18.01. - 3 - Speech Of The Day - DEVELOPMENT REFORMS ERITREA

DEVELOPMENT REFORMS ERITREA

On our current visit to Eritrea, We felt extremely happy to note and realize that the welcome accorded Us by the people is sincere, deep and genuine. We have already spoken clearly about the administration of Eritrea, of the past and future. That Eritrea, before the federal union with Ethiopia, stayed separated for 60 years by the design of imperialists and colonialists and not by the will of God, has been manifested by the ultimate unity achieved. The struggle undertaken by the people to effect the reunification of Eritrea with Ethiopia is also very clear.

It is not necessary to enumerate countries where the people and the entire country having lost unity, spiritual or otherwise, have become playgrounds and laughing stocks of outsiders. The historical events of certain countries bear witness to this fact. In our own times, there are those expansionists who by shedding blood, desire to achieve their ambition and by dismembering themselves they are seen as tools for alien interests. Our people from Ethiopia shed blood, to save them from disintegration. Those personalities who believe in freeing a country by secession are selfish and prey to outsiders. We will not accept their motives.

The Eritrean people and their representatives work not only for Eritrea but for the entire Ethiopia too. They have worked for the welfare of the country even before the hardship. What brings people together is not only history, culture and geography but also the various voluntary social associations as well as economic interests and sharing infirmities or benefits in common; that is very clear.

Anyone, therefore, by investing his capital and wealth enjoys the benefits for himself and this situation provides general well-being by strengthening the unity of a people and by raising its living standard too.

In order to amass private wealth and benefit from it in peace and security, it is necessary to comply with the fundamental precepts of the society. So being, even the accumulation of private property emanates from a harmonious social life and entails certain obligations. One of these typical obligations would be to put one’s private capital into use. Since wealth is acquired by hard labour it is necessary to manifest an effort by using the invested capital.

Development Plans

The natural resources such as mines and others found in Eritrea and the other parts of Ethiopia remain the property of the Government and would be utilized in such effective ways facilitating the speedy progress and development of the Empire. It is also the duty of the people to render their service to the Government and the Government in turn is bound to serve the people.

Though it is difficult to effect the overall development of a nation in a short time, besides the projects which have already been accomplished, We have laid down for the development of this part of Our country the projects outlined in the Second Five-Year Plan.

The projected development plan includes:

1. The Zula Dam and the oil-finding survey on the Red Sea Coast already   costing Eth. $2,000,000. The fact

2. that We have spent so much while the federation was still in existence is proof of Our belief in the oneness of Eritrea and Ethiopia. We are negotiating with private firms to discover oil and We are confident to effect an agreement with the firms concerned when the oil is discovered.

3. The survey for the discovery of copper and iron ore would be completed in the near future.

4. A new organization would be established to encourage the development of cotton plantations in the Province of Tessenei and the other lowlands and at the same time to advise and grant loans to farmers.

5. Studies for the establishment of a cement factory have been completed and the factory would be in operation soon.

6. We have allotted Eth. $1,000,000 for transport, forestry, irrigation systems and for administrative purposes.

7. An additional Eth. $2,000,000 has been added to the Eth. $500,000 previously allocated to construct the road from Areza to Bosheka.

8. We have further approved to restudy the tax levied on fuels consumed by agricultural machineries.

9. To help the people inhabiting the lowlands We have, as We expressed earlier, made arrangements for the Areza-Bosheka road.

The outlined are projects undertaken by the Government. We have also formulated plans to help private enterprises help themselves and the people. The Development Bank would be founded to realize Our concern on this line.

We have also made arrangements for Our people to benefit by purchasing shares from the private companies. Our endeavour to help the people also pre-supposes that the people should help Us. The wealth of Eritrea is the wealth

of Ethiopia and the wealth of Ethiopia is the wealth of Eritrea.

The realization of such a plan to effect the overall development of the national interest requires the active participation of the people and We have as such given instructions to members of the Eritrean Assembly to labour for the cause. This also calls for the co-ordination of the efforts exerted here as well as in the capital. The Police Force has so far rendered service and it would be given help to continue its service.

It is Our fervent hope that Almighty God will guide and bring Our efforts to fruition.

Jan. 18, 1963.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 426 –         

18.01. - 3 - Speech Of The Day - DEVELOPMENT REFORMS ERITREA

DEVELOPMENT REFORMS ERITREA

On our current visit to Eritrea, We felt extremely happy to note and realize that the welcome accorded Us by the people is sincere, deep and genuine. We have already spoken clearly about the administration of Eritrea, of the past and future. That Eritrea, before the federal union with Ethiopia, stayed separated for 60 years by the design of imperialists and colonialists and not by the will of God, has been manifested by the ultimate unity achieved. The struggle undertaken by the people to effect the reunification of Eritrea with Ethiopia is also very clear.

It is not necessary to enumerate countries where the people and the entire country having lost unity, spiritual or otherwise, have become playgrounds and laughing stocks of outsiders. The historical events of certain countries bear witness to this fact. In our own times, there are those expansionists who by shedding blood, desire to achieve their ambition and by dismembering themselves they are seen as tools for alien interests. Our people from Ethiopia shed blood, to save them from disintegration. Those personalities who believe in freeing a country by secession are selfish and prey to outsiders. We will not accept their motives.

The Eritrean people and their representatives work not only for Eritrea but for the entire Ethiopia too. They have worked for the welfare of the country even before the hardship. What brings people together is not only history, culture and geography but also the various voluntary social associations as well as economic interests and sharing infirmities or benefits in common; that is very clear.

Anyone, therefore, by investing his capital and wealth enjoys the benefits for himself and this situation provides general well-being by strengthening the unity of a people and by raising its living standard too.

In order to amass private wealth and benefit from it in peace and security, it is necessary to comply with the fundamental precepts of the society. So being, even the accumulation of private property emanates from a harmonious social life and entails certain obligations. One of these typical obligations would be to put one’s private capital into use. Since wealth is acquired by hard labour it is necessary to manifest an effort by using the invested capital.

Development Plans

The natural resources such as mines and others found in Eritrea and the other parts of Ethiopia remain the property of the Government and would be utilized in such effective ways facilitating the speedy progress and development of the Empire. It is also the duty of the people to render their service to the Government and the Government in turn is bound to serve the people.

Though it is difficult to effect the overall development of a nation in a short time, besides the projects which have already been accomplished, We have laid down for the development of this part of Our country the projects outlined in the Second Five-Year Plan.

The projected development plan includes:

1. The Zula Dam and the oil-finding survey on the Red Sea Coast already   costing Eth. $2,000,000. The fact

2. that We have spent so much while the federation was still in existence is proof of Our belief in the oneness of Eritrea and Ethiopia. We are negotiating with private firms to discover oil and We are confident to effect an agreement with the firms concerned when the oil is discovered.

3. The survey for the discovery of copper and iron ore would be completed in the near future.

4. A new organization would be established to encourage the development of cotton plantations in the Province of Tessenei and the other lowlands and at the same time to advise and grant loans to farmers.

5. Studies for the establishment of a cement factory have been completed and the factory would be in operation soon.

6. We have allotted Eth. $1,000,000 for transport, forestry, irrigation systems and for administrative purposes.

7. An additional Eth. $2,000,000 has been added to the Eth. $500,000 previously allocated to construct the road from Areza to Bosheka.

8. We have further approved to restudy the tax levied on fuels consumed by agricultural machineries.

9. To help the people inhabiting the lowlands We have, as We expressed earlier, made arrangements for the Areza-Bosheka road.

The outlined are projects undertaken by the Government. We have also formulated plans to help private enterprises help themselves and the people. The Development Bank would be founded to realize Our concern on this line.

We have also made arrangements for Our people to benefit by purchasing shares from the private companies. Our endeavour to help the people also pre-supposes that the people should help Us. The wealth of Eritrea is the wealth

of Ethiopia and the wealth of Ethiopia is the wealth of Eritrea.

The realization of such a plan to effect the overall development of the national interest requires the active participation of the people and We have as such given instructions to members of the Eritrean Assembly to labour for the cause. This also calls for the co-ordination of the efforts exerted here as well as in the capital. The Police Force has so far rendered service and it would be given help to continue its service.

It is Our fervent hope that Almighty God will guide and bring Our efforts to fruition.

Jan. 18, 1963.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 426 –         

18.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - GINDA DAM CORNERSTONE

GINDA DAM CORNERSTONE

Until such time when Ethiopia becomes fully developed and is self-sufficient all of us have to labour hard and contribute our share to this end in accordance with the abilities, with which the Almighty God has endowed us in His bounty.

If we labour diligently and fully develop our country the nation will not only be vouchsafed a prosperous life, but it can also be a source of help to others. The wealth and natural resources of the nation are such that loans contracted for their exploitation will undoubtedly prove to be very rewarding. Since agriculture and animal husbandry are the main wealth of the nation and the mainstay of Our people, it is with high hope and great expectation that We are present here in Ginda to lay the foundation stone of this dam which envisages the control and regulation of the flood waters that come from the highlands so as to enable its national utilization for irrigational purposes.

There is no doubt that with the construction of this dam and the introduction and employment of modern agricultural methods and techniques, the people of this area will derive added benefits which will accordingly contribute to the raising of their standard of living and general well-being. When the mineral resources of Our country are exploited in addition to our agricultural resources Ethiopia can have everything in abundance, provided we collaborate and co-operate in the realization of our national aims. Otherwise we have no reason to be bitter against the Almighty if we run short of our needs because of our failure.

His Highness Ras Asrate Kassa in his speech has just enumerated some of the salient features of the measures taken for the development and growth of this province and the results achieved from the implementation of such measures. Although what we have accomplished so far is indicative of the fact that we have not failed in our endeavours to do Our utmost for the good of Our people, yet as We have already said in the past, We feel that the greater task still lies ahead.

The equitable and balanced growth of the provinces of Our Empire, in accordance with Our resources, both in the field of education and health as well as in other areas of development which could further promote the standard of living of Our people continue to engage Our attention and energy. Such development enables Our people to acquire the same standards achieved by the already developed countries.

We have directed Our efforts to this noble objective so that Our beloved people would not be denied the fruits of modern living. It is with pleasure that We view the progress achieved by all the projects which were launched in this and other provinces of Our Empire in order to develop and strengthen Our economy. Our pleasure is mainly derived from the fact that these productive projects generate incomes which would enable Our people to achieve and maintain the standard to which they aspire as well as to exercise fully their rights which We have given to them in accordance with Our constitution.

When We view in general the heartening progress made in the field of education in Ethiopia We should not overlook the fact that it is also necessary that the facilities in this regard should be sufficient. It can be said that there are many schools in the province of Eritrea. However. We feel that they are not enough and so it is Our duty to augment their number in the future before the matter becomes urgent.

In the past the development of Our country and the progress for Our people were entirely dependent upon the financial resources drawn from Our Government Treasury. Now, however, it is encouraging to know that the private sector is actively participating in this field through the establishment of lasting and mutually beneficial projects. Such undertaking have helped in relieving the pressure on Our Government which otherwise should have borne the incidence.

The initiative and eagerness on the part of the public to participate and contribute in full measure its share will no doubt help in accelerating the tempo of our economic and social development activities. To understand and accept the very principle implemented in its full significance is a matter from which pleasure can be derived.

To do one’s job is one thing and to be indifferent in general and be critical of the work of others is another matter. The former requires competence, determination and wisdom, while the latter lacks these qualities and virtues. We, therefore, urge Our countrymen to rededicate themselves to the great task that still awaits each one of them in the realization of Our ambitious programme of nation-building. In this regard it is gratifying to note the diligence and hard work of both men and women in this province, a fact, which has given Us much satisfaction.

We should bear in mind that it is a natural obligation for mankind to live by the sweat of his brow. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all Ethiopians to use their energies and natural gifts and inclinations constructively for the achievement of Our national goals so that there will be a bright and promising tomorrow for their children and their children's children.

After Eritrea suffered under a forced foreign rule it was administered by Great Britain and thereafter reunited with Ethiopia, the mother country. Since the will of the Lord prevails, Our people of Eritrea through His wise guidance have with diligence and dedicated service to their country attained their present stage of development after the period of the re-integration of this province with Ethiopia.

In seeing this realized together with what the rest of Our country is doing in unison, gives Us pleasure. We draw satisfaction from Our past accomplishments and have high hopes in Our present undertakings which are entirely dependent upon the generosity of the Almighty God.

It is Our responsibility to look after the interests and welfare of our people which is the will of Our Creator. However, the responsibility in this regard is a collective one and should not be shunned.

Since this project, upon completion, will provide new employment opportunities for Our people and in view of the economic and social benefits that it envisages to offer, We, for Our part, shall closely follow with keen interest its progress and future development. Our thanks go to Mr. De Nadai for his efforts and services which he has rendered in connection with the works of this dam and the establishment of the share company that intends to carry out the present undertaking. In view of his contributions in the field of agriculture in Ethiopia, a fact that has been confirmed by the prize that he was awarded by the Haile Selassie I Prize Trust, We are confident that with his vast experience in this field, he will do his utmost for the development and success of this project.

Before concluding Our remarks We take this opportunity to express Our deep satisfaction for the services which His Highness Ras Kassa and his assistants have rendered by contributing their share to ensure the economic progress and healthy development of this province. We are hopeful that the present achievements will give added strength to their future work and endeavour.

                                                                                                                                             Jan. 18, 1967.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 586 –         

18.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - NAVAL CADETS - MASSAWA

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 213 -

HIM QHS making presentation at Navy Base, Massawa, 1969
 

16.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE – GRADUATION

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE – GRADUATION

..... From the beginnings of recorded history, right up to the Middle Ages, and even as late as the beginning of the Industrial Age in which we live, agriculture has always constituted the fundamental source of wealth for the human race .....

It gives Us great pleasure to be present here to inaugurate the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, an occasion which marks a great and far-reaching advance in Our programme for the promotion of agricultural education. This institution will serve as a source of inspiration in carrying out the agricultural programme which We have laid down for the future.

In establishing this College for the development of the natural wealth of Our country, agriculture and animal husbandry, on modern and scientific lines, Our main purpose has not been merely to develop and utilize these basic resources to supply the daily needs of Our people, but, in addition, to produce a surplus to be shared with other countries of the world. Ethiopia, to some degree, has done this in the past. For example, when the world was sorely distressed by lack of food immediately after the Second World War, Our country, although she herself had for five long years been struggling to recover from the terrible damage inflicted upon her during the war, was yet able to perform a significant service in supplying foodstuffs to the countries of the Middle East. And We have been pleased to observe how, since then, Our people have increasingly devoted themselves to improving the agriculture of Our country.

A country and a people that become self-sufficient by the development of agriculture can look forward with confidence to the future.

Agriculture is not only the chief among those fundamental and ancient tasks which have been essential to the survival of mankind, but also ranks first among the prerequisites to industrial and other developments.

Solid Agricultural Base

History affords Us ample evidence that mankind abandoned its nomadic way of life and developed a settled, communal economy only when man became skilled and competent in agricultural techniques. From the beginnings of recorded history, right up to the Middle Ages, and even as late as the beginning of the Industrial Age in which we now live, agriculture has always constituted the fundamental source of wealth for the human race.

Only when a solid agricultural base has been laid for Our country’s commercial and industrial growth can We ensure the attainment of the ultimate goal of Our development programme, namely, a high standard of living for Our people. Commerce and industry, being concerned in the main with production and distribution, can only develop and profit from existing resources, but cannot actually create things which did not exist before.

Most of the districts of Our Harar Province are populated mainly by nomadic people. Now that We are in a position to anticipate an adequate water supply from the rivers and wells in the region, the area will flourish and land will no longer lie fallow in the province if only the people of Ogaden, Esa and Adal could be educated in agricultural techniques. All this can be attained only by means of the wisdom which flows from the fountain of education. While this College will serve the whole of Our country, its being established in the Province of Harar is the result of careful planning and consideration on Our part.

Even in this nuclear age, in spite of the revolutionary changes in man’s way of life which science has brought about, the problem of further improving and perfecting agricultural methods continues to hold a position of high priority for the human race. It is hard to believe that a substitute can ever be found for the occupation of agriculture – a sacred task graciously conferred upon man by God to serve as the source of his well-being and the basis of his wealth.

Share and Exchange

Our country, Ethiopia, being blessed with an abundance of natural resources need not be anxious about her own needs. However, it is Our constant endeavour and Our firm desire, that Our people will produce not only enough to meet their own requirements but that their production will enable them to share and exchange the fruits of their labour with other countries.

If only Ethiopia, with an assured wealth of natural resources, would look at what the barren Sahara Desert has been made to produce by the endeavour of trained scientists, she would realize that science is a source of wealth. We would, therefore, have Our students and scholars accept as their primary duty the attainment of scientific knowledge through education.

We have placed Our trust in this College to be the chief instrument for the attainment of this high goal, and We are confident that the students who have today received their diplomas from Our hands, as well as those who follow them in the future, will through their achievements furnish Us with tangible evidence of the fulfillment of this Our purpose and Our desire.

Agriculture and industry are indispensable one to the other. Only close co-operation between these two branches of knowledge can guarantee the fulfillment of Our programme of economic development for Our country.

This College, which holds a prominent place in the plans We have laid down for the prosperity and welfare of Our beloved people and country, can look forward to receiving the same constant support which We have shown in the past.

It is with pleasure that We express on this occasion Our gratitude to Our great friend, the United States of America, for the generous and significant assistance they have given to this institution as part of their great effort for the development of the spirit of cooperation and understanding among the nations of the world. We would request His Excellency the Ambassador to convey Our thanks to his Government.

If the late Dr. Bennet, who laid the plans for this institution and whose great desire and tireless efforts to achieve the establishment of an Agricultural and Mechanical College in this country are well-known to Us, were with Us today to see the fulfillment of his plans, how happy he would have been! With deep sorrow in Our heart, remembering the words “Man proposes, God disposes,” We pay a tribute to his memory in this hour.

We would like to express Our sincere thanks to the Director of the Point Four Programme in this country, the President and staff of this College, and all of Our officials who have laboured to bring this institution into being.

It is not enough for the children of Ethiopia to be recipients of education. They should never forget that the responsibility for passing on this knowledge to others and of handing it over to the next generation rests on them.

Jan. 16, 1958.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 5 –  

"Just as a farm that is not taken care of cannot be free of weeds, so is also the development of a society."

16.01. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ON VISIT OF DANISH SOVEREIGNS

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

 

15.01. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - NAVAL COLLEGE

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 213 -



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