TO POLISH PRESIDENT
Your Excellency
Madame Ochab
We thank Your Excellency sincerely for the
generous hospitality you have extended this evening.
Ethiopia is honoured to have had this
occasion to welcome you as her honoured guest, and to convey through you to the
Polish people, an indication of the warm friend-ship and sincere respect which
the name of Poland inspires here.
In the modern world into which Ethiopia
has emerged in this century, the distances between nations and peoples can no
longer be measured in units of space. Many kilometers separate Poland and
Ethiopia but with modern trans-port available we and all nations are virtually
neighbours. Yet we must also be neighbours in a far deeper and more significant
sense. The inter-dependence of the peoples of the world is already an
established fact and the sphere of mutual interest expands daily.
Economically, co-operation serves us all
well, but economic co-operation while of crucial significance, is not in itself
an end. There must also exist a body of shared principles of morality and
justice which governs not only economics but human relations as well. Many of
these principles have already been established and are enshrined in the Charter
of the United Nations Organization and the International Declaration of Human
Rights. To these principles the peoples of Ethiopia and Africa are earnestly
dedicated, and we are proud to have with us as staunch allies in this
dedication, the people of Poland.
Vile Racism
In recent months the world has been scared
by crises, many of which continue to cause destruction and havoc, in spite of
the avowed dedication to peace and human welfare, by those who scourge and
destroy one another. This is a tragedy on a scale which defies description but
it must cease if man is ever to realize the enlightened destiny which he seeks.
But perhaps even more shattering to the conscience of the world than the
political and economic wars of this age has been the vile doctrine of racism
asserted by the illegal regime of Rhodesia. The disease of apartheid which now
contaminates the southern portion of this continent would spread if permitted,
but it cannot. We are thankful to the United Nations which has risen to meet
this threat. We are proud to assert that the courage and strength and
dedication of every Ethiopian stands ready to meet this threat. We are
convinced that the principles of justice and equality which ought to prevail,
will prevail because now there is a collective will among men which will not
tolerate the violation of these principles and which is supported by the means
to enforce them. We know that the men and women of Poland share with us the
dedication which will force the eradication of the last vestiges of racism and
colonialism from the earth.
Indeed, Your Excellency’s visit has gone
far to illuminate the vast area of interest and concern which is held in common
by the Ethiopian and Polish nations. The avenues for co-operation among us are
numerous and they promise to lead our peoples to great achievement, and mutual
benefits. Our advances will be made in trust and friendship, Mr. Chairman, and
there can be no doubt that your visit has formed an important link in the ties
that will bind us closely as we go forward.
Dec.
2, 1965.
Selected Speeches of His
Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 136 –
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