| Popis: |
This article begins by tracing Ethiopia’s recognition as a member of the “family of nations,” the community of (Western) states in international law. It then analyses Ethiopia’s position under international law during the First World War, when the ruling elite decided not to join the war on either side. A number of sources, however, suggest that conflicting parties within the Ethiopian elite were divided on whether to take part in the war or not. While one side considered the war as a means to gain access to the Red Sea, others, with the fall of the Crown Prince Lij Iyasu, wished to support the Allies in their struggle against the Ottoman rule in the area. When a small group of Germans left Addis Ababa and attempted to break the Allied blockade of the Red Sea, the Allied consuls charged Ethiopia with a violation of neutrality. Nevertheless, considering the sources on the international law of neutrality, such violation did not take place. |
