MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT

Re: Agreement between the British and Haile Sellassie

During my trip I had an opportunity to examine the Agreement between the British Government and Haile Sellassie. The details are interesting and provide material for reflection on the future peace-making problems of the United Nations.

Although the agreement was signed after the Atlantic Charter - in January, 1942, in fact - it reduces Abyssinia to a status comparable to that of "Manchoukuo" as a complete puppet state. If the Axis propaganda ever gets hold of this agreement, it can make a savage attack on the democratic aims of the United Nations.

Some of the provisions are as follows:

1. The British Diplomatic Representative is given precedence "over any other foreign Representative." In addition, the British officer commanding in East Africa is given right of direct access to Haile Sellassie, with precedence immediately after the British diplomatic representative. Thus two British representatives stand between the Emperor and any other foreign representative.

2. The British may maintain forces in Ethiopia as long as they themselves consider necessary; also a police force; and the police force will be in charge of the "safety and good order" of Addis Ababa itself. British military jurisdiction will include "a continuous belt of Ethiopian territory 25 miles wide" which will include "all land within Ethiopia occupied by the Franco-Ethiopian railway and its appurtenances."

3. The Ethiopians are to engage a number of British advisors, and no other advisors are to be engaged without consulting the British.

4. In all currency matters, Britain must be consulted and British "concurrence" secured.

5. No foreign aircraft may fly "to, in or over Ethiopia" without British concurrence.

6. The British will subsidize Ethiopia as follows: first year, one and a half million pounds; 2nd year, one million; 3rd year, (if agreement remains in force), half a million; 4th year (if still extended), quarter of a million. In return, the British are to make no payment for use of "immovable property."

7. The British acquire custoday of all prisoners of war, and the "administration, control and evacuation of Italian civilians."

8. The British have "military operation, management and maintenance" of the railway for as long as they think necessary.

9. The British acquire all Italian military booty; out of this they may arm an Ethiopian army which is to be raised and trained by a British Military Mission.

10. "His Majesty the Emperor will at the request of the General Officer Commanding the British forces in East Africa, requisition and hand over to the British forces any private property.... subject to the reasonable needs of Ethiopia."

Signed
Lauchlin Currie