54
Press Releases, vol. XIII, p. 256
Statement by President
Roosevelt, October 6, 1935
In view of the situation which has unhappily
developed between Ethiopia and Italy, it has become my duty under the
provisions of the joint resolution of Congress approved August 31, 1935, to issue,
and I am today issuing, my proclamation making effective an embargo on the
exportation from this country to Ethiopia and Italy of arms, ammunition, and
implements of war. Notwithstanding the hope we entertained that war would be
avoided, and the exertion of our influence in that direction, we are now
compelled to recognize the simple and indisputable fact that Ethiopian and
Italian armed forces are engaged in combat, thus creating a state of war within
the intent and meaning of the joint resolution.
In these specific circumstances I desire it
to be understood that any of our people who voluntarily engage in transactions
of any character with either of the belligerents do so at their own risk.