Ethiopia: U.S. Recognition and Diplomatic Relations since 1776

Summary

Long isolated, the Ethiopian emperors began to consolidate the country in the mid-nineteenth century. The Italian invasions in 1895 and 1935 forced Ethiopia into greater contact with world politics. U.S.-Ethiopian relations were established in 1903 and were good throughout the period prior to the Italian occupation in 1935.

Modern Flag of Ethiopia

After World War II, these ties strengthened and Ethiopia has played an active role in world and African affairs. Following Ethiopia’s revolution, U.S.-Ethiopian relations began to cool due to the Derg’s linking with international communism and U.S. revulsion at the Derg’s human rights abuses. With the downfall of the Mengistu regime in 1991, U.S.-Ethiopian relations improved dramatically. Today, Ethiopia has very good relations with the United States, especially in responding to regional instability and supporting war on terrorism and, increasingly, through economic involvement.

Recognition

First Official Diplomatic Interaction, 1903

The United States and Ethiopia, both long established as states, engaged in their first official diplomatic interaction on December 27, 1903, when King of Ethiopia Menelik II and U.S. representative Robert P. Skinner signed a treaty of commerce.

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1903

Diplomatic relations were established on December 27, 1903, when King of Ethiopia Menelik II and U.S. representative Robert P. Skinner signed a treaty of commerce in which the two states agreed to receive representatives “in order to perpetuate and strengthen the friendly relations which exist between Ethiopia and the United States of America.”

Establishment of American Legation in Addis Ababa, 1909

The American Legation was established on July 6, 1909, when U.S. Minister Resident and Consul General Hoffman Philip presented his credentials in Addis Ababa.

American Legation Closed, 1937

The Italians invaded Ethiopia and occupied Addis Ababa on May 6, 1936. Although the United States never publicly recognized Italian authority in Ethiopia, it did withdraw its diplomatic representation and close the legation in Addis Ababa. U.S. Minister Resident and Consul General Cornelius Van H. Engert departed Addis Ababa on March 4, 1937, and the consulate was closed after March 31, 1937.

American Legation Reopened, 1943

The American Legation in Addis Ababa reopened on August 31, 1943, when U.S. Minister Resident and Consul General John K. Caldwell presented his credentials.

Ethiopian Legation Reopened, 1943

The Ethiopian Legation in the United States was opened on November 9, 1943, and Blatta Ephrem Tewelde Medhen served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.

American Legation Raised to Embassy, 1949

The American Legation in Addis Ababa was elevated to Embassy status on June 28, 1949, when Ambassador George R. Merrell presented his credentials

Ethiopian Legation Raised to Embassy, 1949

The Ethiopian Legation was raised to Embassy status on September 27, 1949 when Ras H.S. Imru presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.

Resources

Where this page came from

This page was imported from U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776, published by the Office of the Historian of the U.S. Department of State: a work of the United States government, in the public domain.

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