VISIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
It gives Us the
greatest pleasure to welcome, on Our own behalf and on behalf of the entire
Ethiopian people, Your Majesty and Prince Philip who are with Us in Ethiopia as
Our honoured guests. We have long and eagerly looked forward to your coming,
and We greet you this evening with respect and affection.
In coming to
Ethiopia, Your Majesty, You have reaffirmed the friendship and depth of feeling
which have for so long existed between Our two nations and their peoples and
which serve as an indissoluble bond between us. You have, as well, contributed
fresh evidence of the universality of man and of the fundamental and
deep-seated ties which unite all people, whatever their race, cultural
orientation or economic and social background, who share common principles and
ideals and who strive for the attainment of man’s most cherished goals. The
Commonwealth of which Your Majesty is the Head stands today as symbol of this
universality and provides, in its own way, encouragement for those of us who
seek, on this African continent, to utilize in Our search for true unity what
is best among the common instincts and aspirations shared by all men.
The Ethiopian and British peoples and
Governments are old friends. Contacts between us stretch back many years. Our
friendship was cemented and rendered indissoluble during the unhappy years in
which Ethiopians, abandoned to the aggressor, struggled against overwhelming
odds, first, to preserve their nation’s independence, and later, to free it
from the despot’s heel. We personally cherish mixed emotions concerning those
years. From 1936 to 1941, separated from Our people, exiled in a strange land
while We laboured to muster sympathy and support for Ethiopia’s cause, We were
received by the British people with a warmth which nourished and strengthened
Our will. And when, finally, the just God called the tyrant aggressor to
account, soldiers of many lands marching under the British flag, fought side by
side with Our patriots for the liberation of the subjugated and the triumph of
justice and liberty over tyranny and oppression.
Today, Ethiopia looks to the British as staunch and firm friends in the
struggle being waged throughout the world against poverty, ignorance and want.
Cultural Ties
Throughout the years, Ethiopia has enjoyed
and benefited from the interest of British scholars and friends who have sought
to know our country well and to convey to the world from which our nation was
so long isolated a true sense of the richness of our life and the diversity of
our culture. As this knowledge has been diffused, Ethiopia has been helped to
emerge proudly to play a fuller role in inter-national affairs. It is upon this
knowledge and understanding that we have sought to build the international
unity of the spirit which today constitutes the most important force for good
in the search for a lasting world peace and a decent way of life for humanity.
With the raising of all men to their rightful dignity and honour as
individuals, they will be able to regard their fellows, of whatever nation, of
whatever race, of whatever religious, linguistic or historical tradition, as
equals, without jealousy, without fear, without undue pride. The British people
are united with us in this field and we are confident that they will continue
to lend their unstinting efforts in the accomplishment of the immense task
which, together with other people of good will, they have joined their efforts.
Your Majesty, during Your Reign, which
commenced in an African country only a little distance to the South, You have
carried forward gloriously the traditions of Your lineage and brought new
honour to the Throne which You occupy. Your Majesty personally enjoys today the
respect, the admiration and the affection of all peoples to whom Britain serves
as the symbol of indomitability in adversity, of courage when confronted by
danger, of dignity and resolve when threatened with defeat, and of magnanimity
and generosity in victory.
We shall never
forget the warm and friendly reception accorded to Us by the British people
during Our state visit will be pleasant. We hope that you will carry away with
you deep and abiding memories of Our nation and its people.
We ask all here assembled now to join Us
in a toast to the continued friendship between the British and Ethiopian
peoples, to the growth in prosperity and well-being of the British nation, to
the health, long life and personal happiness of Her Majesty the Queen and
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Feb. 1, 1965.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 126 –
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