Modern Ethiopian History Series 

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA) presents modern Ethiopian history in the context of diplomatic reports and dispatches. This series of publications would enable Ethiopian historians and scholars on Ethiopian history to galvanize their research toward writing theses, dissertations and books. In a classroom setting, teachers and/or professors can cite them for the purpose of historical discourse.
IDEA, Inc. 12/12/2011

American Consulate
Aden, Arabia, January 17, 1923
Subject: Reported Unrest in Abyssinia


The Honorable
The Secretary of State 
Washington

Sir: 

I have the honor to report that this Consulate has been able to obtain information, as yet unconfirmed but from a reliable source, to the effect that political conditions in Abyssinia are again much disturbed, and it is generally considered that this may bring about a change in the government and its rulers.

According to the reports, Ras Tafari, the Prince Regent of Abyssinia, lately found himself in so hopeless a position that he has compelled to ask the assistance of the British government in the form of troops, munitions, etc., for use in parts of the country where the anti-Tafari feeling was almost acute, that is the province of Harar. Taking advantage of the weakness of Ras Tafari, troubles of minor importance began to be reported from several points on the southwestern boundary. Fituarari Habte Giorgis, the commander in chief was asked by Ras Tafari to take enough troops to put down the disturbances and capture the leaders thereof. The commander in chief, who considers the interests of his country paramount to anything else, at once agreed and having prepared an army of 12,000 soldiers, under the leadership of a local chief, ordered them to proceed to the disaffected sections and punish the rebels. 

The rebels, who had been expecting the attack by the Ras had well gauged the strength of his army, got together enough soldiers to outnumber those of the Ras, and as a result, after a little skirmishing won the battle and captured all, with very few casualties. 

The defeat thus sustained further diminished the already waning power of the Ras, who had no alternative but to request the commander in chief to take action against the rebels, under his personal leadership. With a strong army he departed to attack the rebels, and having come close to the enemy lines ordered his men to camp until it was possible to find out who the heads of the rebels were, and any other information of interest connected with it. News was received on March, which confirmed the commander�s expectations, that the rebels were the so-called anti-Tafari Mohammedan Abyssinians, whose aim it was to try once more to eliminate the Ras in order to bring about the return of the deposed Prince Lij Yasu, the lawful ruler of Abyssinia. Under the circumstances, and in such cases the King is supposed to be present at the battle, and word was sent on to the Ras asking him to join the army. The Ras flatly refused; the commander asked that in his absence, his Royal tent should be sent, which is also a custom among the Abyssinians, but this he also refused to do. The refusal of the Ras annoyed the commander to such an extent that it is reported he returned to the Queen with the advice that Prince Lij Yasu be recalled, because already the majority of the soldiers were in favor of him. Approval was obtained from the Queen and it is reported that the commander is returning to where the rebels are, in company with the former prime minister, Negadras Hailu Giorgis, to end the quarrel and to bring with them Prince Lij Yasu.

In the meantime, Ras Tafari appealed to the British Minister for help and it is reported that arrangements have now been made to send reinforcement from the Sudan frontier. 

From all reports it is certain that Prince Lij Yasu is held in great favor in Abyssinia, not only by the Mohammedan Abyssinians but by several of the Christian soldiers and high officials, and it seems possible that he may regain his throne. Negadras Hailu Giorgis is so sure that Prince Lij Yasu is going to succeed that he has openly declared that all property belonging to Prince Lij Yasu, including money, gold, etc., which disappeared just before his deposition, was left in the possession of the firm of G.M. Mohamedally & Company. It is also reported that he has now asked the firm to get the accounts into shape in order to save time while taking over charge.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant

Raymond Davis
American Consul.

File No. 800

Note: The above document is taken from Documents On Ethiopian Politics, Volume II, edited by Borg G. Steffanson & Ronald K. Starrett, Documentary Publications, Salisbury, N. C. U. S. A, 1977 

On top left hand side of the letter is an oval-shaped seal whose words are not legible except for the phrase �Department of State�; on top right hand side, there are two rectangle-shaped seals; one reads �Feb 1923 Division of Near Eastern Affairs�; the other carries numbers only: 884.00/125

At the very end of the letter, between �your obedient servant� and �Raymond Davis,� there is a signature of the Consul.

Other words and names that need correction are the following:

� �Fituarari� should read �Fitewrari�
� �Lij Yasu� should be �Lij Iyasu�
� In the last paragraph, second line, the phrase �not only by Mohammedan Abyssinians but� should better read �not only by Mohammedan Abyssinians but also�� but IDEA did not want to take the liberty of inserting words (however correct) in order to preserve the authenticity of the letter.
� �Mohammedally� is most likely to mean �Mohammed Ali�

Institute of Development & Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. December 12, 2011