Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–6, Documents on Africa, 1973–1976

134. Telegram 030364 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Ethiopia¹ ²

Washington, February 10, 1974, 2354Z

Subject:

• Request for Air Shipment of Ammunition

Ref:

• State 029630, Addis Ababa 1584

1. FonMin Kifle, on his last day in Washington prior to returning to Ethiopia, asked urgently to see Acting Assistant Secretary Mulcahy (Hummel and Coote also present). Kifle told Mulcahy that he was under instruction of EPMG to inform USG of potential problem of ammunition shortage if fighting prolonged and to inquire whether USG could expedite shipment of such ammunition. In particular EPMG wanted ammunition for M–14 rifles (7.62 caliber), F5A aircraft (20 mm.) and for F-86 aircraft (50 caliber).

2. Mulcahy said that USG wishes to do what it can to be helpful. He suggested that MOD contact MAAG regarding specific items, indicating required quantity of each. We would request our MAAG chief to discuss problem with appropriate MOD officials and submit recommendations. Mulcahy expressed belief that continuing discussions of such matters in Addis, in addition to those in Washington, would be in mutual interests of both governments.

3. In reply to query by FonMin as to form of payment Mulcahy expressed view that preferred method would be by cash. Kifle thought EPMG was thinking in terms of mixed program of cash payments plus some grant (including expediting already-ordered ammunition from FY 74 grant MAP). FonMin then asked if there would be any objection to our delivery of ammunition by air. Mulcahy expressed view that air shipment to add is would be feasible, but of course at extra expense to EPMG.

4. Expressing appreciation, Kifle said he would report positive USG response to his government.

5. Kifle noted that Arabs were now giving all-out support to ELF, which might enable insurgents to carry on sustained effort for some period of time. When asked how the African states viewed situation, FonMin claimed that Africans were sympathetic to Ethiopian position. EPMG, however, did not plan to raise problem formally at forthcoming OAU meeting, but would undoubtedly be discussing situation behind scenes. Major problem these days is that African states are desirous of obtaining significant assistance from Arab countries, thus they would probably be reluctant to criticize Arabs publicly.

6. Appropriate elements in Embassy should approach EPMG re this request to enlist more specific indication of requirements. In doing so, you should exhibit positive and forthcoming attitude, subject to referral of specific requests back to Washington. DOD is urgently investigating availability of various types of ammunition (Addis Ababa 1540)

Ingersoll

1. Source: National Archives, RG 84, Addis Ababa Embassy Files: Lot 77 F 121, The Political Function. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Repeated to SECDEF, JCS, CSAF, USCINCEUR, and CSA.
2. The Department reported that Foreign Minister Kifle told Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Mulcahy that the Ethiopian Government inquired whether the United States could expedite shipment of ammunition.