Simodi
Chilling in Quljeed
“Dated the 5th Amli 1883
“From Ras Makunan, Amir of Harrar and its Dependencies,
“To: Colonel E.V. Stace, Political Agent and Consul, Somali Coast. “After compliments.- We have received your letter, and we are obliged and highly please(d) for your friendship towards His Highness King Menelek. “Be it known to Your Excellency that friendship, love and amity will continue between you and us for ever. Be sure that nothing displeasing to you will be ever done by us except what is pleasing. “As for the Gadabursi, they are always molesting and looting the travellers who come to Harrar. This we do not hide from you. The doings of this tribe are much injurious and troublesome to all the people as they loot the travellers without cause. As regards what you wrote appertaining to an intended attack by some of our soldiers against them (Gadabursi), we are not aware of it because we were absent. Before taking such steps, we would consult you. As for the Gadabursi and a part of the Habr Awal being subjects, His Highness Negus Menelek wrote to the European powers in his letter that they were subjects of King Tobyaur (of Ethiopia), therefore we cannot reply on this subject without asking His Highness King Menelek, as he alone communicates with the powers and make the limits. May you remain, &c.”
The Scramble in the Horn of Africa
“From Ras Makunan, Amir of Harrar and its Dependencies,
“To: Colonel E.V. Stace, Political Agent and Consul, Somali Coast. “After compliments.- We have received your letter, and we are obliged and highly please(d) for your friendship towards His Highness King Menelek. “Be it known to Your Excellency that friendship, love and amity will continue between you and us for ever. Be sure that nothing displeasing to you will be ever done by us except what is pleasing. “As for the Gadabursi, they are always molesting and looting the travellers who come to Harrar. This we do not hide from you. The doings of this tribe are much injurious and troublesome to all the people as they loot the travellers without cause. As regards what you wrote appertaining to an intended attack by some of our soldiers against them (Gadabursi), we are not aware of it because we were absent. Before taking such steps, we would consult you. As for the Gadabursi and a part of the Habr Awal being subjects, His Highness Negus Menelek wrote to the European powers in his letter that they were subjects of King Tobyaur (of Ethiopia), therefore we cannot reply on this subject without asking His Highness King Menelek, as he alone communicates with the powers and make the limits. May you remain, &c.”
The Scramble in the Horn of Africa