26.05. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - COMPLETING OFFICIAL VISIT TO GOJJAM AND BEGEMDER-SEMIEN

On May 26, 1959, completing his official visit

to the Provinces of Gojjam and Begemder-

Semien, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I

made in Gondar the following speech:

"We have granted to the people. of Begemder and

Semien tax amnesty for the years 1948 to 1957 because

We realize that they were unable to pay their taxes

because of hardhips and difficulties and in full recognition

of their faithful services."

"During Our present visit to the Governorate General

of Begemder-Semien and also to that of Gojjam, We have

been pleased to see some educational and health organisations

functioning fully in some places. We realize,

however, that there is a great gap between the needs of

the people and what has been already accomplished.

Our chief aims are the development of the work at

hand and the accomplishment of the planned projects.

By the will of the Almighty, We are applying much

energy and effort in the fulfilment of two of them in

which We have the greatest hope, - the education and

health of Our people. This is among the main purposes

of Our present visit."

"We have stated before that We are deeply indebted

to the people of Begemder-Semien and Gojjam for their

heroic struggle for their country and Emperor during the

enemy occupation. Thus, We have assented that any

buildings that have already been constructed or will

be later erected for the purposes of education and health

in these two, Governorates-General are to be named after

those famous patriots who have given their lives for the

honour of their country's freedom and the glory of their

Emperor. To this effect We have ordered Our two

Deputy governors-general to establish committees for

this purpose and to deal with the ministries concerned.

We pray that the Almighty would give His aid to the

students and all those who will serve in these schools and

hospitals in order that they may follow the examples set

by the patriots in love for their country and Emperor,

and that they will strive hard with good spirit and

honesty for the glory of Ethiopia."

"During Our visit of the Governorates-General of

Begemder-Semien and Gojjam We have seen some

naturally irrigated lands, suited for the growth of various

crops in different provinces and districts. For the

welfare and prosperity of Our people, We have ordered

the officials of the districts and sub-districts to distribute

freely, and according to your capabilities, these lands

for the cultivation of special crops. Upon granting these

lands to those who would profit by them We place ,a

penalty on those who through neglect do not take the

necessary care in the cultivation and care of the land

and reward those who fulfil Our order."

Speeches delivered by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie Ist Emperor of Ethiopia on various occasions - page 131 -