egal’s difficulties and said Ethiopia intended to make gesture.

3. HIM then expressed concern about Soviet-Somali relations. Referring to recent visit of Defense Minister to Moscow and said he felt it may indicate reversal of previous trend in Somali-Soviet relations. HIM wondered whether Egal was not, in fact, now encouraging closer Soviet-Somali relations. I said in my view Somalis preoccupied with vastly superior Ethiopian military strength. When I mentioned Canberra purchase as giving Somalis concern, HIM laughed and said the Canberras were not directed against Somalia. I said our recent supply of additional F–5’s and tanks had also caused concern. Although Egal continued to resist pressures to go to Soviets for more arms, it was questionable how long he could maintain present position. HIM then reiterated his desire improve relations with Somalia and again said he like Egal personally and that IEG would have to make some gesture to reassure him.

4. Comment: From our conversation, it seems probable that Ethiopian intelligence has picked up Soviet-Somali meetings and their discussions of increased training and equipment assistance. As result those skeptical of Egal’s intentions within IEG appear to have effectively planted doubts in HIM’s mind.

5. HIM at the moment is so preoccupied with Nigerian problem that even though I believe he sincerely intends to press ahead on detente, progress will be slow. He clearly considers Nigeria more important problem for Ethiopia and rest of Africa. We will continue to press IEG and may be agreeably surprised, but I doubt that any action will be taken until after the completion of Nigerian talks here.

Hall

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 32–1 ETH–SOMALI. Confidential. Repeated to Asmara and Mogadiscio.