VISIT TO
ERITREA
As We appear among you today, as is customary
with the visits We make now and then to witness for Ourselves the
administrative efficiency on the spot and also to effectuate matters of major
importance, We shall now talk to you not only as an Emperor but also as an
Ethiopian. There is nothing particularly new at this time to account for Our intention
to give you a broad view of our opinion today. You, who are listening to Us now,
the old, the young and those in school out in the country, since it is We who
are bearing the responsibility of guiding the present and coming generations on
the right path, it is imperative that we all should serve our country and
people dedicatedly and according to God’s wish.
It is no surprise to Us, either now or before, if
an aggressor should make any kind of move through Eritrea, since there is
nothing unusual in this. What We have found a little surprising, however, is
that, whereas the people of Eritrea have always supported their freedom and
gallantry by deeds, there should still exist among a people with such a fine
record of history some hypocrites who are serving as instruments for marring
past history and betraying it to aliens.
You know that, though small in number, there have
always been among us some alien puppets. Though they are insignificant in
number, we can attain practical results in the endeavours of progress we are
making only if there is absolute unity among ourselves. We have been patient
until now with the hope that they will improve sooner or later through
examining for themselves the current international situation and thereby learn
something from it. This hope was based on the belief that when any people
acquires its freedom and runs on its own, it will have more appreciation for
the love of country and people, and so create absolute unity.
In the days when supremacy of arms decided
victory, it was through Eritrea that the enemy successively carried out acts of
aggression on us; today, our enemies are trying to conduct propaganda campaigns
against us through this same part. If Eritrea, as Ethiopia’s outlet, now
becomes the scene of a propaganda campaign as it was the entrance of the enemy
to the country, who is to lose and who is to gain? The people of Eritrea have
felt what it means to live under foreign rule during the 60 years of
subjugation. The other parts of Ethiopia have also experienced alien domination
during the five years of tribulation.
Fought for
Eritrea
As such there can hardly be any other who knows
the disadvantages and advantages of foreign rule better than we do. Who was
there to voice the cause of Eritreans either on international or other forums
during all that period when we were separated and at which time you were
sweltering under the heels of colonialism? Did not those who are now trying to
divide some of us through using some traitors as instruments, then know of the
existence of Eritrea? Was there any nation or government which, other than
organizing itself, had uttered a word on religious lines before the time
Ethiopia was fighting on the international arena for the rights of her brothers
after she fought for her freedom following the Second World War?
Ethiopia began fighting for the liberation of Eritrea
long before she recovered from the economic depletion suffered through the war.
Ethiopia made this struggle in the interest of Eritrea because she knew that
Eritreans are her blood-brothers.
You know that there are a lot of reasons for
Ethio-Eritrean oneness. The relation of the people of Eritrea with Ethiopia is
not confined to the political aspect. Not only are the two people joined by
culture, geography and language, but historically the Adoulis heritage shows
that the other Ethiopian tribes originated from Eritrea. Throughout Ethiopia’s
long record as an independent entity, Eritrea was separated from us for only 60
years and even if we were separated by political and artificial barriers during
this short span of time, we were unseparated in our way of life and mutual
feeling.
Throughout the period when Eritrea was under
colonial rule, a great number of not only those elders who previously knew the
value of liberty, but also Eritrean youth who were born during the foreign
occupation and who subsequently left their parents fled to Our Capital. This is
adequately proved by the large number of Eritreans who, since a long time,
disseminated in other parts of Ethiopia, found jobs in various government
institutions and other services and thus lived among us. It is equally known
that every time they came to us we sent them, knowing that they were
time-separated brothers, to various places for higher education abroad. Upon
their return they were placed in responsible positions so that they may be
helpful and a source of pride to Ethiopia and particularly to their foreign
dominated kinsmen. Though We need not elaborate on this list of people, the
ones who are still alive from among those who got this opportunity are living
evidences of this fact.
Valiant
Stand
When our country was invaded, a great number of
Eritreans, who were physically and otherwise fit, abandoned the enemy and
fought on our side at Maichew and Neghelli. Those who survived death have made
valiant stands with patriots throughout the five years, by deeds of patriotism
and shown with their blood that we are one and the same. Though We do not
mention the names of those whom we know and ones who were with Us on the
battlefield, their memories will be passed on in the pages of
history. When later on the federation of Eritrea with the motherland was being
debated, they came on Our side recalling their past historical riches, and
proved Our historical oneness before the world forum.
Those
who, in the light of all these historical ties and evidence of unity, are
coming between Us on religious, ethnical and other grounds are doing so not for
our benefit but for that of their own. This can be easily understood. That former
colonial powers are benefiting from creating discord among geographically,
economically, historically and ethnically linked people in Africa and other
parts of the world in order to maintain their former authority is known not
only to those who can read but to the illiterate as well. Nobody knows better
than We Africans that the policy of divide and rule are the aspirations of
those who seek to benefit at others’ expense. That it is the obsolete method of
dividing to rule in order to rule by divining is apparent.
Being
aware of the attacks and tricks of imperialism, Ethiopia has been the first
African country who waged war against such powers and through her unity, has
preserved her liberty through victories as in the recent case of Adua. More
than being an example to the rest of the African states, after the Second World
War, Ethiopia struggled alone in International Conferences, for African
independence with no other free African nations to support her as at present.
No greater testimony could be available to the resistance made by Our patriots
against the enemy on seven fronts with the use of out-dated weapons than the
heroic activities of Our fathers, relying upon God the Almighty.
Bad
Intention
You should be aware of the fact, that as Ethiopia has
been a country which fought against imperialism more than any other, those who
approach you with a contradictory propaganda against Ethiopia do so with the
intention of belittling our historical standing considering Us as wishing to
use our power to control others. Being proud of Our admirable and outstanding
history We have been enthusiastically engaged in guarding Our own rights and
there has been no time that We interfered in the internal affairs of other
countries. We have signed and respected the resolutions passed by the
Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung, that no one nation shall interfere in the
domestic affairs of another. We shall continue to uphold this policy for future
use also. It is up to the Ethiopian people to consider the short-comings and
difficulties in their internal administration and solve it by themselves.
Ethiopia does not desire to exist by formulating false external propaganda with
the intention of hiding her internal difficulties.
That unity is the basic foundation for progress in
this era is being proved through the massive movement made in Europe, the
Middle East as well as by African countries towards reaching this goal. We will
waste no more time in details since there is no one here unaware of the
strength to be gained through unity in the protection of a country.
Existing conditions have made it impossible for the
former colonialist powers to remain in Africa. They have resorted to the idea
of dividing the peoples. You are aware that conferences are being held to
federate in order not to lose their independence through the man-made
boundaries laid by the colonialists. Ethiopia has consistently expressed her
desire for African solidarity as a participant in these same conferences.
There are certain states who participate as supporters
in conferences held for African unity and are at the same time engaged in acts
that would divide Africa. Can we then accept this as in support to Our cause?
No doubt that people of a country who have fought incessantly for their
independence understand that unity is the foundation of liberty. Co-operation
and unity are the sources of respect. It is also the source of strength. It has
been known from time immemorial in human history that no person is able to
understand and solve one’s own problem than one’s self.
False Propaganda
There is no better example than the privilege enjoyed
by the Muslims and other foreigners in engaging themselves in all kinds of
business activities in this country to disprove the false propaganda made
against Ethiopia in connection with religious and racial discrimination.
Why did the Islamic population of Ethiopia remain
faithful and fight along with Us as patriots for the independence of their
country if they had been discriminated against in religion according to the
false saying? Especially the Arabs and Muslims of the neighbouring countries,
have been closely tied up with Us from the time of the Prophet Mohammed, not
only geographically, but also in blood relations, and other Arab nationalities
are residing, widely scattered throughout the whole land in the cities, towns
and the countryside, running large business and commercial enterprises with no
restrictions for residence permits and passports like other aliens are doing in
accordance with the law of Our country. Equal rights granted to foreigners and
equally to all Ethiopians without any religious or racial discrimination is an
outstanding example to prove the compatibility of the Ethiopian policy and
administration. Would it be possible for foreign Muslims to migrate into
Ethiopia in excessive number and live and assimilate here for three or four
generations if the Government practised any religious discrimination against
them? It is because of the long-standing friendship, dating back to the past
several centuries, that they are permitted freely to lead their own society
from generation to generation and that We never stopped the Muslims from
transferring the wealth they acquired in Ethiopia with an ample opportunity not
enjoyed in any other country, for the economic development of their respective
governments.
It is probably due to the increase in the number of
defaulting debtors that Our generosity has not been acknowledged.
The fact that Ethiopia’s kindness and goodwill has not
been acknowledged by the beneficiaries led Us to mention all this and to make
known at the same time Our ability to react to the full extent to any criticism
not only to show how baseless is the propaganda on religious matters launched
against Us, but to explain that the effect will be only harmful to its
instigators.
Mutual Respect
It is not only through acceptance of foreign
immigrants from neighbouring countries that Ethiopia has maintained good
relationship with other nations, but also by respecting in good faith the
diplomatic sentiments of these same countries. When international questions
arise directly affecting her neighbours, Ethiopia cautiously takes her time
before making any rash decisions. It must be realized that Ethiopia passes her
own resolutions only after those countries affected have taken a deliberate
consideration of the question. It is not out of fear that Ethiopia pays special
attention to the resolutions freely passed by countries that claim to be bound
by religious ties, but it is for the sake of maintaining the feeling of
friendship and to respect the spirit of understanding. Furthermore, it is in
realization of the fact that love, generosity and understanding are evidence of
the administrative experience of any government.
As for development in the economic field, Eritrea has
partaken in the progress so far achieved by the whole of Ethiopia. In the study
of the development programme of the Empire, the economic problems of Eritrea
have been considered with the other twelve parts of Ethiopia on equal footing.
Lying as she does at our sea outlet, and since her agricultural potential
cannot be developed as much as those of the other part of Ethiopia, Eritrea
has, in fact, had a greater share with respect to water power, the construction
of means of communication as well as industries and ports.
In the period of the last ten years which followed the
re-union of Eritrea with the motherland, a total of more than $74,819,817 has
been allotted to the general economic development of the area. This money has
gone for work on the construction of roads, airport, the opening of air communications,
schools, hospitals, clinics, as well as the training of nurses, the setting up
of development projects, the building of churches and mosques. In addition, you
all know that We have done everything possible to help by way of exempting you
from taxes when locusts occasionally destroyed the harvest or when a general
epidemic struck the territory.
Part of Ethiopia
As Eritrea is a part of Ethiopia, were it not for
other reasons, it would have been unnecessary to make mention of what has
especially been done for her. As long as God offers Us the opportunity to do
so, it is Our wish to improve on it and help more. What led Us to talk on this
is the false propaganda of certain detractors who talk as if nothing has been
done for Eritrea.
We
are concerned with the advancement of the people of Eritrea for the future as
well. Since industrial progress and development works are linked with the
culture, climatic conditions, sources of power and raw materials, no project
will get underway before the necessary study is first made. In accordance with
this, We have decided to set up a federally composed development committee. The
committee, planned to start work shortly, will be entrusted with the task of
studying the condition, needs and requirements of Eritrea with a view to
working on projects best suited to solve existing problems and improve the
standard of living of our people.
With
the aim of speeding up agricultural development, We had earlier rather hastily
dammed Zula. A further study was, however, found to be necessary. The result of
the study, made by an American research bureau has now been received. It is for
this reason that work on the dam has been delayed. On the basis of the study
for the work remaining to be done before the dam reaches completion, it has
been made known to Us that a further $19,000,000 would be required. Since it
would take time to complete the dam with the amount of money allotted for the
job, We have further been given to understand that it would be advisable for
farmers to settle in the Zula valley while work is going on there. Since it has
been found out to be a basic requirement to create an organization that would
supervise the remaining work and see to it that the farmers settle in the place
in question according to plan, We have decided to set up a department – to be
administered by a special board – the Zula Valley Authority.
You have to understand much more that development
programmes and administrative reforms can only be carried out when law and
order is maintained in the area. When a certain outlaw takes to hiding as a
result of his own criminal acts, foreign enemies and those among us who allowed
themselves to be used as the tool of alien propaganda have, by attempting to
make this appear as if it had any political aim, endangered the peace and the
right of people to their property. We have realized how detrimental the effect
of this has been on the country’s economy. The maintenance of a more adequate
order in future is a matter of concern. We have passed orders to Lt. General
Abbiye Abebe and Bitwoded Asfaha to see to it, as Brig-General Tedla Oukbit has
done along with the Police, that the work is done.
Taxes Remitted
We will pay the taxes, due for the last two years, of
those people whose harvests have been destroyed by locusts.
We are doing this so that the Eritrean treasury may
not face a deficit.
What We wish to remind not only the people of Eritrea
but those of the entire Ethiopian Empire as well is the fact, that for
countries such as ours that are not economically developed, poverty and
ignorance are our common enemies. It is evident that any opposing force can
only undermine our efforts with the support of these same two weaknesses. For
this reason, the eradication of poverty and ignorance is a tested reason, of
attaining meaningful independence free of economic and political dependence.
The means of destroying poverty and ignorance are education and work. Mere talk
is the instrument of the lazy and would not take us anywhere. The aim of those
leaders that is based on ambition for power and personal gain is one with no
firm foundation and will, consequently, crumble easily.
We would like to make it clear to you that, as We have
already repeatedly pointed out, you should bear in mind that unity is the most
lasting foundation for progress and development, as well as for greatness and
freedom. To imagine our transitory existence here on earth to be permanent and
not to make what we say correspond with what we feel and think is detrimental
to a country and its people and is something that could be considered as
pushing ourselves into an unforeseen precipice.
The age we are living in is one in which the value of
unity is being appreciated more than ever before. On ourpart, we have triumphed
over the attempt that was made to divide us. A foreign hand is concerned about
itself: it will not work for us. It is essential that we bear in mind the fact
that at a time when we are exploring ways and means of forging unity with
neighbouring countries, division among ourselves will not only be an obstacle
but that it will also open the door to our enemies. May God the Almighty guide
you in the carrying out of the heavy responsibility with which We have
entrusted you.
June 27, 1962.
Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie
– page 462 –
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