02.12. - 2 - Speech of The Day - OPENS ETHIO-SWEDISH CLINIC

OPENS ETHIO-SWEDISH CLINIC

On this day when We inaugurate the Ethio-Swedish Pediatric Clinic, it is a source of great pleasure to find in our midst His Royal Highness Prince Bertil, Duke of Holland, who has made a long and arduous journey to be among us on this memorable occasion. We take this opportunity to express Our thanks to His Royal Highness and through him to the Government and people of Sweden who have made possible this clinic which stands as a living testimony between the two nations and their peoples.

This clinic is devoted to the preservation and protection of the health and well-being of infants and young children – those too young, too frail to help themselves. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me,” and surely no endeavour of mankind’s can more confidently count upon the benevolent blessing of Our Father in Heaven than that which has found expression in this building and the purposes to which it is dedicated. We would that more of man’s efforts and energies were today directed to equally noble ends.

It is fitting that this clinic has been built through the joint efforts of Ethiopia and Sweden, both equally dedicated to the establishment of those conditions which will enable the young of the world to grow to full maturity in happiness, good health and security. As His Royal Highness has so aptly suggested, the example which Ethiopia and Sweden set today, if only emulated throughout the world, would do much to dispel and dissipate the problems and difficulties mankind is encountering in its arduous passage through the Twentieth Century.

Our concern for all of Our people, and particularly for the young and those in need, has found expression in the educational and public health programmes which We have inaugurated throughout Our Empire. In Our endeavours, We have been aided by unselfish and high-minded men, and today, as this clinic is officially inaugurated, We extend Our thanks to His Excellency the Minister of Sweden, Mr. Bratt, to Dr Mannheimer and to all whose labours have combined to assure that this institution will make its full contribution to the welfare of Our people. We have not failed to note, during the few months which it has been in operation, the praiseworthy results already achieved, and We are pleased to inaugurate it as a distinguished addition to the health facilities of Our nation and an institution well-fitted to stand beside the Hospital dedicated to the memory of Our beloved daughter, Princess Tsahai Haile Selassie, who devoted her life to the care of children.

                                                                                                                                              Dec. 2, 1959.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie - page 543 –