After a long period of negotiations between Rome and Addis Ababa a mutual economic pact has been formed between the two countries. The negotiations have spanned several years, but Abyssinia and Italy have finally come to agreement. The basic treatise is that Abyssinia shall amalgamate with Eritrea and Italian Somalia. The Emperor of Abyssinia, Haile Selassie will continue to be head of state, and new government shall be put in place in Addis Ababa. By the terms of the pact, Italy shall be accorded most-favoured nation status in trade, and Italian persons shall take up a few positions in new government. A new rail link shall be constructed, linking Addis Ababa to Asmara in the North, and so indirectly the Red Sea. Thus, Abyssinia gains from the rapid industrialisation of their country; extraction and refining of raw materials will create many jobs. The Italians will help do this by building infrastructure and training the peoples. Italian companies and the government shall make large investments here. The rag-tag army of Abyssinia will be replaced by a more permanent force, armed and trained by Italy. It is hoped that these things shall bring stability and unity to the region. A new spirit of co-operation is in the air after ancient enmities have been forgotten. The level of general Italian activity in the region is expected to increase rapidly as freighters carrying raw materials and processed goods transit the Red Sea. We can all be eternally grateful for the Suez Canal.
Signed,
Vittorio Emanuele, King of Italy
Haile Selassie, Emporer of Abyssinia