U.S. Telegrams Reveal Panic and Shame Over Eritrea’s Annexation
Posted: 20 Nov 2025, 14:03
U.S. Telegrams Reveal Panic and Shame Over Eritrea’s Annexation
Eritreans have long wondered how the U.S. government reacted to the dissolution of the Eritrean Federation and the subsequent annexation of Eritrea on 14 November, 1962. The declassified records indicate, that the United States was embarrassed by the development.
Washington urged that Eritrea’s constitutional rights and institutions continue, hoping this might also encourage Haile Selassie to implement much-needed reforms and modernization within Ethiopia.
A diplomatic telegram sent on 21 November 1962 — just one week after the Federation’s dissolution — from the U.S. State Department to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa makes this clear. It states that Eritrea's annexation placed the United States in a difficult position, given that Washington had supported the federal arrangement as a way of assisting Ethiopia. The telegram also notes that the U.S. would not send a message of congratulations, nor would it dispatch any representative to attend any ceremony marking the annexation
The telegram (attached) reads as follows
(1)Re Eritrean Unification:


Eritreans have long wondered how the U.S. government reacted to the dissolution of the Eritrean Federation and the subsequent annexation of Eritrea on 14 November, 1962. The declassified records indicate, that the United States was embarrassed by the development.
Washington urged that Eritrea’s constitutional rights and institutions continue, hoping this might also encourage Haile Selassie to implement much-needed reforms and modernization within Ethiopia.
A diplomatic telegram sent on 21 November 1962 — just one week after the Federation’s dissolution — from the U.S. State Department to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa makes this clear. It states that Eritrea's annexation placed the United States in a difficult position, given that Washington had supported the federal arrangement as a way of assisting Ethiopia. The telegram also notes that the U.S. would not send a message of congratulations, nor would it dispatch any representative to attend any ceremony marking the annexation
The telegram (attached) reads as follows
(1)Re Eritrean Unification:
In frank and friendly manner which has characterized our relations with the Emperor, we wish to state we have noted step and appreciate that there are factors relating nation’s security which bear on Ethiopian policy toward Eritrea. Step has, however, placed US in difficult position. While USG wishes give full support measures designed increase security of Ethiopia, Eritrean federation was action supported by US in UN, action which, at time, was considered favorable to Ethiopia.
(2)If it appears appropriate pursue subject, or if Emperor raises question message you may inform HIM that, while US does not feel it appropriate commend Ethiopia on dissolution of federation or participate in formal observances of event, in view history federation and general interest international community, US has noted with favor Emperor’s intention maintain rights and freedom Eritrean constitution and hopes unification may strengthen Imperial Ethiopian Government’s hand in moving forward with plans for reform and modernization (Embtel 287).













