ABSTRACT
The administration’s official position when it came to the Eritrean insurgency was summed up in briefing paper forwarded to the new American ambassador to Ethiopia, Arthur Hummel. Ethiopia’s desperation was reflected in the worsening political situation. Foreigners have dubbed it a “creeping coup” and “salami coup,” and Ethiopians are calling it the “February Revolution''. The recognition of Mengistu’s rise to power aroused some concerns in the White House over the future of US-Ethiopian relations. With Haile Selassie’s death, it was clear that it was the end of an era in Ethiopia. Not only that, but the nation faced an uncertain future with trouble flaring in Eritrea, an increasing autocratic rule and Siad Barre professing full commitment to Somali irredentism. A key consideration for the new president in reaching his decision was news from Somalia. Although Gerald Ford, like his predecessor, accepted Siad’s left-wing leanings and the Soviet presence in Somalia, there were concerns at the increasing consolidation of that relationship.
