[1] The terms of the treaty were negotiated at Asmara, in the northern reaches of the Ethiopian empire, by Mason Bey for Egypt, Admiral William Hewett for Britain and Ras Alula, also acting as host, for Ethiopia.
Once terms had been agreed, the party moved to Adwa, where the treaty was presented to Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia.
[1] The first article of the treaty provided that Ethiopia would have free transit for all goods, including arms, through the port of Massawa.
In the fourth article, Egypt agreed to permit the passage of newly appointed Abunas[b] to Ethiopia.
In the sixth article, Ethiopia agreed to accept British arbitration in any case of disagreement with Egypt over the terms of the treaty.