For many reasons, including the mutual friendship and trust existing between the Ethiopian and American peoples, Kagnew's character as a technical communications facility, its employment of large numbers of Ethiopian citizens, its open-door policy towards visitors, and its continuing community relations activities, Kagnew Station has enjoyed excellent relations with the people and the Government of its host country. As an invited guest, Kagnew Station functions in Ethiopia at the sovereign choice of an Ethiopian nation possessing one of the longest and proudest rraditions of independence on the African or any other continent.

Kagnew Station comprises several tracts of land in the Asmara area, rented by the United States Government from the Imperial Ethiopian Government. The entire area is about 3,400 acres, of which only about 300 acres are leased for exclusive use by the U.S. Government. The remaining land, only partly occupied by radio antennas, is open to continued use for agricultural and grazing purposes, under conditions amounting to 25 percent U.S. use. The rental paid for the land is used by the Ethiopian authorities to com-

Seven tracts serve as sites for transmitting and receiving equipment. An eighth site (Tract E) comprises the Station Headquarters, with supporting facilities including living quarters, dependents' school, hospital, post exchange, commissary, recreation activities and entertainment facilities. A ninth area (Tract A) has additional family housing and recreational facilities.

Kagnew Station has no combat aircraft, artillery, tanks, missiles or other offensive weapons. Some small arms necessary for the internal security of the installation are the only weapons at the facility. The military complement of Kagnew is made up of communications technicians, backed up by administrative and support personnel.

The American community in the Asmara area amounts to approximately four to five thousand people, including military, dependents and other government personnel.

The U.S. radio communications facility at Asmara was originally established as part of the Allied war effort against the Axis folloowing defeat of Italian forces occupying Ethiopia in April, 1941. The name "Kagnew" was chosen for its significance in Ethiopia's historic struggle for freedom. The word Kagnew (in its Ethiopian pronunciation, kanyew) means "to bring into harmony" or "to bring order out of chaos."

After the 1941 liberation, the name Kagnew was bestowed on an Ethiopian Army battalion, manned by picked personnel and considered to be the best in the nation. In 1951, the Kagnew Battalion was sent to Korea as a part of Ethiopia's support of the United Nations and distinguished itself in the field.

* An interdenominational chapel with a seating capacity of 220 and overflow space to accommodate 150 more persons. In additon, other chapel sponsored activities are conducted. (See page 21)

* Modern multi-floor barracks and apartment units are used to house satation personnel. A guest house and kitchen is used for transient guests. (See page 13)

* A diversified athletic program can be conducted at a large post gymnasium, which has a ten-lane bowling alley, and multiple court facilities. (See page 23)

* A dependent school providing classes for children of kindergarten age plus grades one through twelve. About 500 children attend the school.

* A combined laundry and dry-cleaning plant with modern new equipment.

* An Armed Forces Radio and Televion Service outlet -- KANU radio and KANU-TV. (See page 18)

* The finance Office provides such services as cashing money orders, government checks, and selling Treasury Checks for cash in

* Other important facilities include a mess hall with a special area for senior-noncommissioned officers, veterinary service, post exchange and snack bars, commissary, service club, craft shop, library and auto hobby shop, athletic fields, indoor swimming pool and clubs for officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted men.

The men and dependents of Kagnew Station -- as well as other Americans in Ethiopia -- are served by the United Stations Embassy in Addis Ababa and the Consulate in Asmara. Other U.S. Government agencies or activities in Ethiopia include the U.S. Information Service (which operates an excellent library in Asmara), U.S. Agency for International Development, (A.I.D), a Military Assistance Advisory Group, and Peace Corps.