FO371/125539.
Memorandum submitted by MUSLIM LEAGUE 27.3. 1957
Asmara, 23 Sciaban, 1376
To: H. I. M. the August Emperor of Ethiopia, Sovereign of the Federation.
From: The Muslim League.
We the Eritrean voters submit the following according to Article 7 (d) of the United nations Resolution and Art. 18, 30, and of the Eritrean Constitution.
1. Eritrea and Ethiopia are two states united federally under Your Imperial Crown. According to law neither of them is an integral part of the other.
2. The Central Government which presides over the said two states and function (Manages) the affairs provided for in Art. 3 of the United Nations resolution, is not as we believe legally constituted to this day.
3. On the end of December 1956 and at the outset of January 1957 where was published in the papers the name of the members in the Imperial Federal council – the number of them was ten of whom 9 were Eritreans and one Ethiopian and this is a violation of Art. 5 of the u. n. Resolution and Art. 7 of the Eritrean Constitution which provides that the Federal Council shall be composed of equal number of Ethiopians and Eritreans.
4. On the current month of March we perused in the paper a proclamation n. 152 of 1956 – Ethiopia Electoral law. The Law mentioned in its preamble that in so far as Eritrea is a “part” of the Ethiopian Empire Chamber of Deputies. We believe that the said proclamation is a violation of the United Nations Resolution and the Eritrean Constitution. Because Eritrea is an autonomous government in its legislative, executive, and judicial affairs. Eritrea is by no means a part of Ethiopia to participate in an election for the Internal Chamber of Deputies belonging to the Ethiopian Government.
5. As we are voters we can participate in the Federal Legislative Council of the Central Government which presides the affairs of the two governments in the Federation if it is established according to Law. We will never participate in the Ethiopian legislative Council because we believe that such participation is a violation of the U. N. resolution and the Eritrean Constitution as well as is a suppression of the rights of Eritrea in its consideration as an integral part of Ethiopia, the first which indicates that Eritrea is not an autonomous government in the federation. Therefore, we vehemently beg Your majesty to reconsider para. 3 and above. Your Majesty, accept our deepest respect and loyalty.
SIGNED by 500 voters.
About 500 voters signed the original of this memo. Only a copy of the mimeo exists at the PRO (Public Record Office London, UK)
