Donnerstag, 28. August 2014

28.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - Adress to the Nation August 28,1959



Upon completion of two-month State Visits
His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I ad-
dressed the Nation over Radio Addis Ababa
from the Guennet Leul Palace on August 28,1959.


"In the belief that it will help create understanding
and co-operation in the world, and out of particular
consideration for the welfare and well-being of Our
beloved people and country, We have from time to time
during the past five years journeyed to visit friendly
countries in the Americas, the United Kingdom, Europe
and the Far East.
After successfully completing Our recent long
journey on invitations extended to Us from among
friendly countries, namely the U.A.R., the U.S.S.R.,
Czechoslovakia, Belgium, France, Portugal and Yugosla-
via, We are now happy and thankful to Almighty God to
find Ourself in the midst of Our beloved people.
On Our return from our previous journeys, We had
made known to you the impressions left with Us by the
reception extended to Us in the countries which We then
visited. Because We believe that the very admirable
reception and sincere expression of friendship extended to
Us by the peoples and leaders of the countries that We
visited recently were also directed to you, We desire to
share with you the sentiments of these visits. We shall
presently make known Our tasks regarding Our future
programmes for the socio-economic development of Our
country.
Our first stop in Our long journey was the U.A.R.
As We had accepted the invitation of H.E. President
Gamal Abdel-Nasser to visit the U.A.R., We stayed in
that neighbouring country from the 24th to the 29th of
June. During Our stay in the U.A.R. We discussed with
President Abdel-Nasser matters of mutual interest to our
two countries and international affairs. We also visited
various national centres and institutions of economic
and social interest and importance.
From the start of Our visit in the U.A.R., the warm
and cordial reception and the spontaneous expression of
friendship extended to Us by President Gamal Abdel
Nasser and other leaders of the Government and the
people of the country wherever We went, created in Us
a feeling of great pleasure and satisfaction.
As you know, the relation between Ethiopia and the
U.A.R. has its beginnings thousands of years ago. The
peoples of the two countries, apart from being neighbours
have common aspirations and ideals, and are also bound
by a common link which is the Great Blue Nile. During
Our visit We discussed matters of mutual interest to our
two countries, problems common to this region, as well
as the general situation of the world. In particular, We
are most satisfied that We were able to make personal
acquaintance with President Gamal Abdel-Nasser and
to hold frank and friendly discussion with him regarding
matters of common interest to our two nations and to
have been able to reach complete understanding.
What We witnessed during Our brief stay in the
U.A.R. regarding the progress of the industry and
economy of the country was commendable. We were
impressed by the hard work and struggle of the people to
improve their standard of living.
From the many important achievements of Our
visit, one which has given Us great satisfaction was the
successful completion of the agreement regarding the
relation of our two Churches. During Our reign We
have spared no efforts to attain the greatness that is due
to the Ethiopian Church which has been an island of
Christianity in the Continent of Africa. We are most
thankful to Almighty God to have witnessed the fruits
of Our efforts during Our reign by the elevation of an
Ethiopian to the Patriarchate of the Ethiopian Church.
After Egypt, We visited the Soviet Union. Although
a few years have passed since We accepted an invitation
to visit the Soviet Union, for various reasons We have
not been able to go there earlier, We have not been able
to visit that great country with which Ethiopia for a long
time has maintained friendly relations.
One of the famous generals of the era of Peter the
Great was Abraham Hanibal, who was an Ethiopian,
and whose great grandson was the celebrated poet,
Alexander Pushkin. We can therefore, say that we
have had a continued relations with the Soviet Union in
the military and cultural fields.
In addition to the medical aid which the Soviet
Union has provided to Ethiopia, during the battle of
Adwa and now in Our era, and, apart from the assistance
We were able to obtain from that country through the
Red Cross doctors during the Fascist invasion, the
Soviet Union supported Our stand in the League of
Nations for the freedom of Our country, and it was one
of the few great powers that did not recognise the occupa-
tion of Our country by the Fascist aggressors.
From the moment of Our arrival in the Soviet
Union, the warm and great reception accorded to Us by
the peoples and their leaders, whose hospitality is well known,
was beyond Our expectation. Although it takes
a long time to visit the whole of the Soviet Union, during
Our fortnight stay there We were most impressed to see
how the peoples of the Soviet Union have been able to
recover from the aftermath of a devastating war,
carrying out full reconstruction within a short period of
time and achieving remarkable progress in the economic,
industrial, scientific, technical and social fields, and thus
establishing themselves, within the span of forty years,
as one of the great powers of Our time.
In the talks which we had with the leaders of the
Soviet Union concerning our two countries in particular
and world peace in general, We reached full understanding.
Moreoever, we were able to make personal
acquaintance with Mr. Voroshilov, the President of the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, and Mr. Khrushchev,
the Prime Minister of the Soviet Union, and we had
frank and friendly exchange of views on various matters
and reached full agreement on all of them. As the
result of our talks, agreements have been signed between
our two governments for economic co-operation and the
widening of the scope of our cultural and commercial
relations. Apart from this it is a measure of satisfaction
to us all to have obtained a long-term loan of four
hundred million (400.000.000) roubles at low interest to
finance Ethiopia's Five-Year Plan and the various other
projects designed for the economic development of the
country and the raising of the standard of living of Our
people.
Ethiopia has abundant natural resources. However
because of lack of capital, it has not been possible to
develop these natural resources for the benefit of the
people. It is to exploit these natural resources and to
carry out the Five-Year Plan for the benefit of Our
people that We have acquired credits from friendly
countries such as the United States, Yugoslavia, the
Federal Republic of Germany and Czechoslovakia.
We believe that the assistance We obtained from the
Soviet Union will greatly enhance the exploitation of our
natural resources and the development of our economy.
After Our sojourn in the U.S.S.R. came to an end,
We visited Czechoslovakia from the 13th to the 17th of
July. The relations between Ethiopia and Czechos-
lovakia are of long standing. It was from this country
that Ethiopia was able to acquire most of the arms and
munitions needed to defend her jealously guarded independence
against the Fascist invaders. Czechoslovakia
was among the very few nations that courageously raised
their voices in denouncing the Fascist invasion and in
giving Us support in Our plan to the League of Nations.
It is often said that "a friend in need is a friend indeed".
For this reason, among others, Ethio-Czech relations
are based on a firm and proven foundation. In the
early part of the postwar period, when Our defence
means were limited, We turned to Czechoslovakia for
the purchase of modern arms and the establishment of a
munitions factory. You are all aware of the credit
advanced to Our Government by the Czechoslovak
Government for the purchase of equipment for our
hospitals and other public health services.
The warm, cordial and great reception that was
accorded Us by the leaders and people of this friendly
nation has once more proved to Us the existence of
genuine and sincere friendship between our two nations.
During Our sojourn in Czechoslovakia, we were able
to visit great industrial establishments, agricultural
centres, institutions of higher learning and other famous
historical places. We were highly impressed by the
tremendous progress achieved in the industrial as well
as in the general economic field by the Czechoslovak
people, especially in the post-war period.
Just as We have discussed and exchanged views with
other leaders of the countries We have visited, We had a
fruitful exchange of views with President Antonin
Novonty on matters of common interest to our two
nations as well as on general matters that concern world
peace. The discussions and exchange of views were
conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and
we were able to reach complete understanding. We
have agreed to conclude economic and technical assis-
tance agreements, as well as a cultural agreement, with a
view to the further development and strengthening of the
economic and cultural ties between our two countries.
The Czechoslovak Government has expressed its willingness
to help Us in Our effort to develop our nation's
economy and to raise the standard of living of Our people
by making it possible for Us to purchase from that country
industrial and agricultural equipments by way of credit,
which will greatly assist Us in the implementation of Our
economic plans.
After Our visit to Czechoslovakia came to an end,
We visited for three days the Kingdom of Belgium with
which Ethiopia has maintained friendly relations for a
a long time. The friendly reception that was accorded
Us by His Majesty King Baudouin, the Government
officials and the people of Belgium, was cordial. We
are pleased to have had an opportunity to meet King
Baudouin in person and to have been able to exchange
views on various subjects. We were able to gather that
the people of Belgium have reposed great hopes on the
King and that King Baudouin is a kind and understanding
person. During Our short stay in Belgium We
visited modern industrial establishments and various
places of interest. By so doing, We were able to see for
Ourself the progress achieved in the economic as well as in
other fields by Belgium since Our first visit there thirty-
five years ago. We believe that Our recent visit has
further strengthened the relations between our two
countries.
After the conclusion of Our visit to Belgium, We
stayed in Paris for two days. All of you are aware of the
long and friendly relations that have existed between
Ethiopia and France. The cordial welcome accorded Us
by the people and Government of France, both recently
and when We officially visited France four years ago
was a manifestation of the friendly feelings which the
people of France entertain towards the people of
Ethiopia
Not only did We renew Our friendship with
General de Gaulle, President of the Republic of France,
which We had cultivated during the time when our two
countries, were under hard trials, but We also conducted
fruitful discussions concerning economic, commercial
and cultural relations existing between Ethiopia and
France. We also reached mutual understanding in
broad discussion of mutual concern to our two countries,
and, in general, exchanged views concerning interna-
tional peace. General de Gaulle, whose greatness is
well known in Ethiopia, has a friendly regard towards
Our country.
On the invitation of the President of Portugal, We
visited the Portugese Republic from the 26th to the 31st
July. Portugal is one of the friendly countries with
which Ethiopia has had contact since the end of the
Fifteenth Century.
The spontaneous and friendly welcome accorded
Us during Our visit by the Government and people of
Portugal has left a deep impression on Us. We had
discussions with President Admiral Americo Thomas
and the well-known Prime Minister, Mr. Salazar,
concerning relations between our two countries and in-
ternational peace. A cultural agreement was signed
between our two Governments in order to develop the
cultural ties that were first established in the Sixteenth
Century and to study and make known the history of the
two countries.
During Our short stay in the Federal Republic of
Germany We were pleased to have had the opportunity
to meet the President, Professor Hess, and to discuss
with him matters of common interests.
Continuing Our visit to friendly countries, on the
invitation of Our Great Friend H.E. Marshal Tito We
visited the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia
from the 15th to the 23rd of August.
As you know, We have, during a period of five
years, visited Yugoslavia twice, and H.E. Marshal Tito
has, in about the same period of time, visited Ethiopia
twice. This is proof of the firm and friendly ties that
exist between our two countries. Yugoslavia has not
only granted Ethiopia a loan for the realisation of the
programme initiated for the economic development of
Ethiopia, but has also extended assistance in the form of
experts in the field of medicine and other various technical
matters. These aids have shown fruitful results to the
greatest satisfaction of both sides. Even though the
two countries have different economic and internal
political systems, these dissimilarities have not been
obstacles to mutual understanding, co-operation and
working together in a friendly spirit. This, We believe,
is exemplary.
During Our stay in Yugoslavia, while visiting
various regions and industrial centres, We were highly
impressed and touched by the true and friendly welcome
and reception accorded Us by Our Great Friend Marshal
Tito, his associates and the peoples of Yugoslavia. The
development works and industrial centres which We
visited were symbols of the amazing progress Yugoslavia
has achieved in the socio-economic field in the last five
years since We first visited Yugoslavia. In the course of
Our recent stay in Yugoslavia We discussed with Marshal
Tito matters concerning the relationship of our two
countries and explored ways and means to further
strengthen the economic and commercial ties between
our two nations. We also broadly discussed general
international affairs. In the course of our discussions
we reached as in the past, full understanding and identity
of views.
It is undeniable that We have gained a great benefit
and assistance for Our, country and have increased its
prestige by Our visits to friendly countries on various
occasions during the past five years. Similarly, Our
recent visits, in addition to the fact that it has strengthened
Our relations with friendly countries, was ensued by
great political results and has enabled Us to secure
credit to permit Us to implement the economic development
projects which will raise the standard of living of
Our beloved people.
All of you are aware that Ethiopia's foreign policy
is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter
as well as on the Bandung and Accra Declarations.
These principles which We have long cherished and for
which We have striven are, among other, collective
security, peaceful and active-co-existence, non-interference
in the internal affairs of other countries, respect
for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other
nations and peaceful settlements of all disputes among
nations.
Of the countries which We visited during Our
recent trip, there are some whose economic and
political systems are different from Ours. We believe
that these are made to serve the particular needs of
each country and are matters of domestic concern to
each nation, and for this reason We do not believe
that such differences in political and economic systems
should stand as a hindrance to the understanding,
collaboration and cooperation among nations on
important matters that are of common concern.
Therefore, the misinterpretation that was placed by
certain circles upon the meeting and discussions which
We have had with the leaders of the countries that We
have visited, was not because they were not fully
aware of the fact that Ethiopia's foreign policy is based
upon the above mentioned principles, but, rather, it
seems that this misinterpretation was intended to
create an atmosphere that will serve their own particular
interests.
In this age when man through his knowledge
of science has created dangerous weapons to destroy
himself, the responsibility of the great powers for the
maintenance of world peace is well known to everyone.
We believe that the exchange of visits by Statesmen
to talk over matters on which their points of views
differ will greatly help remove the misunderstandings
and mistrust prevailing among States. One of the aims
of Our visit to friendly countries was to implement
and strengthen this belief of Ours. After Our visit to
the Soviet Union, We were happy to hear of the forth-
coming exchange of visits between Mr. Krushchev,
Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the U.S.S.R.
and Mr. Eisenhower, President of the United States of
America. It is believed that the meeting of the two
leaders will remove the dangerous situation now pre-
vailing in the world and create an atmosphere of peace.
We have expressed Our hope and best wishes and those
of Our people that the talks they will hold during their
meeting will be fruitful.
In all the countries that We have visited We have
felt that all peoples are greatly concerned about the
maintenance of world peace.
The peoples of the world today, as in the past,
desire to work for the improvement of their standard
of living and to live in peace. We do not agree with the
point of view that the present unstable situation is the
result of differences in the political, economic and
social systems among nations.
Even though it is not possible to cite in history
an era in which all the peoples of the world were in
complete agreement on all things, nevertheless they
have not been prevented from working in cooperation
for their mutual benefit.
The purpose and aims of Our visit are well known
to all of you. However, We desire that you share with
Us the main objectives of Our visit. These major
objectives were the following: to find ways and
means of raising the standard of living of Our people
and the economic development of Our country; to
discuss with leaders of friendly countries and acquire
aid for the implementation of the porgramme which
We have initiated for the progress of Our country;
to observe personally their development projects,
and choose from amongst them those projects that We
believe will aid in the raising of the standard of living
of Our people, and which will not only show fruitful
results within Our time, but will be also a firm and
unshakable foundation for generations to come so
that all will work and struggle in a united effort for
the welfare and prosperity of Our nation. Desirous that
all Ethiopians will faithfully follow and give full support
to the development programmes initiated by Us for
the further progress of Our Nation, We would like
to cite as an example some of the things which, during
Our former and recent visits, We have closely examined
and personally witnessed and which We have chosen
as being useful to the progress of Our people. In all
the countries that We have toured, We have observed
that the great fine arts so far achieved were preceded by
many thousands of years of fine arts development
attained by human effort. For example during Our so-
journ. We have seen cathedrals, public buildings,
edifices and monuments constructed and ornated with
gold, diamonds, marble and precious stones. We were
also impressed by the collection of fine arts achieved
by the great masters of the past.
In connection with these achievements, when We
enquire into the origins of the attempt of man to
utilise this knowledge and went beyond these to extend
the directions of his enquiry without limit, We find the
reason for all these to be the desire of man to be
diligent and to widen the horizon of his knowledge.
Although the beginnings of civilisation of each
country vary in time, the fundamental factors which
gave impetus to each country to awaken and embark
on the road to progress to reach their present level
of development are those qualities which are enshrined
in the nature of man, namely, desire and fortitude.
The present high standard of development has been
achieved through the accumulation of knowledge from
time immemorial. We would like Our people to realise
that this is not something that has been accomplished
at one stage nor by coincidence, nor has this stage
been reached in one generation, but is the result of the
toil, fortitude and sacrifices of succeeding generations.
We have been prompted to refer briefly to the history
of civilisation because it is Our constant endeavour that
all Ethiopians, in their attempt to satisfy their material
needs, to invigorate their energy, eradicate idleness and
generate an unceasing desire for better and more things,
shall elevate their standard of living to that of the people
inhabiting other parts of the world and be able to
spare for others.
It is a fact that the knowledge and wealth that We
had inherited from Our ancestors which has been
plundered and lost, could be excavated and discovered.
But what we possess today has been initiated and
established in Our lifetime.
It is by the understanding of past difficulties that
We can bequeath fundamental guidances which would
be of pride to the coming generations: We, therefore,
urge Our people to struggle and to make sacrifices for
those things which will enable them to ameliorate
their conditions of life and leave a richer heritage.
We wish to recall to Our people what St. Paul said:
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on
the armour of light. Let us wa1k honestly, as the day".
The Ethiopian people are conscious of their destiny and
can strive to achieve their ideals. In our study of the
various social systems during Our extended tour, We
have found that the reason for their successful progress
lies in the fact that they have accumulated enough
capital which, in turn, made it possible for them to
carry out better farming, finance mining projects to
serve their industry, harness their rivers, and in general
exploit their natural resources.
It is only through their achievements and not
because of the difference in their innate ability nor in
their numerical superiority that some countries have
attained a high degree of progress while those which
have not fully developed and utilised their inborn
abilities and thereby lagged behind in tapping their
natural resources have been labelled "underdeveloped."
The latter have become the dumping-ground of the
expensive manufactured goods of the former.
The only way to safeguard Ethiopia's political and
economic independence is for her to make progress and
stand on her own feet by exerting greater effort. When
We compare Our country with others, We can say that
the forests, the rivers, the mountains and the plains
constitute wealth. We should all be proud of these
fortunate blessings, with which Almighty God has
endowed our country.
Brace yourselves for hard work and pull your
resources to compete with others in the economic and
commercial activities of your motherland. Let each one
of us be conscious of his responsibilities and firmly
discharge his obligations, thereby becoming master of his
own destiny. It is better to till the land rather than to
bicker on trivial matters. It is better to exploit effectively
a small tract of land rather than to proclaim as being
the owner of vast idle land.
Our waterfalls are sources of immense power and
energy when properly harnessed. Use these waters to
irrigate your land and you will be able to have two
harvests annually. The naked mountains and hills are
as useful as the plains below. Plant them with fir trees,
teak-woods, eucalyptus and other trees, and within a
short time you will increase the forest resources of your
country.
Tend your livestock. Just as one cannot harvest
unless he cultivates his land, so also one cannot expect
good results from his livestocks unless he tends them
carefully.
You have a rich land that yields a variety of products.
Do not be contented with the satisfaction of your bare
needs, but instead cultivate your land among others with
oleogenous plants, the seeds of which you can export for
your greater benefit. Use the forest woods to make
furniture and implements and exchange them for money.
Your workmanship will be a monument to your name.
One should realise that thriftiness is the basis for the
accumulation of wealth and the economic growth of a
nation. One seldom minimises the value of money
earned by the sweat of the brow however small it may
be, but for the extravagant even a huge amount of money
is worthless. Know how to use your money wisely and
effectively. A habit once formed becomes an incurable
second nature. Therefore utilise your wealth for worthwhile
things and avoid employing it for harmful purposes
and for momentary pleasures.
What are the things you possess? What was your
objective in acquiring them? Learn how to spend wisely
and the increase of your wealth will eventually be your
guide.
Use your savings where it will pay you most. The
hoarding of money does not yield dividends! If you
wish your savings to pay you higher dividends, join
it with those of your fellow citizens. It is through hard
work, know-how and patience that you will be able to
increase your capital. The foundation and essential
characteristics of a healthy society are mutual trust and
confidence. Unless man undertakes the improvement of
his society in co-operation with others, his striving for
wealth becomes mere wishes. Do not be the victims of
temporary contentment and petty satisfactions. Aspire
for worthwhile aims that shall be ideals for succeeding
generations.
The prosperity of each individual constitutes the
wealth of Our nation which will eventually enable Us to
expand the schools and hospital that We have established
for the welfare of Our people. The expansion of public
health services will decrease the mortality rate and increase
Our population.
Just as a farm that is not taken care of cannot be
free of weeds, so is also the development of a society.
It cannot be denied that there are some people who have
scrupulously or unscrupulously attempted to or have
acquired wealth. If the wealth of a person cannot be for
the general welfare, what would he gain for himself and
his offsprings but grudge and hatred? The fruits of
One's sweat and mental labour are always rewarding, not
only to oneself but also to his succeeding generations.
Be resolute in your work and attempt to complete
whatever you undertake; if you face failure, try again and
persist in your determination to attain your aim. Develop
a healthy pursuit of life and do not limit your efforts to
satisfying your selfish desires.
In particular, Our youth must be steadfast and take
advantage of the benefits of modern civilisation. Do
not fall prey to idleness for it shall be a curse to you and
to succeding generation. You must set yourselves up as
examples of determination and hard work. Plan your time
and use both your physical and mental powers purposefully
and productively.
We must remember that man's achievements in the
field of wireless communications, aviation, medical
sciences and many others have been accomplished
through the ages by patience and hard work, diligence,
perseverance and tenacity. It is in the light of these that
We urge Our youth to struggle constantly and unceasingly
to achieve their aims.
The fact that medical doctors, engineers, pilots, the
cadets, in the various military academies, nurses, teachers
and the many other professionals, have been successfully
trained in the various schools that We have established,
will serve as an illustration of what We have stated above.
Convinced that capital and labour are necessary ingredients
for wealth and prosperity and that these two factors
are absolute essentials for the economic development of
Our Gountry, and believing that Our beloved people shall
apply itself to the task of its economic progress, We have
acquired loans from friendly countries.
Henceforth, the next step for each Ethiopian,
wherever he may be and whatever his endeavours are,
is to follow Our directions and to devote himself as-
siduously to the execution of Our plan for the betterment
of Our country. If we a fail to use profitably the
credit which We have acquired for the development of
our communications system, port facilities and the
establishment of industries, we shall have brought a
heavy liability, not only upon ourselves but upon succeeding
generations.
Ethiopians, have courage and brace yourselves.
Unless you improve your lot by the sweat of your brow
nobody will shoulder your responsibilities. Provided
that you pursue your task with unswerving dedication,
We, on Our part, shall do everything possible to assist
you in your forward march.
Just as We have done it in the past, We shall make
available to you through various experts, directives which
will serve as your guide in your work.
We have instructed the municipalities to prepare
and make available to you at little cost various types of
seedlings. We shall organise teams of experts who will
give you advice and counsel in the fields of agriculture
and public health. We shall set up groups of experts
who will give you advice and counsel in co-operative
farming and trading.
For the purpose of cultivating oleogenous plants
and to the end that you may have better marketing
possibilities, We shall make available to you experts.
We shall organise for you a team of experts to study
your needs and the ways and means of improving the
quality of crops and trading systems in relation to the
present economic and marketing conditions.
As We hold Our people in great affection so do they
entertain great feellings of affection towards Us. As a
father should bequeath not only wealth to his children
but also provide them with proper education so that
they may have a richer and fuller life, so should it be the
duty of those for whom much has been done to show
gratitude. Therefore, let us unite Our efforts to show
in deeds what We profess in words.
In conclusion, since the ideas that We have con-
ceived and the projects that have been planned for the
development of the country can best materialise by the
incessant efforts of Our people and the application of
everyone's ability in harmonious co-operation, We
call upon Our people to be steadfast in this noble
and challenging undertaking.
May Almighty God sustain Us to realise these high
ideals. "



Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 143 -






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