Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ROME4684
2003-10-14 16:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALIAN REQUEST FOR USAF ASSISTANCE TO TRANSPORT AXUM OBELISK

Tags:  PREL MOPS ET IT AVIATION 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 004684 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2013
TAGS: PREL MOPS ET IT AVIATION
SUBJECT: ITALIAN REQUEST FOR USAF ASSISTANCE TO TRANSPORT
AXUM OBELISK

REF: ROME 03576

Classified By: POL M/C T. Countryman; Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 004684

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2013
TAGS: PREL MOPS ET IT AVIATION
SUBJECT: ITALIAN REQUEST FOR USAF ASSISTANCE TO TRANSPORT
AXUM OBELISK

REF: ROME 03576

Classified By: POL M/C T. Countryman; Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary and Action Request: EmbOffs met with MFA
Africa Director General Cabras to follow-up on the GOI's
request for the use of USAF C-5 aircraft to fly three large
pieces of the Axum obelisk from either Rome or Naples to Axum
(reftel). POL M/C described the procedural steps required and
presented an estimate of costs to be covered by the GOI.
Cabras thanked the USG for its response, confirmed the GOI's
commitment to returning the obelisk, discussed other
transportation options and requested a follow-up technical
meeting to go over details. Request Department's advice on
status of GOI request for assistance, particularly whether or
not Department intends to inform DOD/OSP that it is in U.S.
national interest. End Summary and Action Request.

BACKGROUND


2. (C) POL M/C, DAO representative and PolOff met with MFA
Director General for Sub-Saharan Africa, Bruno Cabras, to
discuss the GOI's request for US Air Force assistance in
transporting the Axum Obelisk back to Ethiopia. In 1937, the
Axum Obelisk was cut into three pieces by Mussolini's forces,
brought to Rome and erected in front of the Ministry of
Italian Africa (now the Food and Agriculture Organization).
The obelisk still stands today somewhat worse for wear from
pollution and a recent lightning strike. In 1997 the GOI
formally committed to returning the obelisk and is now
actively planning its final return. The GOI plans to divide
the obelisk into three large parts that can then be airlifted
to Axum. The dismantlement operation began October 10,
according to the press. Due to the large size and weight of
the pieces, the GOI is requesting USG assistance.

PROCEDURES AND COSTS


3. (C) During the meeting POL M/C explained that in order for
USG aircraft to be used, the Department of State had to
certify that the project was of national interest to the USG.
Once a formal request is made by State to DOD/OSP, the final
procedural steps lie with DOD officials. Furthermore, if the
project is accepted, the timing, final costs and technical
aspects come under DOD authority.


4. (C) POL M/C presented the DOD's estimated figure of USD
3.5 million based on the size and weight specifications
provided by the GOI. This figure is based on the need for
four C-5 missions from Naples to Axum and includes Axum
airport feasibility studies. POL M/C emphasized that this was
an unofficial minimum estimate of costs.


5. (C) Cabras understood the procedural steps required and
did not balk at the estimated cost. He did however, explain
that he was expecting three rather than four missions. He was
certain that the GOI Office of Antiquities would not permit
the obelisk to be divided into four parts.


6. (C) DAO Representative expressed the requirement to divide
the obelisk into four rather than three pieces due to the
estimated weight (86 tons) of the largest piece. Cabras
stated that the GOI needed to make a more precise estimate of
the weight of the three pieces. The partition of the obelisk
is one of the technical issues that must be clarified in
order to finalize transportation and cost details.

OTHER OPTIONS AND CHALLENGES


7. (C) In addition to focusing on three rather than four
missions, Cabras also explored the possibility of using a mix
of AN-124s and C-5s. He felt that by using the C-5 for only
the largest pieces and the AN-124 for other pieces, the GOI
might be able to accomplish the mission at a lower cost.


8. (C) POL M/C and DAO representative inquired about other
options - specifically sea-land routes - entering through the
ports of Massawa or Djibouti. Cabras stated that these
options were not feasible due to political and infrastructure
obstacles. Regarding Massawa, the Ethiopian and Eritrean
governments remain at odds over their border deliberations
and it would be politically risky to give Asmara the chance
to interfere with the shipment. In addition, the road from
Massawa to Axum is in bad condition. Although there are no


political obstacles with Djibouti, the same holds for the
trajectory from Djibouti to Axum. Cabras reiterated that the
only option that GOI experts had yet identified as feasible
would be an airlift directly to Axum.

REQUESTS AND COMMITMENTS


9. (C) Cabras requested a follow-up meeting between DOD
representatives and GOI engineers in October in order to
clarify and define the project and expressed his hope that
the USG would accept the project. POL M/C and DAO
representative committed to presenting a formal request to
the Department and to holding a follow-up meeting in the
coming weeks.
SEMBLER


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2003ROME04684 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL