The League of Nations Secretariat has released correspondence from Ras Taffari Makonnen, Regent and heir to the Abyssinian throne, formally protesting a recent agreement between Britain and Italy concerning their interests in Abyssinia. The documents, dated June 19, 1926, were sent from Addis Ababa and address concerns over arrangements made without Abyssinian consultation or consent.

Ras Taffari’s note details that both the British and Italian governments informed Abyssinia of their agreement whereby Britain would secure a concession to manage the conservancy of Lake Tsana’s waters, while Italy would be granted rights to construct a railway through Abyssinian territory. The Abyssinian government strongly objects to the pact, emphasizing that it was concluded without any prior negotiation or approval from Abyssinia.

The note underscores Abyssinia’s expectation, drawn from its entry into the League of Nations, that all member states would be treated equally and that their sovereignty and independence would be respected. Ras Taffari emphasizes that the League’s stated purpose—to maintain peace among nations in accordance with divine will—should preclude any arrangement in which certain members circumvent the principle of equality by imposing decisions upon another member state without its agreement.

In his communication, Ras Taffari requests that the League circulate the full correspondence among its member states for consideration, seeking an appropriate response to this dispute. The document was officially submitted with his seal and signature under the Abyssinian calendar date equivalent to June 19, 1926.

Following the protest, the League Secretariat has requested a clear statement from the Abyssinian government regarding the specific actions it wishes the Secretariat to pursue in response. As the situation develops, the League’s role in mediating such disputes between its members remains a point of focus, particularly in matters involving colonial and economic interests in Africa.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions related to European powers’ influence in Abyssinia, which maintains its formal independence amid competing foreign ambitions. The refusal by Abyssinia to accept an agreement made without its involvement reaffirms its insistence on sovereign authority and equal standing within the League of Nations framework.