New Britain herald., 1930-04-29
Negus Ras Tafari Intends to Lead His Country Forward SIowIy-Amer. ican Firms Favored.

Rome, April 29 R-Observers of England, Franco and Italy arc closely watching developments in Abyssinia following the death of the Empress Zauditu and the accession of the Ncgu3 Ras Tafari, develop ments from which the United States is expected to derive the principal benefits.
 The eyes of the three nations arc their coastal provinces for Italy, Eritrca and Italian Somaliland; for France, French Somaliland; for England, British Somaliland and kenya colony. Abyssna has no outlet to the sea except through these provinces.
 Those who profess to understand the political significance of the gov crnmental change in picturesque Abyssinia say that the character and aims of Negus Tafair himself form one of the chief factors. Compare lively young, he is we'll educated. He studied at a French college in Alden, speaks French perfectly, reads and understands English and has tray elcd in Europe.
 Political he is the opposite of the late empress. She was rcactonary, conservative. He is modern, yet cautious.
 He desires to help his country by Introducing European and American methods of production and trans portation. But he does not intend to emulate Amanullah of Afghanis- tan who ran instead of walking to- ward the goth century, and lost his throne. He has declared that his people were too backward to sub- init to any but very gradual mod ernization.
 Is Nationalist
 Then hc is, above all, nation alist. For him, Abyssinia must be for the Abyssinians. He will wei come American and European as- sistancc in developing his countrys resources. But that assistance must not be at the expense of his coun- try's independence. And this is why America, according to statesmen - students of Ethiopia - as the Abys- sinians call their country-will ben eft from his accession.
 For the United States is the only country to which Negus Tafari cal turn for financial help without re- ceiving a suggestion of political con- sessions. Interested Italians admit that this explains in part the $20,- 0O0,000 contract reported granted to the White Engineering corporation of New York, for a dam at Lake Tsana, and a road from the lake to the capital, Addis-Abcda
 Several years ago England and Italy agreed to bring joint pressure to bear on Abyssinia, England to force Abyssinia to let her control the waters of Lake Tsana, because this lake is the source of the Nile that waters Sudan and Egypt Italy to contract with Ethiopia for the building and control of railroad from tho Eritrcan coast to Addis- Abeba.
 But Abyssinia had become a member of the League of Nations and protested against this combina-
 
 the opposition, nothing came of the big powers scheme. and the White engineering contract is Q partial an- sWcr to it.
 May Favor France
 Some observers believe that Ras Tafaris carly education will make him uro-French. But on the other hand he was instrumental in ncGo- tiating the treaty of friendship with Italy in 1928.
 Internally Tafari's accession, 'n the opinion of Italian observers, will mean a stronger government. The Empress Zauditu spent most of hc. time meditating on the merits of her lllustrious ancestors, among whom Ethiopian legend includes King Solomon and the Queen of Shcba Bas Tafari, it is said, intend; giving his government a better f- nancial foundation through institut- ing national taxation and developing his country's mineral wealth.
 Realizing he possibilities for American trade in Abyssinia, the United States appointed a minister resident and consul-general three years ago-Addson E. Southard, under Ras Tafari, the relations be-