Martin,

Dr Ajas Martin, Abyssinian minister in London.

the Abyssinian envoy in London, visited me and asked me on behalf of his emperor to convey an appeal for assistance to the Soviet government. The position of Abyssinia is critical, M. said. The rainy season will begin in early June, so the Italians have two more months to wage their campaign. The Abyssinians suffer most from the Italian planes, which drop explosive and gas bombs not only on the troops, but also on the Red Cross and peaceful civilians. The use of ‘mustard gas’ is particularly awful. M. set the Abyssinian casualties at about 15,000, but I think there are many more. The Abyssinians could resist the Italians if they had aeroplanes, but they have none except for the three or four old machines by which the emperor travels. The Abyssinians can find pilots: M. has had about a thousand offers from all European countries. Couldn’t we lend a hundred aeroplanes to Abyssinia on credit?

I asked M.: doesn’t Abyssinia receive anything from England? I was under the impression that the British government gave her money and weapons on the quiet.

M. became terribly red in the face and angry. The English, it turns out, give nothing to the Abyssinians. Despite Eden’s numerous promises, there is neither money nor aeroplanes. The little that the Abyssinians bought in Europe (in Britain, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Belgium) was bought for cash. Nobody (including the British) is giving credit. Eden also promised more than once that the League of Nations would help, but nothing has happened. The Abyssinians have become disillusioned with the League of Nations and with all the Western powers, who are merely engrossed in mutual intrigues and are ready to sell Ethiopia for a piece of gold. In this desperate situation, the emperor appeals to the Soviet government, which does not deal in intrigues, keeps to the side, and is guided in its policies by the interests of peace and justice.

M. was very agitated, his voice trembled, and his dark skin flushed.

What could I say? I told him that I would communicate with Moscow, although I knew from the very beginning that Moscow, threatened by Japan from the east and Germany from the west, would hardly wish to supply Abyssinia with aeroplanes.

M. left, and I paced my room for a good while, philosophizing about the complex and contradictory nature of the current situation. I had the feeling that a big lad was beating a child right in front of me and that I was unable to help.