Donnerstag, 29. Januar 2015

29.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - TO THE INAUGURAL AFRICA SESSION OF THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL













Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 533 -



His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie The First (during the second Italo-Ethiopian war October 1935 – May 1936) standing on an unexploded fascist bomb ... in this scene everything around Haile Selassie I. had been destroyed but He and His people survived intact.



Dienstag, 27. Januar 2015

27.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - OPENING NEW ZAWDITU HOSPITAL






Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 260 -



Dr. C. Z. Nielsen inspects skin graft on patient at Empress Zauditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa


Empress Zauditu Memorial Hospital - Nurse Yesalamu Sendeku puts two prematurely born babies into an incubator



















 




Samstag, 24. Januar 2015

24.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - FOUNDATION STONE AWASH II


FOUNDATION STONE AWASH II


We feel very gratified indeed every time we lay, as, for example today, the cornerstones for, or inaugurate the successful completion of projects which, because of the benefits they render to the nation, have been given the proper study they deserve, for such occasions bring to mind the day-to-day increase in the number of projects which have either been launched or completed.
The full utilization of the power supply available before and after the completion of the Koka Dam brought the need for still more production of power. This in itself is proof enough of the gradual betterment of the living conditions of Our people and the progress of Our country.
It can be said that the number and type of industries existent in any country is a standing evidence of that country’s path to modernization and progress. In as much as Ethiopia abounds in raw materials which it should industrially transform and utilize, We are convinced that the time is not too distant when it can successfully do so both as a means of self-sufficiency and further still for surplus export to the world market. As We have noted in the past, however, such efforts require both a great amount of capital and enough pooling of one’s own skilled manpower; the endeavours We have already made to bring Ethiopia as close to this position as possible is well known to Our beloved people. Even if Our efforts in this regard have not so far been fully crowned with complete success, it may well be said that the realization of at least a part of our overall plan is an omen that spells well for the future.
The realization by Our people that whatever We are doing is for their own benefit has already brought them from a position of indifferent spectatorship to that of enthusiastic participation in all endeavours for the common good. National progress requires concrete and active national participation, and it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for Us to see Our people sharing in our ideas and working more and more diligently.
Industrial growth and expansion not only enable us to derive better and higher benefits from our raw materials which we export at low prices or which simply lie unexploited, but also create great possibilities of employment for thousands of people. On this, too, has already been made some headway. The process enables us to be self-sufficient instead of being a dumping-ground for foreign-made commodities. To be self-sufficient is to be protected from a position where we may well be judged for “burying the gold,” and is as well a source of pride, a living testimony to national progress.
Electricity is a basic requirement for all the industrial projects we envisage. Apart from the hydro-electric power stations that have so far been installed, according to the limitations of our economy in various parts of the country, in view of expanding the supply of electricity to benefit our people at their homes, in their schools and day to day pursuits, We inaugurated last November the Tis Abbay Hydro-Electric Power Station now feeding the industrial establishments at Bahr Dar and serving Our people in Gojjam and Begemder. This not only marks a further step in the realization of Our overall national endeavours, but also lays the groundwork for the implementation of other great projects to be launched in the future.
We are gratified to be here today to lay the cornerstone of the Awash II Hydroelectric Dam – a project designed to extend the benefits of electricity to Our Capital and beyond, to the people living as far way from it as Harrar, as well as feed the industrial establishments already existing and slated to appear in and between these regions. We beg the Almighty to enable Us to see the day when it will reach completion and be put into operation. We also wish success to the board of management and all those entrusted with the implementation of this project.
                                                                                                                                             Jan. 24, 1965.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 582 –     





Awash 2 and 3

Koka Dam





Nearby the dam (Koka), Melkassa Castle can be found, which was one of the Emperors many resorts around Ethiopia. Gazing out from a tower, the Emperor could look out on the dam, symbolizing the development of his country. The construction of the dam cost 30 million Ethiopian Dollars, the currency of the time.











24.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - QUEEN JULIANA TOASTED




Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 586 -











Queen Juliana in Ethiopia - members3.boardhost.com





Donnerstag, 22. Januar 2015

22.01. - 3 - Speech Of The Day - ON LIBERATION: "THE GOLDEN DECLARATION"


ON LIBERATION:
“THE GOLDEN DECLARATION”


Our people of Ethiopia! Listen!
Thanks be to Almighty God who is impartial to all, Who can break the arms of the strong and who stands by the oppressed.
When Our long-time enemy, Italy, crossed Our border and occupied Our country by aggressive force, We fought to defend Our country as much as We could and then went to Europe to solicit help while you, patriots of Ethiopia, continued the struggle and waited for Us fighting day and night in the forests and mountains against the militarily superior brutal enemy, in taking advantage of your natural heroism as your greatest weapon, never putting aside your swords, abandoning your flag or surrendering to alien rule.
As you now see, your five-year struggle has made it possible for you to witness the fruits of your efforts and sacrifices.
We have told you before that We have brought for you with us, the aid of Great Britain which promised Us to completely dispel Our enemy from Our country and restore Our independence. Our happiness is boundless when We announce to you that We have returned to Our beloved country, with God’s will, and to be present amidst Our people whom We have been missing for some time.

Our people of Ethiopia!
You know how grim life is to people robbed of their government, independence and their motherland.
The time has now come when each and everyone of us should protect and serve Our beloved country, Ethiopia, with more zeal and vigour.
The Almighty God has been merciful to all of Us. Therefore, We have given mercy to those of you who, willingly or unwillingly, betrayed your country and your Emperor while here or abroad, and We urge you, wherever you may be, to raise your arms against the enemy who has come, determined to destroy your race, confiscate your property and spoil your name. Now you must throw him out of Ethiopia.
Italy is now in great despair, pressured by Great Britain’s air, sea and land forces and those Italian soldiers remaining in Our country will not be beyond the challenge of Our reliable patriotic forces.
We express Our gratitude to the government and people of Great Britain, for all the world to hear, on behalf of you and Ourselves, for the warm, generous and cordial reception and welcome they accorded Us during Our most trying period.
Long live independent Ethiopia!
Long live Great Britain!
                                                                                                                                             Jan. 22, 1940.


Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 330 –   






     

22.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - STEPPING BACK ON ETHIOPIAN SOIL AFTER FIVE YEARS OF EXILE

STEPPING BACK ON ETHIOPIAN
SOIL AFTER FIVE YEARS OF EXILE

SPEECH DELIVERED AT OMEDLA ON HIS
RETURN AND ENTRY INTO ETHIOPIA
 

When We step upon Our soil this day, We would like you to convey Our thanks to the commander of the Sudanese army, Major General Platt, for the good wishes he expressed to Us, through you, on behalf of himself, his officers and his men.
Our happiness is great to be reunited with Our beloved people, who, while waiting for Our assistance for the last five years and longing to see Us, have been fighting in defence of their independence with their bare hands and muscles against the invader.
We would like you to convey to General Platt the full confidence We have in Our people to liberate Our country completely with the assistance of Great Britain which, by paying great sacrifices, has raised its powerful arms to liberate all those who have fallen under the domination of Fascism and Nazism.
We would also like you to confirm to him the great confidence which We and Our people have in the assistance We get from Our ally, Great Britain, in order to dislodge Our common enemy.
The success obtained out of a trying and difficult task gives great satisfaction to those engaged in it.
At this moment when the peoples of Our two countries are being tried, We would therefore like you to convey to General Platt, how much We are longing to see the day of Our mutual happiness when exploits of the army under his capable and enlightened leadership and those of the entire British force combined with Ours would be crowned with victory.
We also wish the same to those of you who have been selected to play a great role in the military force of Ethiopia and who are present at this place where Ethio-Great Britain’s close ties will be always remembered.
We also remember the British military commander and his officers who were the first to strike the victorious blow and who are now amidst Our fighting forces.
On this occasion of Our entry into Our territory and Our reunion with Our people, We also do not forget the great people of Great Britain who accorded Us such a warm and cordial reception. We will never forget Our indebtedness to those people for their deep understanding of Our suffering and that of Our people and for the encouragement they gave Us at the time of Our distress.
We also do not forget the friendly and good reception We were accorded by the Sudanese authorities, the government and the people, during Our stay in Khartoum.
And finally We thank you for the good wishes you have expressed to Us on your own behalf.

                                                                                                                                             Jan. 22, 1940.


Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 328 –        




































22.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - COMMISSIONING NAVAL OFFICERS


COMMISSIONING NAVAL OFFICERS


….. And today, another major step is being taken along the path which We have marked out for Our beloved country in bridging the gap between the isolation in which Ethiopia lived for so many years and the modern world.


Today, as We participate in the first graduation exercises at the Imperial Naval College, We return in memory to that day just over six years ago when Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia and this seacoast on the Red Sea, so long separated from our Empire was reunited with its motherland. Our heart and that of the entire Ethiopian nation overflowed with joy on that day. It was, for us, the realization of a desire which we had long cherished.
But the attainment of any one goal is never more than a temporary achievement. A mountain top is reached, beyond, on the far slope, there are new lands to explore, and new peaks to scale. As each goal along life’s path is reached, new vistas open before us, and new challenges are made. It is indeed, an immutable law of life that man’s striving can never end, that to pause in life’s struggle is to slip back along the road to progress. Man is born in sorrow, and in the sweat of his brow must he earn his bread.
The reuniting of this seacoast with its ancient motherland constituted a clear challenge to use for the benefit of Our entire Empire the potential which this avenue to the Red Sea represents. We have laboured mightily to meet this challenge. We have undertaken the development of the Port to Assab, which will provide our Empire with another major port. In the steps which we have taken to improve communications throughout Our Empire full and careful consideration has been given to the need to increase the flow of trade through these ports and take advantage of the strategic position which they occupy on this great commercial life-line. We have taken various other measures to improve and enhance the use and development of this area, and We have other projects in mind which will result in the greater utilization of this region and these harbours.
The achievements that are being witnessed here and elsewhere are in themselves a testimony of the success of Ethiopia’s development. We would wish to note in this connection that in this as in other of Our efforts and sacrifices We have always enjoyed the wholehearted and loyal support of Our beloved Eritrean people.
And today, another major step is being taken along the path which We have marked out for Our beloved Country in bridging the gap between the isolation in which Ethiopia lived for so many years and the modern world. 
Federation First Step

The federation of Eritrea with Ethiopia was but the first step. For the possession of a seacoast imposes grave responsibilities. Steps must be taken to assure the defence of Our coastline. Action is required to co-operate with Ethiopia’s neighbours in the suppression of illicit trade. We must prepare ourselves for the task of guiding and assisting those who toil on the sea. These and many other duties devolve upon us by virtue of Our Empire’s geographical position on the Red Sea.
When We had in the past ventured into great undertakings, it has not been with the certainty of seeing it accomplished in a matter of five or ten years, but rather with the high hope and confidence that our efforts will benefit the present and future generations of Our people.
But God in His wisdom has spared us to see great accomplishments, and to look forward to yet greater achievements in all fields of national life.
Today, as we see more and more of the educated taking their proper places in society with the goodwill and the determination to render loyal services to their country, We are reminded of the statement that We made some 15 years ago to the effect that the pride derived from the merits of worthy service is far greater than any feeling of pride that may spring from the heritage of wealth and property. As a result of Our national Programme of Education and the opportunities that it provides to all of Our people, yet other chapters are being added to the long and glorious history of Our country.
It is with satisfaction that We note that following the restoration to Ethiopia of her ancient ports, great strides have been made in the naval field, opening thus new and significant horizons and opportunities to the Navy as indeed to the men that have joined its distinguished service.
Our constant endeavour is to insure for now as for all times the effective defence of Our waters and seacoast, and We are happy to feel that while establishing this College We have laid the foundation for the great future of Our Imperial Navy.
Already, Our mind’s eye is perceiving and promising achievements and we feel certain that History will confirm Our confident belief that the Imperial Ethiopian Navy will occupy a vital place and will play an important role in the years that lie ahead.
A Goal Reached

This College is the institution whereby the means will be provided to discharge Our duties in the naval field, and the officer-cadets who will graduate from this school are the instruments who will be called upon to perform these tasks. You Cadets who have the good luck to become the first commissioned officers of the Imperial Ethiopian Navy are to be congratulated in the attainment of this moment. You too, however, are subject to the operation of the law of life to which We have referred. Today, a goal is reached, but it is for you only a way-station along a road which will make increasingly greater demands of you as each succeeding stage is reached. The future dares you to prove yourselves worthy of the training which you have received, to fulfil the duties which now fall to your lot and to aid Us in the discharge of those high duties to which We have devoted Our entire life. This is the challenge which awaits you today.
You must always remember that to lead, one must first learn to follow, you must obey the rules and regulations by which your conduct is to be governed. Be proud of the uniform which you wear, do nothing that would dishonour it. Strive always to bring credit upon yourself and your motherland. If you are faithful to these precepts, you will have properly and faithfully discharged your duty before Us and before your countrymen.
We are pleased today to present to the Imperial Naval College these colours, which it will henceforth proudly display. They represent a testimonial of the faith which We have reposed in this institution and in those charged with its administration and the confidence which, in full recognition of the high tasks which have been assigned the young men who will study here, We contemplate this College’s future growth and development.
We extend Our thanks to all those whose contributions have made this ceremony possible: to Ras Andargatchew, who has toiled unceasingly in preparing the physical structures which comprise this institution; to the Government of the United States of America, which has generously contributed the vessels and equipment utilized in the training programme; to the Ambassador of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. Don C. Bliss, who has co-operated wholeheartedly in the implementation of this programme; to Commander Iskinder Desta who has with diligence carried out the orders for the development of the school, and finally, to those devoted Norwegian and American officers and men who have instructed and trained the cadets who study here.  
                                                                                                                                             Jan. 22, 1959.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 57 –        






Mittwoch, 21. Januar 2015

21.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - ACCEPTING FORMALLY TITLE "DEFENDER OF THE FAITH"

ACCEPTING FORMALLY TITLE  
“DEFENDER OF THE FAITH”



Venerable and Holy Fathers,
In listening to the profound spiritual message conveyed by your closing addresses, and appreciating the happy outcome of your sustained efforts, Our heart has been touched by profound gladness. It should therefore be clear to the whole world from the result of your work that Your Holinesses have been guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit to accomplish your task in love and unity.
The great common tasks accomplished by this conference in unison bestow on the true faith and true order of the Oriental Orthodox Church the admiration of the whole world.
As Solomon says, physical distance cannot be a barrier to love. Likewise, the distances among your respective countries have been abolished by the proximity of your hearts. You have thus been able to speak a single tongue and think with a single mind. We thank Almighty God for enabling Us to witness the realization of Our dream in the successful outcome of this historic Conference.
We are therefore happy to express to you Our readiness, fortified by the results of this Conference, to invite you and the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and also other churches at a later date. We ardently hope that we shall meet once again in the not too distant future.
As We stated at the inauguration of this Conference, to meet together, to take council with one another, and to act in mutual co-operation, has proved a most fruitful method both in the secular and spiritual fields. Henceforth the way is open for you to follow this fruitful path, and to this end Our help and assistance will always be forthcoming, since We support your efforts and ideas out of an unshakable conviction that it is our spiritual duty to do so.
We are gratified in particular to note that the work of this Conference has been concerned purely with religious spiritual matters free from extraneous political considerations. This is only fitting and proper, for the church, as a symbol of peace, must follow the path of peace in all parts of the world. In this connection We are glad to note that your evangelistic mission in the world has received due emphasis in your deliberations, together with the recognition of the Christian duty to pray for the rights of man and the peace of the world. For world peace can only be made abiding by the Grace of God, through the prayers of the Holy Fathers. The truth of this cardinal fact is evident to all mankind.
We ardently hope that Almighty God shall bless the implementation of your important resolutions and decisions, just as He has made possible the successful convening and conclusion of this historic Conference.
Holy Fathers, We have welcomed the title you have given Us, Defender of the Faith, with great honour. May Almighty God grace your name. May God welcome your work. We have received this title given Us by you Holy Fathers, with religious reverence. May your prayers help Us in Our effort to fulfil the task entrusted to Us.
                                                                                                                                             Jan. 21, 1965.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 639 –       



The Oriental Orthodox Churches Addis Ababa Conference January, 1965- documents PART-III - Several replies





























 

21.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - TO NAVAL CADETS


TO NAVAL CADETS


Until quite recently, we Ethiopians were giving as an excuse for the country’s retarded progress the fact that our seaports and territorial waters had been in foreign hands. Today, we have regained our coastal territory and our ports.
In order that no fear of any kind may exist regarding Our waters and to safeguard the smooth functioning of Our sea coasts, a Naval Force made up of Ethiopian Coast Guards and men has been established which is now well on its way. Therefore, the entire people of Ethiopia must keep themselves in readiness for work since We have no other reasons to give should Ethiopia’s progress lag behind from now onwards.
Since Our main aim and desire has been to see that self-help is attained in all respects, the ever-increasing number of trained young men graduating at home and abroad in various fields each year serves as concrete evidence that Our efforts in this line have been met with blessings signifying Our having reached the point of the desired goal. This is really praiseworthy. What is more satisfactory and a source of pride to any individual than the attainment of self-help?
Our hope would be fulfilled when, you Ethiopian members of the Naval Force, are capable through completing your studies in the shortest possible time, diligently to guard Our sea coasts and islands by using Our ships. The enemy should be checked from the beginning before going far and Our history is a good example demonstrating the arduous difficulty involved in driving out the enemy and the aftermath suffered thereby. It is for this reason that Our sea coasts should remain well guarded.

Internal Unity

Since the best chance for one country to attack another comes through noting the weaknesses of the attacked and the division of its people within, We can through organizing Our defence forces to the maximum and by strengthening Our internal unity close all openings against the enemy. Our unity being Our formidable weapon of defence, it should be kept more strengthened than Our other forces of defence. Otherwise the manpower and defence weapons so organized will be used for the destruction of the beloved country in serving the enemy’s purpose.
In extending Our congratulations to all of you Cadets assembled here after completing your studies, We would like you to realize that the knowledge you have acquired so far is no end in itself but a reminder for the further responsibilities that await you. There should be no moment in any man’s life to seek rest after completing his education. You should not therefore overlook the fact that it is through ceaseless practice and experience and by training others that you would be able to prove your individual qualifications and worth.
We remind you therefore that you should utilize your whole thoughts and knowledge to the ultimate objective of moral satisfaction and the pride of your countrymen regardless of your personal interests. Your job takes care of you and there will not be any need to concern yourselves with your personal affairs.
We extend Our thanks to Commander Iskinder Desta who has helped you to reach the present stage and the entire members of the Naval Force and in particular the Norwegian officers and non-commissioned officers and other foreign nationals and We heartily thank the Government of the United States for its assistance. We wish that God will assist you in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to you.

                                                                                                                                             Jan. 21, 1963.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 66 –          





Montag, 19. Januar 2015

19.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ON NOMINATION OF FIRST CHURCH HEAD ARCHBISHOP BASILIOS


ON NOMINATION OF FIRST CHURCH HEAD, ARCHBISHOP BASILIOS


We are thankful to God at the nomination of an Ethiopian to be the Archbishop of Ethiopia, which accomplishment We consider to be of the highest importance of all that We have done, during Our reign for the benefit of the Ethiopian Church.
The effort, undertaken several years ago, and the path We have had to travel since, for the gradual attainment of complete authority for the Ethiopian Church, has been too arduous to be forgotten.
At last, the work willed by God has been accomplished, and He has given Our independent nation a Church, endowed with authority, which ranks among the free churches of the world. This accomplishment, which has taken place during Our reign, constituted a matter of pride for Us as well as for Our people. The monarchs of Our ancestry earnestly desired and hoped to witness this event; and God has enabled Us to see realized the hope, strengthened by faith.
Our congratulations go to Your Grace that you are the first Ethiopian to be entrusted with such a high and sacred duty during Our reign. An era of increased mutual respect and cordiality has opened between the Ethiopian and Egyptian Orthodox Churches.
Our thanks are due to His Holiness Yosab II, of the Holy Seat of St. Mark, who consented to bring this matter to a settlement, in the light of God's inspiration; We are happy to remark that this ecclesiastical evolution, effected in Our age, points to our common good luck.
Spiritual power is the eternal guide, in this life and the life after, for man ranks supreme among all creatures. Led forward by spiritual power, man can reach the summit destined for him by the Great Creator.
In Your Grace is vested the responsibility for the contribution of the Ethiopian Church, for its part, towards giving the remedy for, and the spiritual comfort to, the wounds caused by the evil in the world. Moreover, in particular, the duty is yours for giving guidance to the Ethiopian people for their benefit in their terrestrial as well celestial lives.
We earnestly hope that God grant you strength and His Grace to help you discharge the heavy duties that you shoulder.
                                                                                                                                             Jan. 19, 1951.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 631 –       




HIM addresses a diplomatic reception on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee in theThrone Room of the Menelik Palace (Behind him is the great canopied double throne). Abune Basilios on the left.





Abune Basilios makes a speech in the Presence of HIM QHS.



HIM QHS, Abune Basilios (centre) and Archbishop Lukas of Arusi province.