The ship's role was diplomatic as well as naval: French authorities feared that sheltering the Ethiopian emperor could give Italy a pretext to extend the conflict into their territory. Britain opposed Italy's actions but did not want another confrontation while its own rearmament remained incomplete. The decision came in 1936, when British leaders increasingly expected another European war yet knew the country was not ready for it. Enterprise could remove Haile Selassie without leaving France to carry the diplomatic risk.
Notable Point · 11:30-12:27
Enterprise and Haile Selassie's evacuation
Enterprise helped remove Haile Selassie from French territory amid fears that an Italian reaction could widen the Abyssinian crisis.