23.09. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - AIRMEN CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTRY’S SELF-DEFENCE

AIRMEN CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTRY’S

SELF-DEFENCE

….. We feel happy because we believe that the knowledge you have acquired will be put to the advantage of the country’s progress and that your service will greatly strengthen the country’s ability for self-defence, and so help it in attaining the stage of progress. We also feel that the service you will render will bring Our efforts to fruition.

Having personally witnessed the knowledge and flying ability you have acquired in the course of your studies, We can say that you have reached a stage worthy of praise. However, the knowledge you have so far acquired can only serve you as a basis for further endeavours and you will be considered as experts and be of real service to your country only if you faithfully maintain the good name earned by your outfit and strive to bring a good reputation to your country and people.

As you may judge for yourselves, the airplanes that will be here in the future are very much different from those that have been used so far, and will therefore require greater imagination and ability to handle them. Those people who will be entrusted with their use will bear heavy responsibilities and will, therefore, be recruited very carefully. We feel that you also realize the need for attaching special importance to this aspect. However, and as much as you have been given sound education and a good start, you can fulfill your obligations only if you strive for higher and better endeavours. This must be your aim and goal in life.

Earlier we made reference to the good name you have earned. Your reputation is not only known to us but also to all Africa. To name but a few, carrier planes have been used to transport the Ethiopian contingent to the Congo, and since a year jet planes have also been made available for UN service in that Republic. Our planes have also been used at the time when our neighboring and brotherly people of Somalia were affected by flood. All these have helped in making Ethiopia better known in Africa. It can also be said that African countries sent their youth for training here with you because they were aware of the good name you have earned in the past.

We shall always strive to render you better facilities for education and also better quality equipment. Our thanks are due to all those whose help and support have been indispensable for crowning your efforts with success.

Sept. 23, 1962.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 34 –     

23.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - CORNERSTONE: ARTS BUILDING

Same Speech as  14.09. - 1 - 

CORNERSTONE: ARTS BUILDING

…. Man cannot live by bread alone. Man, after all, is also composed of intellect and soul ….. 

Education develops the intellect; and the intellect distinguishes man from other creatures. It is education that enables man to harness nature and utilize her resources for the well-being and improvement of his life. The key for the betterment and completeness of modern living is education.

But, “Man cannot live by bread alone.” Man, after all, is also composed of intellect and soul. Therefore, education in general, and higher education in particular, must aim to provide, beyond the physical, food for the intellect and soul. That education which ignores man’s intrinsic nature, and neglects his intellect and reasoning power cannot be considered true education.

A well organized education should not be one which prepares students for a good remuneration alone. It should be one that can help and guide them towards acquiring clear thinking, a fruitful mind, and an elevated spirit.

The educated person that Ethiopia and countries of her level needs is not one who had stuffed bits of knowledge into his mind. The needed educated individual is one who uses the ideas he obtained from his lectures, books, and discussions to the best advantage of his own country and his own people. It is he who disseminates new ideas in harmony with the economic and social aspects of his own community so that fruitful results would be realized. This is the educated person who can show segments of knowledge he accumulated in his learning, inventiveness in a new situation.

Ethiopia is a country with her own cultures and mores. These, our cultures and customs, more than being the legacy of our historical past, are characteristics of our Ethiopianness. We do not want our legacies and traditions to be lost. Our wish and desire is that education develop, enrich, and modify them.

You all know the continuous effort that Ethiopia is exerting for the development of a profound and high standard education. We need educated and trained persons for research, for the study and development of our country’s resources, for technology, for medicine, for the law, and the administration for our people according to their custom. These are the needs that constrain Us to provide, at all levels, education free of charge. And students, ever mindful of this privilege, should endeavour to recompense their country and nation.

The opportunity for education, afforded to the few in our country, is not given to them for a fashion or a mode. It is given for a purpose, for a task, for a high responsibility, for full and exhaustive use, for the benefit of our country, and the coming generation.

We have just explained to you the type of result, and responsibility that We expect from you students. It is on you, the members of the faculty that We must rely for this result. We realize the heavy responsibility We have entrusted to you. We hope that you too, while believing and accepting your responsibilities as your sacred duties, will produce for Ethiopia persons who take pride in you and their education and are ready for the call of service.

It is you who must mould the minds of your students – that they may be wise, farsighted, intelligent, profound in their thinking, devoted to their country and government and fruitful in their work. It is you who must serve as the example. On their part also, they will have to learn not only formal education but also self-discipline that should be worthy to be inherited. May the Almighty God be with you in the fulfillment of your duties.

Sep. 23, 1963.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 34 –     

21.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - TO U. S. ASTRONAUTS

TO U. S. ASTRONAUTS

We wish to express our sincere thanks for the message that has been sent by His Excellency President Johnson. We thank you also for the kind words you have said about our country. We are happy to receive you for many reasons: happy because human knowledge, at the present time, is being extended with the hope that mankind would benefit.

We are confident and sure that the world realizes today that as a result of the investigations and as a result of the courage you have shown, all humanity is going to benefit. Of course, it is one thing for us to be sitting at home and to follow events that are transpiring outside, while with extreme personal courage and at great personal risk, on behalf of humanity, you were undertaking a feat that has given you personal satisfaction and brought great honour to the country that you represent. As we said, your undertaking for advancement of science and on behalf of human good can only result in great collaboration of mankind, and as a result of this marvellous feat and achievement, there should be greater benefit to humanity in general.

It is through men that have dedicated themselves to scientific efforts that the human being has made so much progress. And it is because men like you have shown extreme personal courage for the future good of mankind that mankind has accomplished so much in scientific investigations. There is no doubt that through these scientific achievements mankind can advance. We are sure the pleasure accruing from what you have accomplished is not solely confined to ourselves. The pleasure must naturally go to the people of your country and to Us too. The result of your adventurous experiments and works is an admirable contribution from the point of view of all men who are interested in the advancement and progress of human society. Your space flight and subsequent flights that are to be undertaken by men like you give us confidence in the bright future of mankind.

We thank you very much for the presents, and please convey our heartfelt congratulations to President Johnson and all those people who are responsible for this. Again we would like to take particular note of your heroism and dedication to the cause of science.

Sept. 21, 1965.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 104 –   

20.09. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - U.N. AND WAR SETTLEMENT

U.N. AND WAR SETTLEMENT

….. The League of Nations failed and failed basically because of its inability to prevent aggression against my country. But, neither the depth of that failure nor the intervening catastrophes could dull the perception of the need and the search for peace through Collective Security. So it is that here in the United Nations we have dedicated ourselves anew to those high and indeed essential ideals, essential if the world is to continue on the path of peace …..

On the occasion of the opening of the fourth regular session of the General Assembly, We desire to convey to you Our earnest wishes for success in your important deliberations. We have no doubt that for these vital issues, on which depend the destiny of millions of human beings, you will endeavour to find just and equitable solutions. Among these and still long outstanding, is the settlement of the former Italian colonies. Needless to say that further delay to settle the question of the return of Eritrea and Somaliland to Ethiopia will not enhance the confidence of the peoples of the world and of these territories in particular. Time and again, it has been clearly demonstrated that these provinces formed an integral part of Ethiopia but were torn away from her by forces of aggression. The fact that these provinces once cut off from their Motherland could not lead an independent existence is unquestionable. Consequently, further delay will be of no help but will contribute to the deterioration of situations that have long been in great need of assistance. We trust that you will not fail to reach a just solution to enable the people of these provinces to rejoin the Motherland, Ethiopia, in the light of the long delayed fulfilment of the aspirations that have remained unchanged throughout sixty long years of enemy occupation and also in justification of the great sacrifices during the last World War by the Ethiopian and Allied forces for their liberation and well-being which otherwise would have been made in vain. We pray that the Almighty God enlightens you in this important decision.

Sept. 20, 1949.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 354 –   

20.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - REPLY TO U THANT IN KINSHASA OAU SUMMIT

 
Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 394 -

19.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - DEATH OF BLATENGETA HERUYE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

DEATH OF BLATENGETA HERUYE

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The man, whose last rites we now perform and who now goes to his 1ast resting place, is Blatengeta Heruye Wolde Selassie, a gentleman well-bred who stands among the foremost of Ethiopia's intellectuals.

This illustrious son of Our beloved country employed his intelligence and energies for the betterment of His country and was therefore selected for the high post of Minister of Foreign Affairs in Our Government. The books he wrote, which portray his noble character, and, especially those pertaining to history and theology, have made him renowned.

It is hardly necessary to say more of his intellectual attainments and how profoundly we feel about the greatness of his character, about his dedication to a purposeful life, his selfless devotion to help those in trouble, his respect for truth and justice and his burning patriotic zeal for his country – all of which touch Our heart deeply at this hour of his departure.

My loyal friend, Heruye! If Our words prove inadequate in extolling what you have done for your country to the fullest of your ability on this mournful occasion, your deeds themselves will certainly speak more convincingly.

Even though the storm of aggression that upset the tranquillity of the world brought you suffering and a severe test of your moral endurance, you did not permit it to overwhelm you. Now, however, it has become your fate to obey the order of the great and merciful Lord, a lot that befalls each and everyone of us in our turn. As it were, after you had accomplished what was within your bounds, you have slept, but although you depart from us physically, your works and your name will always remain among us.

Dear Heruye! As God the Almighty has permitted Us to lay to rest your bones, while your spirit joins with those of your forefathers. We bid you goodbye in this hospitable land to which we came as guests.

Sept. 19, 1938.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 644 –   

QHS - CHRIST - CENTRE OF LIFE

18.09. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - CONDOLENCE UPON THE DEATH OF DAG HAMMARSKJOELD

CONDOLENCE UPON THE DEATH OF

DAG HAMMARSKJOELD

We have been inexpressibly saddened and shocked by the tragic event which has claimed the life of the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization and his companions today. Once again death has stretched out its hand and snatched from our midst a statesman who could ill be spared in these troubled days. To his family and those of his entourage, We extend Our deepest condolences. His Excellency Mr. Dag Hammarskjoeld served as Secretary General of the United Nations for seven years. Throughout the entire period of his service he acted with honesty and integrity as a devoted and selfless international public servant in pursuance of the ideals of peace and the advancement of mankind which are the United Nations stated goals. He died fulfilling his duty to this organization and to all of us. As We mourn his untimely passing We hope that his tragic death will inspire us all to redouble our efforts to ensure the continued effectiveness of this institution as the guardian of the peace and the protector of the dignity of man.

Sept. 18, 1961.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 649 –   

18.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - Address TO THE NATION 18.09.1959

On Friday, September 18, 1959, His Imperial

Majesty Haile Selassie I delivered the following

address to the Nation, over Radio Addis

Ababa:

"The development programme that We have outlined

to you on Our return from Our recent visit to

friendly countries, has invoked an enthusiastic response

from you and We are happy to say that We are satisfied

of the unflinching support you have given to Our decisions

on this matter. As you are anxiously awaiting to see the

implementation of these programmes started, We would

like you to share with Us the high hope that We have

for the achievement of Our objectives relating to these

programmes.

We would like you to recognise that unity is in

itself strength. Form cooperative systems and work in

unity with your fellow-men for the benefit of the common

good.

Your eagerness to see the programmes implemented

has given Us great encouragement for carrying out Our

development objectives successfully for the benefit and

welfare of Our beloved people.

Therefore, out of the programmes that have been

worked out to be executed during the course of the year,

We have already selected those which should be given

priority, and the necessary arrangements have already

been completed for their realisation.

As we have already made it clear to you in Our

previous statement, capital is an essential prerequisite

for initiating all undertakings, whatever their nature.

We have, therefore, made credit available for

you which, when properly used, would enable you to

achieve your development objectives in the fields of

agriculture, forestry, stock breading, health services,

and in the sphere of other development programmes.

For those of you who possess the land and labour

but lack capital, We have made credit available at low

interest. For those of you who have' the necessary

finance but do not possess land to work on, We have, in

accordance with Our Proclamation which entitled every

Ethiopian to ownership of land, established offices in

every province through which you may be able to acquire

land. Those who have neither land nor money will be

granted land and a financial loan at low interest. For

those of you who posses land, who have financial resources

and manpower We have made experts available to

furnish you with the necessary guidance and advice in

your various undertakings. With the knowledge that

unity and cooperation are in themselves strength, take

advantage of the possibilities that We have opened to you.

You have now to choose in your respective provinces,

up to the end of Hidar, twelve people who are known

for their integrity, loyalty and responsibility, who will

be charged to give out the financial loans and who will

collect them as they mature. The procedure which

would be the basis for your selection of these officers

shall be sent to you through the Governors of your

respective provinces. We shall appoint three persons

for each province to make preparation for the selection

which you are going to make and to supervise the execution

of this programme. The persons to be chosen by

you will be provided with a Development Bank regulation

which they would use as a guide in their work. The

interest on your loan would be 2 1/2 % and the loan is

repayable in five years time.

Therefore, We exhort you to follow the guidance of

your Creator; not to waver from the goal which We have

designed for your progress and well-being, and to labour

diligently for the early realisation of that goal.

We want the year E.C. 1952 to be a year in which

Our nation being aware of Our readiness to promote its

progress and advancement, appreciates the value of selfhelp

through co-operative labour.

         The abundant resources of Our country - its

virgin land, its mighty rivers, its minerals and its fertile

soil guarantee our nation a better and more prosperous

life. These natural riches and the prospect of exploiting

them should be the major driving forces in your endeavours.

Aside from this national wealth, each of you is

endowed with human energy and intelligence which you

should employ for the achievement of these goals.

It is a natural obligation for mankind to live by the

sweat of his brow. "He that laboureth not, neither let

him eat". Labour and nourishment are equally essential

for human well-being. Did not Our Lord Jesus Christ

Himself give us the parables of the ten virgins and of the

lazy man who burried his gold, just to teach us the fruits

of diligent labour? He called his servants and entrusted

to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to

another two, and to another one, to each according to his

ability. He who had received five talents went at once

and traded with them, and made the five talents more.

So, too, he who had the two talents made two talents

more. But he who had received the one talent went and

dug in the ground and hid his master's money".

So use this available capital in the most profitable

manner. Study your project; discuss it with specialists;

and have the perseverance to see it accomplished. If,

on the other hand, the capital remains unused; if laziness

and indifference is diverted to selfish and personal gains;

do not forget that you will have incurred upon yourself

and upon your country a debt of the heaviest kind.

There is no rose without thorns; there is no profit without

labour.

We have promised you specialists and technicians to

assist you in carrying out your projects. But the leadership

and initiative must always come from you. Do

not expect them to do for you more than you can do

for yourself.

Every labourer is a father - his labour is his child.

Choose your project carefully, and achieve it worthily,

so that neither yourself nor your country may be ashamed

on your account. You, who have left your home towns

and have fled to the cities in search of work, now is the

time to go back for there is work waiting for you. We

warn you in advance that those who are physically able

shall not be allowed to loiter about the cities.

Let us all follow the golden rule - "do unto others

as you would have them do unto you". Let the officials

follow it closely; let them serve their people and their

country with humility and diligence.

But diligence and humility and service to one's

country are not the tasks of officials only - they are not

the tasks of anyone alone. The present projects will

demand close contact and co-operation between all of

us. Officials to whom We have entrusted various degrees

of responsibility, guided by the example of Jesus Christ

Who, having declared "I came to serve you but not to be

served by you", brought Himself low and washed the

feet of His disciples, must render service to the people

without charge for these services. As We have repeated

many times over in Our last pronouncement, We would

like again to emphasise the value of time and urge you to

dedicate yourselves to hard work - and profitably

utilize your time.

There is no energy in the world, including that of

the atom that can not be controlled. However, there is

no scientist on earth who could control, even for a second

the flow of time. For this reason never idle away your

time, however, briefly.

Is it not you, her children that are referred to as

Ethiopia? Our lasting hope has ever been, with the help

of the Almighty, to help promote the interest and wellbeing

of Our people - not to get disillusioned by remote

hopes and wishful thinking.

May the Almighty God help us in the fulfillment of

all our undertakings."

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 162 -