Ethiopia’s Participation in Preparing the UN Charter and Establishing the Organization

Ethiopia’s Participation in Preparing the UN Charter and Establishing the Organization

Ethiopia’s Participation in Preparing the UN Charter and Establishing the Organization

When I heard that a new organization was being established to replace the League of Nations, I understood that we must strive immediately to become a founding member rather than entering through petition as before.

In 1944, President Roosevelt sent a plane to the Emperor. They met secretly on a ship at Port Said, where the Emperor and Roosevelt had a long discussion, and I accompanied him. Present also were Ras Kassa, Ato Yilma Deressa, and General Merid (as aide). At that time, we requested that Ethiopia become a founding member of the future United Nations. He gave us his word of agreement. We also submitted a memorandum detailing our claim (revin dication) over Eritrea and our demands for reparations from Italy.

When Churchill heard of our meeting with President Roosevelt, he wrote a letter requesting a meeting with the Emperor and sent it through Roosevelt. (This was after Roosevelt returned from the Yalta Conference.) The Emperor accepted and approved the discussion. During the talks, British Foreign Minister Eden was present. We gave them the same type of memorandum we had given Roosevelt, regarding our claim over Eritrea and reparations from Italy. Mr. Eden opposed everything. He told us: “The Italians have built many roads and other things for you. That should count as reparations. You should not demand anything.” He dismissed everything with disdain. We parted without agreement.

As the San Francisco conference (United States), where the UN was to be established, approached, we received an invitation like other free nations and allies. (It can be said that this was with America’s support.) Only three African nations participated in the founding of the UN: Ethiopia, Liberia, and Egypt. There was no one from Asia — India was not yet independent. The total number of participating nations was about 52.

The Ethiopian delegation was initial