THRONE SPEECH (1970)
“We thank the Almighty for enabling us all to
observe the 40th anniversary of Our Coronation, for blessing the services We
have rendered to Ethiopia since We acceded to the throne of Our forefathers
through His will and the wishes of Our beloved people and for safeguarding the
peace of our nation.
The death after a long illness of His Holiness
Abuna Basilios, who was with Us in times of triumph and trial, has grieved our
people deeply. A great man, blessed with divine grace and spiritual power, His
Holiness has constantly prayed for the well-being of his flock in particular
and for world peace and security in general. The loss of our religious leader
this year is indeed great; however, we shall always cherish his memory through
the lofty and memorable deeds our spiritual father has left behind him.
Ever since We assumed the heavy mantle of
leadership, the basic structure of our government, including the constitution
and the development programmes that We drew up for the nation, have opened the
road to progress for our people and are presently leading them satisfactorily
along the charted path.
Our people have, with the time and the means at
their disposal, never desisted from participating in various development
projects that are bound to enhance their progress without disturbing the spirit
of their long-standing freedom and unity which they have maintained with great
vigilance. We have been encouraged by the diligence of our youth in the pursuit
of, and their brilliance in mastering higher education. Last year our
government achieved major projects in the economic, social and political
fields. Many development plans are proposed for this year.
To bring about a rational change in the lives of
our people, various projects are being launched and accomplished which may
perhaps not be readily obvious to a casual observer. However, in accordance
with the Third Five-Year development Plan the Imperial Ethiopian Government, in
conjunction with various private institutions and agencies, has continued to
expand its work to improve the living conditions of Our people in fields like
education, agriculture, industry, mining, highways, air and marine
communications, electric light and power and water resources.
Preliminary Studies
In efforts being made by Ethiopia to develop her
natural resources, it is evident that the making of thorough preliminary
studies of the tasks to be later undertaken is indispensable. For this reason
vast sums of money were spent last year in carrying out studies on the
development of the country’s mineral and hydrological resources. In accordance
with plans drawn up to utilize the formerly wasted waters of the outflowing
rivers of the country by conducting studies on them with the help of friendly
nations with a view to harnessing their power, the potentialities of the Wabi
Shebelle, like those of the Awash and the Abbay in the past, are now under
investigation. Similarly, the potentialities of the Tekezie river in the field
of hydro-electricity and irrigation farming are being studied in accordance
with plans drawn up to utilise the resources of other rivers and lakes.
When the project materialises following the
completion of these preliminary studies on this river, the hydro-electric needs
of the people of the northern provinces will be fully met. Surveys to utilise
the resources of the Omo River are also being conducted. Likewise, the
necessary survey stations have been established with the view to carrying out
studies on ways and means of utilising the resources of the lakes of the Rift
Valley for the development of the country. Water drilling operations have been
intensified in arid areas like the Ogaden, Borena, Issa, Yerer-Kereyu and
Haikotch and Butajira to alleviate the water problems of the people by making
sufficient appropriations for these and other rural water resources development
schemes.
The Legadadi dam which we will inaugurate
tomorrow, constructed at a total cost of about Ethiopian $35 million, will go a
long way to alleviate the water shortage of our capital city. The Mai Nefhi Dam
costing Ethiopian $10 million will be completed within the next few months to
meet the water needs of the city of Asmara.
To provide towns in our Empire with sufficient
electricity and to improve the existing facilities in order to provide enough
light and power to meet the existing needs and to provide for future industrial
establishments, considerable investment was made last year. Among the projects
nearing completion is the Fincha Hydroelectric Power Plant. Provincial centres
like Gondar and Jimma have been also provided with self-contained electric
stations to meet the needs of their inhabitants. Other rural centers, now not
enjoying the benefits of electric light, will this year begin to be provided
with electricity following the completion of studies for the establishment of
additional power stations.
Especially today it is more than self-evident to
what extent the speedy betterment of the living conditions of man and the
augmentation of the wealth and economic power of a society are based on the
utilisation of mineral resources. The search for minerals is being conducted by
the Ministry of Mines in Eritrea, Beghiemdir and Tigre, in Wollega, Sidamo,
Illubabor, Kaffa and Gamu Gofa with additional funds secured from friendly
governments and the United Nations Development Fund, since it was realised that
our government had to make the necessary preliminary studies to determine the
kind and extent of our mineral wealth. From the exploration so far made there
were some promising signs of subterranean wealth in some parts of the country
and the government has entered into agreement with a number of big foreign
firms to prospect for these minerals in Hararghie and Bale and along the
sea-coast and the sea-bed in Eritrea. Already work on these projects is
proceeding in a satisfactory manner.
Mineral Rights
As it may be recalled, legislation on prospecting
for minerals which will safeguard the rights of foreign investors, those
present and those who come to participate in the development of the country,
was discussed and passed by Parliament. When the Bill becomes law and the
regulations governing its execution are promulgated, We are of the belief that
it will assist greatly in the development of Ethiopia’s mineral resources.
We had brought to your attention last year that a
draft legislation to improve the system of land administration was to be
presented to you. As this important legislation affects the lives of the
majority of our people and should therefore be prepared with the utmost care,
it had not been possible to present the draft legislation for your deliberation
last year since additional time for careful study was required. We had reminded
you in the past that in certain ways the philosophy of Ethiopia’s land administration
differs from that current abroad. In principle it is known that there is enough
arable land in Ethiopia for our people. From studies so far carried out it has
been discovered that only a small part of this land has been developed.
The full utilisation of land already developed on
modern lines, the regulation of landlord-tenant relations and the definition of
the rights of land ownership have been given priority in the third five-year
development plan, and to this effect a draft legislation which embodies some
beneficial elements from our traditional land tenure is being prepared. This
draft legislation will be prepared in such a way as to harmonise the
family-like relations between landlords and tenants by safeguarding the common
and individual rights of everyone and by removing the causes of friction over
land. We believe that for a country like Ethiopia, heavily dependent on
agriculture for its livelihood, the proclamation of this law and the measures
proposed are bound to stimulate the people to work together harmoniously and
thereby speed up the country’s pace of development.”
Land Administration
When God created the
earth for man it was for its use and not for its misuse. This is why
Parliament should realise the importance of the revised draft legislation on
land administration. We urge you to deliberate on it with utmost care and
speed, since the primary aim of this law is to improve the living conditions of
Our people.
As We mentioned earlier, the improvements We are
making from time to time with regard to the system of land administration are
designed in such a way as to enable Our people to work peacefully together and
make good use of the land blessed and given to them by God.
“It has been so often said that agriculture,
including animal husbandry, is the backbone of the country’s economy.
Educational programmes and projects directed towards the modernisation and
mechanisation of Ethiopian agriculture have been organised and in effect for a
long time. We understand very well that agriculture yields satisfactory results
when tackled through modern science and technology and not when done in
traditional fashion.
Insufficient annual harvests could lead to
hunger. For instance, the problems encountered almost everywhere last year due
to the shortage of grain have been a matter of grave concern to every home. We
advise Our people to explore ways and means of expanding agricultural
production through individual or co-operative enterprise by utilising existing
educational facilities and by securing credits from banks established to
encourage the development of farming. It is Our hope that every citizen in the
Empire who doesn’t own land will acquire his own land and since assistance is
necessary to help the people establish themselves, We are confident that this
assistance will be made available so that none of the land will lie fallow.”
Education
It is a matter well known to you that much effort
has been so far put into the expansion of education – the proven instrument for
the social and economic well-being of Our people. The time has passed when we
had to cajole parents to send their children to school. the fact that the
people are now seen working side by side with the government for the expansion
of education by contributing what they can, provides ample evidence that the
attitude of parents has undergone a change for the better. Those who have been
educated in the various fields at home an abroad are contributing greatly in
all the endeavours to reach Our cherished goals. When you members of Parliament
were discussing the 1963 government budget, you were in particular deliberating
on ways and means of finding new sources of revenue for the development of
education. The fact that you had promptly passed the bill presented to you for
levying additional education taxes to alleviate the problem shows how much you
were preoccupied with this national issue.
It is the wish and the desire of all that
education should expand fast and reach the length and breadth of the country,
and for this to be achieved, it is indispensable that financial resources be
readily available. The demand for education is doubling every year. On the
other hand, the capacity to extend educational opportunities is always
determined by available funds. Thus, to accelerate the tempo at which education
is expanding, the people must continue in the path of strengthening the spirit of
cooperation with the government.
Health
Since it is the fundamental responsibility of our
government to safeguard the health of our people, a lot more was achieved last
year in promoting the physical well-being of the nation. Some hospitals and
many clinics have been opened at considerable expense and are now operating
normally. In accordance with provisions made to establish a self-sufficient
health service in every Governorate-general depending on the availability of
funds and skilled medical personnel as well as giving priority to the
eradication of malaria, 16 health centres were established in rural areas at
the beginning of last year. Likewise, 46 new health stations are expected to be
built this year and to become operational in 1964.
As a result of the thorough studies made of the
areas affected by malaria and identification of the season when the scourge
becomes prevalent, and in accordance with the malaria eradication programme to
rid Ethiopia completely of the disease, it has been possible to protect over
nine million people last year against infection or recurrence of the disease.
In like manner, preventive measures have been
taken to control epidemic diseases like cholera which erupt and affect the
lives of people.
The country, blessed and bequeathed to the
Ethiopian people, is extensive and richly endowed. In area the country is
ample. There is scope for Ethiopians to become both employers and the employed,
since development projects are distributed widely over the country. As there
are places like Setit-Humera where extensive agricultural projects are
proceeding and where employment opportunities are available for tens of
thousands of people, to congregate and remain idle in
big cities is to harm both oneself and one’s country.
Helping the disabled and
the physically handicapped is part of our traditional moral duty. Even
today our people are performing their charitable acts by sharing part of what
they have with the disabled. An institution is now to be established by the
Ministry of National Community Development and Social Welfare to coordinate and
administer charitable funds obtained both nationally and from foreign sources
with a view to helping the disabled.
Work For Everybody
There are immense
opportunities for work in Ethiopia for everybody. It is now some time since
new investment legislation was proclaimed with a view to encouraging the inflow
of foreign capital. However, the capital inflow abroad has not been up to Our
expectation. One of the facets of Ethiopian policy in its relations with
friendly foreign governments is to widen the avenue of mutual economic
co-operation. we thus renew our invitation to all friendly industrialised
nations to participate in our development programme through their public and
private capital. The constitutional framework of the Ethiopian Government receives
its stability from its pattern of history and tradition. In
order to predict the future of Ethiopian events one should familiarise oneself
with the history and culture of the people and nation.
Members of the armed forces and the police are
each, in their particular fields, discharging their duties satisfactorily in
the maintenance of law and order throughout the country so that the economic
development of Ethiopia continues in the right direction. Members of the armed
forces have shown exemplary results since they began participating in civilian
activities directed towards the progress and development of the country.”
Noted O.A.U. Summit
One of the main events in the political field is
the recent meeting here in Our capital of the Heads of State and Government of
the Organization of African Unity. The Summit conference discussed various
matters of common interest and passed the necessary resolutions. One of the
reasons why the recent meeting was called a conference of reconciliation was
that the difference between Nigeria and some independent African states was
resolved in a spirit of brotherly understanding, the continent’s bond of unity
and solidarity was preserved, and this was proclaimed to the whole world.
Africans have realized more than ever before that
it is through the Organization of African Unity that they can attain their
unity and solidarity which is the central pillar of the continent’s well-being
and freedom.
The spirit of friendship and understanding among
independent African countries has been steadily growing stronger from year to
year. In particular the border agreement signed recently between Ethiopia and
the neighbouring friendly country of Kenya has not only reinforced the
long-standing fraternal relations between the two nations but has also set a
good example to others.
When President Kenneth Kaunda and Lady Kaunda
paid a state visit to our capital upon the invitation extended to them by Us we
discussed in detail relations between the two countries in particular and
international peace and security in general.
International Friendships
In addition to strengthening its ties of
friendship with other African countries as usual, Ethiopia has been also
expanding relations with the countries of America, Europe and Asia. Upon
invitations extended to them by Us, H.E. President Cevedet Sunay of Turkey,
H.E. President Jossip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, His Majesty King Frederick and
Her Majesty Queen Ingrid of Denmark, have paid state visits to Ethiopia. We
have also held talks with His Beatitude Patriarch Nicolaos of the Greek
Orthodox Church of Alexandria and All Africa, H.E. President Bedel Bokassa of
Central African Republic, His Highness Crown Prince Carl Gustav of Sweden, H.E.
Prime Minister Burnham of Guyana, H.E. Secretary of State William Rogers of the
U.S., and H.E. Foreign Minister Aldo Moro of Italy in the course of their
visits to the capital.
During the visits of these world leaders and
high-ranking officials We were able to exchange views on bilateral relations
and ways and means of promoting world peace, progress and prosperity.
We have held important and useful talks with Mr.
McNamara, President of the World Bank, on ways of further expanding the
participation of the World Bank in the country’s development programmes. Mr. McNamara,
who visited Ethiopia for some four days on a special invitation extended to him
by Us, had toured the sites of the various development projects undertaken with
loans secured from the World Bank prior to this exchange of views.
We have also paid state visits to Japan, the
Soviet Union, France and the United Arab Republic upon invitations extended to
Us by these friendly governments. During our visit to Moscow, We discussed with
President Podgorny and other high-ranking Soviet officials matters pertaining
to political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries as well
as exchanging views on the world political scene. A high-level economic
delegation was recently sent to the Soviet Union to finalise matters on which
agreement was reached during Our visit. We are hopeful that the talks We held
with President Pompidou of France on relations between our two countries in
particular and world peace in general will have fruitful results.
Ethiopia has been able successfully to acquaint visitors
with its ancient cultural history and various aspects of its modern development
by participating in Expo ’70 held in Osaka, Japan. By personally attending the
Expo ’70 “Ethiopia Day” ceremonies and thereby exchanging views with prominent
Japanese businessmen and industrialists, We have been able to talk to them
about the particular fields in which they can usefully participate in the
development of our country.
The Lusaka Conference
By attending the conference of non-aligned
countries in Lusaka recently, We had an extensive exchange of views with other
leaders on effective ways of strengthening world peace. In particular the
proposals We had presented with regard to the freedom of our brothers
languishing under the yoke of racialism in South Africa and South West Africa
have been accepted by the conference.
The continued denial of fundamental freedom to,
and the oppressive racial domination of, the peoples of South Africa, Namibia,
Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea by the racialist regimes in
Southern Africa poses a threat to world peace. To illustrate the oppression
under which these people live, it is enough to cite the cause of the wives of
Nelson Mandela and other African freedom fighters over whose trial the
tyrannical South African Government has not only made a mockery of its own laws
but has also trampled under foot the principles of international law.
By attending the 10th anniversary of Nigeria’s
independence celebrations in Lagos which saw the end of the civil war in that
country and the restoration of the people’s unity, we have been able to
reaffirm to General Gowon that Nigeria’s peace and unity can always count on
the support of Ethiopia.
After Our visit to Lagos We proceeded to Cairo to
attend the funeral of Our close friend the late President Nasser and to share
in the nation’s grief. Africans in general and Arabs in particular have lost a
great leader through the untimely death of President Nasser.
By going to the
headquarters of the United Nations and attending the Silver Jubilee
celebrations, We seized the opportunity to reaffirm Ethiopia’s full support for
the world organization – the last hope for the security and welfare of mankind.
Going there also gave us a chance to reiterate the principles which We advocated
at the discarded League of Nations when the fascist forces in unprovoked
aggression invaded Ethiopia. Had these principles been accepted, the world
would have been saved from the Second World War and the United Nations can
avoid meeting the same fate as its predecessor by observing these principles in
order to maintain international peace, security and the well-being of mankind. We
also seized the opportunity to hold high-level and fruitful talks with
President Richard Nixon on bilateral and African questions and, in general, on
world issues.
Political Conflicts
In this age of transition, characterized by
rising expectations, the burden of leadership is heavier, all the more because
leaders are a link between the past and the future.
It is well known that from the time that We
assumed the responsibility of guiding the destiny of Our country by accession
to the Throne of Our forefathers, We based the government on its three main
branches – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Since the functions
of each branch of the government are defined in the constitution, the
separation of their powers must be strictly observed.
Today the tasks to be undertaken in various
fields of national endeavour are not only becoming more complex but more
pressing in character each day. It is for this reason that each one should
fulfill his duties and shoulder his responsibilities with industry and
enthusiasm so that the tasks undertaken will be satisfactorily executed. Working and thinking for the common good are dictated by
the times in which we live and are indispensable for the progress and
development of a country.
Inquiry
is a magical power that opens the door to hidden rewards and must be pursued
calmly, diligently and intelligently to achieve this goal.
May the
Almighty bless the services you render your country following this spirit and
aim.
Nov. 2, 1970.
