NSC Briefing: Ethiopia Coup – 20 December 1960

  1. Motivation of Ethiopian coup leaders, who are now all dead, is obscure.
    • A. Bodyguard commander Menghistou Neway and his brother Germami probably acted to sieze power for personal aggrandizement.
      • Germami, a relative political unknown, is reported to havbeen a Communist sympathizer and to have been a frequent visitor at the Soviet Embassy.
      • Director of Securi ty Workneh Gabeyhou may have been forced to cooperate.
    • В. Араart from Germami’s reported sympathies, there is no indicаtion of Bloc involvement. No evidence UAR complicity.
    • C. Action timed for Emperor’s absence.
      • Bodyguard support obtained by appeal to discontent over pay.
      • They also hoodwinked by rumors Emperor was dead and they were protecting the throne.
    • D. Promise of liberal parliamentary regime which would put Ethiopia into current of modern African nationalism, was designed to appeal to younger, educated Ethiopians in government and military circles.
  2. Emperor likely to take severe reprisals even though publicly talking of forgiveness.
    • A. Government angered by slaughter of at least 7 of 19 ministerial officials held by coup leaders; followers now being hunted down.
    • B. Crown prince, who peebably has lost all chance of succeeding to throne with Emperor’s blessing and may be exiled to remote area.
    • C. Entire group of younger progressive element in government and military circles may be removed as suspect elements. This would be a severe setback to modernization of the country.
    • D. Emperor not likely initiate far reaching reforms but may give lip service to such minor reforms as increasing parliament role in government.

Source:

CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030017-2

Link:

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP79R00890A001300030017-2.pdf

Internal Link:

Date:
December 20, 1960
Categories:
Asymetric Warfare, Military & Intel, Soft War, State Sponsored Terrorism
Tags:
CIA
Boxes:
CIA
Years:
1960
Persons:
META DATA
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