AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Mr. President, Mrs. Johnson, distinguished
guests:
First of all, Mr. President, I wish to
state my satisfaction of the fact you have recovered as spiritedly from your
recent difficulty with your health. It is nice to see you in the state that I
find you today.
Each generation thinks that the situation
it faces is the most serious one, the most difficult among those which were
faced by generations of the past. However this may be true today, I believe,
when we say the task of this generation is burdensome, we mean it.
Because of the progress mankind has achieved
and because of the difficulties that are at times part and parcel of progress
and prosperity, we find ourselves at a crossroad where we might make the world
safe for our future generations or we might all perish together.
The friendship between the United States
and Ethiopia is one of long standing. Our association in the past many decades,
I hope, has been fruitful for both our peoples. Because the United States and
Ethiopia believe in the same fundamental and essential goals, it is necessary
that we should put our efforts together so that we may make maximum
contribution for the safety, happiness and prosperity of the generations to
come.
In our discussions, Mr. President, I hope
we will have the occasion of considering certain questions of mutual concern,
of exchanging views in a frank and open manner, and arriving, I am confident,
at a consensus of understanding.
I believe that these are not confined to
our times and that leaders must from time to time come together, face each
other, and discus problems they share in common. It is not enough that we deal
through diplomatic channels.
Mr. President, I
know of the hard work that you have in your country. I know of the immense
responsibility you carry for the safety of mankind, for the maintenance of
peace. I know also of your splendid effort in maintaining national peace and
security. I am glad, under the circumstances, that you are able to consider my
coming to the United States for the purpose of dealing with matters of mutual
interest.
Ethiopia and Ethiopians are labouring
today not only for the peace and prosperity of our people, but also, realizing
the fundamental common interest which we share with other African people, we
have dedicated Ourselves to building a united and a more prosperous Africa. We
found that the interest that affects Africa affects also Ethiopia and vice
versa, because our destiny with the African Continent is a common one.
We have to put up a common effort to see
that the Continent’s interests are protected. As it is well known, the
Organization of African Unity was established in Addis Ababa. I believe this
organization has made a good begin-ning in the interest of all of the African
people.
I hope, Mr. President, during our private
conversations I will have an opportunity of exchanging views with you about
matters of mutual concern, as well as matters that relate to the Organization
of African Unity.
Let me say, again, that I am glad to be in
the United States today and I pray that our discussions will bear fruit.
Thank you.
Feb. 13, 1967.
Selected
Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 153 –
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| 25. November 1963 - Washington, D.C.: President Johnson confers with Emperor Haile Selassie at the White House. |
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