TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 82

CONFIDENTIAL

Human Rights in Ethiopia

5.

Ethiopia's human rights record is poor. Despite some 1,600 releases over the last 12-18 months and signs that this process will continue, many thousands of political prisoners are still detained without trial in appalling conditions. We should continue to take advantage of every suitable opportunity to press the Ethiopians on human rights.

Cuban and Soviet Involvement

6. There are estimated to be some 1-2,000 Russians and 11-12,000 Cubans in Ethiopia. We regard Cuban and Soviet military involvement in the Horn as tending to place the emphasis on force rather than the peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation.

US/Somalia Defence Access Agreement

7. This agreement concluded in August 1980 will provide Americans with facilities at Berbera and Mogadishu in exchange for US$42 million of military and economic assistance over two years. The agreement forms part of the US response to Soviet expansion in Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean area and

instability in the Middle East, HMG support this response. The

agreement does not pose a threat to Ethiopia.

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CONFIDENTIAL