13.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - AT THE WHITE HOUSE

AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Mr. President, Mrs. Johnson, distinguished guests:

First of all, Mr. President, I wish to state my satisfaction of the fact you have recovered as spiritedly from your recent difficulty with your health. It is nice to see you in the state that I find you today.

Each generation thinks that the situation it faces is the most serious one, the most difficult among those which were faced by generations of the past. However this may be true today, I believe, when we say the task of this generation is burdensome, we mean it.

Because of the progress mankind has achieved and because of the difficulties that are at times part and parcel of progress and prosperity, we find ourselves at a crossroad where we might make the world safe for our future generations or we might all perish together.

The friendship between the United States and Ethiopia is one of long standing. Our association in the past many decades, I hope, has been fruitful for both our peoples. Because the United States and Ethiopia believe in the same fundamental and essential goals, it is necessary that we should put our efforts together so that we may make maximum contribution for the safety, happiness and prosperity of the generations to come.

In our discussions, Mr. President, I hope we will have the occasion of considering certain questions of mutual concern, of exchanging views in a frank and open manner, and arriving, I am confident, at a consensus of understanding.

I believe that these are not confined to our times and that leaders must from time to time come together, face each other, and discus problems they share in common. It is not enough that we deal through diplomatic channels.

Mr. President, I know of the hard work that you have in your country. I know of the immense responsibility you carry for the safety of mankind, for the maintenance of peace. I know also of your splendid effort in maintaining national peace and security. I am glad, under the circumstances, that you are able to consider my coming to the United States for the purpose of dealing with matters of mutual interest.

Ethiopia and Ethiopians are labouring today not only for the peace and prosperity of our people, but also, realizing the fundamental common interest which we share with other African people, we have dedicated Ourselves to building a united and a more prosperous Africa. We found that the interest that affects Africa affects also Ethiopia and vice versa, because our destiny with the African Continent is a common one.

We have to put up a common effort to see that the Continent’s interests are protected. As it is well known, the Organization of African Unity was established in Addis Ababa. I believe this organization has made a good begin-ning in the interest of all of the African people.

I hope, Mr. President, during our private conversations I will have an opportunity of exchanging views with you about matters of mutual concern, as well as matters that relate to the Organization of African Unity.

Let me say, again, that I am glad to be in the United States today and I pray that our discussions will bear fruit.

Thank you.

                                                                                                                                            Feb. 13, 1967.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 153 –   


Remarks of Welcome at the White House to HIM QHS and His answering response - February 13, 1967

Excerpt:

"He has been our firm and cherished friend for more than five decades. He and his people have inspired us by their heroic example in time of war. And they have impressed us by the wisdom of their advice in time of peace.
The most destructive war in human history might well have been prevented if the world had only listened--30 years ago--to the Emperor of Ethiopia. Mankind has seldom been offered so accurate a prophecy. And it has never paid a grimmer price for ignoring one of its prophets.
I would like to repeat a statement His Majesty made to the world in those dark days before the Second World War. "Apart from the Kingdom of God," he said, "there is not on this earth any nation that is higher than any other."
No one has ever offered a better prescription for destroying the cancer of war.
Only when this simple, moral truth is finally accepted by all the leaders of every land can we truly hope for lasting peace.
His Imperial Majesty has never raised his voice in the halls of nations except to counsel wisdom, restraint, and justice. He once described the foreign policy of his own land in these words:
"We believe that war has become too dangerous a method for solving international disputes. Man must be as wise as he is advanced. He must allow his wisdom and his commonsense to prevail over temptations that can only lead to the destruction of civilization itself . . . the only safe way for the settlement of international disputes is the method of peaceful negotiation, conducted in good faith, and with the aim of insuring peace and justice to all.""

Video of HIM QHS in Washington DC 1967 with President Johnson

25. November 1963 - Washington, D.C.: President Johnson confers with Emperor Haile Selassie at the White House. 

Lyndon Johnson at a dinner for Haile Selassie in 1967.

11.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - POLICE COLLEGE

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 546 -

 

10.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF HUNGARIAN LEADER KALLAI

LUNCHEON IN HONOUR OF

HUNGARIAN LEADER KALLAI

It is gratifying to Us tonight to renew once more our salutations of welcome to our guest, the distinguished Chair-man of the Council of Ministers of Hungary, Mr. Gyula Kallai. We ask you, Mr. Chairman, to convey to the Government and people of Hungary, the sincere greetings and sentiments of warm friendship of the Ethiopian people.

We know well that Ethiopia’s good wishes are reciprocated for We retain happy memories of the enthusiastic welcome and general hospitality which were accorded to Us at every hand during Our most enjoyable visit to Hungary less than two years ago. Your visit, Mr. Chairman, forges another important link in the bond of friendship which draws our two nations closer together. During the course of your stay with Us, you will have the opportunity to view closely the culture and traditions of our ancient state and so better understand the unique role which Ethiopia has been enable to fulfil in African and world affairs.

The distance which separates our two nations is no longer an excuse for remote and distant relations. While there are vast differences in the historical experiences of our peoples, yet today we are confronted with the same concerns, the same interests and we share the same aspirations for the future of our peoples. The very diversity of the world’s peoples today constitutes one of mankind’s great resources; the different philosophies with which nations approach their problems lead inevitably to development of a vast array of methods and techniques. These variations are necessary, for each people must find solutions which are responsive to its particular needs.

There are no universal panaceas for the problems of development with which the greater part of mankind is today faced. Each nation will inevitably pursue that course which appears best suited to its own unique characteristics, but no nation can pursue its course in isolation and no nation can develop and prosper with its back turned to the rest of the world in terms of trade, techniques, resources and ideas. Each of us depends upon the other, can learn from the other and in pursuing its own destiny will go further and succeed more quickly with others. Indeed, the free exchange of support and ideas is an essential condition to world understanding and equally to world progress.

Africa’s Awakening

The past ten years have witnessed the great awakening of this continent, Mr. Chairman. New states, each partaking of its own diverse culture and tradition have emerged and this gives us reason for rejoicing while at the same time we have to continue to struggle for the liberation of the entire continent. Ethiopia’s situation is particularly unique in the light of its centuries of vigorously defended independence. Yet, we have recognized great common goals and ideals which we share with our brethren throughout this continent and have striven energetically with them to establish and maintain that Organization of African Unity which serves us as the most effective instrument for unity and co-operation.

Your visit to Ethiopia, Mr. Chairman, is symbolic of Hungary’s acceptance of the same ideas which have so guided our nations. We believe that this visit and the discussions which will ensue, will open the way to further exchanges between our two peoples so that friendship between us will grow and deepen from its auspicious beginnings.

We look forward earnestly to even closer relations with the Hungarian Government and people. We are confident that significant avenues of co-operation will be found along which our two nations may together progress in furtherance of their common desire to provide a better and more meaningful way of life for all.

We raise our glasses in toast to the lasting friendship between the Ethiopian and Hungarian peoples to their common growth and happiness and prosperity, to the good health and long life of our distinguished guest, His Excellency Mr. Kallai and Madam Kallai.

                                                                                                                  Feb. 10, 1966. or Feb.11 1965

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 138 –   &

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 546 -

08.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - NAVAL GRADUATION

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 315 -

06.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - (OPENS AFRICA HALL) - E.C.A. Its Responsibilities

(OPENS AFRICA HALL)

E.C.A.: Its Responsibilities

On the occasion of the holding in Addis Ababa of the Third Regular Session of the Economic Commission for Africa, We are pleased to extend Our warm greetings to those who have come to the capital city of Ethiopia to attend this Conference as representatives and observers. A little over two years ago, We addressed the inaugural session of the Economic Commission for Africa. In the years which have intervened, African development has surged ahead on the irresistible tide which is sweeping the entire continent to freedom. Many who attended that first session in the capacity of observers have now become full members of this organization, and We extend a particular welcome to those new states whose representatives, for the first time, will play a full role in the deliberations which will take place here.

It is a law of nature and history that the development of any people must proceed simultaneously on all fronts. It is not enough that political emancipation has been and is being achieved. We must also attain that degree of economic freedom which makes independence a complete and meaningful concept. Our economies must be strong and viable. The energies which the African peoples expend to this end must be fruitful and productive. After having won their political independence, at such labour and cost, Africans must now similarly labour to escape from the economic domination which could render their freedom illusory and ephemeral.

This is our task. It is not an easy task, and the challenge which it presents is great. An age-old technique which we may expect to encounter again and again in our struggle to attain independence in fact as well as in name, is summed up in the maxim “divide and conquer.” We may question whether any action tending to the association of European and African economies in the European Common Market should not be delayed until the implications and consequences of this step have been fully considered in this African forum. We must be ever mindful that our greatest weapon is the oneness which we share as Africans. But it is not enough to be Africans. That which pulls us apart and divides us must be resisted with all of our strength. That which unites us must be pursued relentlessly and inexorably. We must expand yet further communications among the African nations; we must come to know one another better. We must increase student exchanges and visits to one another’s countries. Our greatest asset is our unity, and we must exploit it to the fullest. Is it not true that the fundamental characteristic of unity is that each of us accepts as his own the problems and difficulties which beset any of us, whether in his culture or his economy.

The work which the Economic Commission for Africa has performed in its short life is already laying a solid foundation upon which Africans may work together for the solution of those problems which beset this continent and for the realization of an ever-accelerating African economic development. We congratulate the dedicated men and women who have, under the ECA’s able Secretary-General, already produced so much that will be so useful in the future. In their future work, We trust that the Economic Commission for Africa will not ignore studies and research which can make a further contribution to their work and to African development.

Nor should the Economic Commission for Africa ignore the contributions it can make in other fields. In the field of social development, for example, the Economic Commission for Africa could, with additional assistance from the United Nations, undertake a comparative study of the developing social life of African nations, with special attention being given to agrarian problems. Cultural and natural resources are the mainstays of the African economy; unless progress in these fields keeps pace with development in other areas, a serious obstacle will be created to accelerate growth in any area.

The responsibility for all this is in our hands. We know that the Economic Commission for Africa will continue to serve the ultimate interests of the African peoples, and We pray that Almighty God will bless your labours and crown them with success.

                                                                                                                                              Feb. 6, 1961.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 214 –    

“The Total Liberation of Africa” created by internationally famous Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle - Africa Hall.

Unity is strenght - HIM QHS is the Source, Master and Architect of Unity.

04.02. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - TO VISITING JOURNALISTS

TO VISITING JOURNALISTS

I am glad to receive you here this morning. I am happy that you had this opportunity to come to Our country to see some of our development projects. I hope that during your brief sojourn in Ethiopia, you had a chance to observe what has been done with the assistance of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank) and by other multilateral assistance which had been given us.

As you have heard, We had launched a series of Five-Year Plans and some of these have been successfully completed. One such plan is now underway. These Five-Year Plans have been envisaged to improve the standard of living of Our people. With the enthusiastic participation of a broad mass of the people, marked progress has been achieved.

I hope you have found the places you visited interesting – some are historical places and some are areas where development projects have been inaugurated to raise the standard of living of Our people. While We are proud of what has been achieved so far, nevertheless, We recognize that there is much yet to be done and We have yet to travel a lot before We get full satisfaction. I wish you had the opportunity to stay longer and travel more extensively in the country.

As you know, Ethiopia is a big country; there are more than 22 million people. I am confident that from what you have seen so far, you will be able to judge for yourselves the nature of the general pattern of progress in the country.

In reply to a question concerning “the greatest obstacle to the development rate you would like to achieve,” His Imperial Majesty said:

I believe that one of the greatest factors to a higher rate of economic development in any country, including Ethiopia, is the availability of financial resources. No country can lift up itself by its own bootstraps. In order to achieve a high rate of development, all developing countries must acquire assistance from abroad. That is why we have established co-operation with the World Bank and secured bilateral and multilateral assistance.

In addition to these, I believe that for a developing country to achieve a high rate of development, it must attract foreign investment. Appropriate laws have been enacted in Ethiopia to encourage foreign investment.

Investment Protected

I remember that when I paid a state visit to the United States a few years ago, some persons expressed concern about investing in our country because of apprehension of expropriation in one form or another and fear of nationalization. I assured at that same time some U.S. Congressmen, officials and private individuals that apprehension was unfounded and that any foreign capital in Ethiopia would always be protected by the State. I am glad to say that those who were then suspicious are now beginning to recognize the true situation prevailing in Ethiopia.

Although not adequate by any standard, yet it is satisfactory to note that there is an increasing interest on the part of private enterprise to invest in Ethiopia.

In a reply to a Canadian journalist about the Emperor's forthcoming state visit to Canada, His Imperial Majesty said: Upon the invitation extended to me by the Governor-General of Canada, I will visit that country for the third time in the spring. In my previous visits to Canada, I had the opportunity to experience at first hand the sentiments the Canadian Government and people entertain towards Our people and Government. My third visit, which is occasioned by the 1967 Exhibition – in which Ethiopia is fully participating – will provide me with a further opportunity to strengthen the friendly relations that already exist between Canada and Ethiopia.

Among the group of journalists was Dr. F. E. Aschinger, the senior financial editor of the Neue Zurcher Zeitung of Switzerland, who told the Emperor during the course of the audience that he had the opportunity to hear Him address the League of Nations in 1936 in Geneva during the Fascist invasion.

Dr. Aschinger said: I had opportunity to be present during Your address to the League of Nations in 1936 when the Fascists invaded Your country. I had the good opportunity then to witness Your courage and determination, in the face of adversity, in the cause of Your people and the freedom of mankind in general as well as collective security. I am very pleased to see today the same determination and vitality in the cause of world peace and collective security. I wish Your Majesty good health to continue your excellent work for the progress of Your people and for the people of the world.

In reply His Imperial Majesty said: I am very pleased to see here today some one who was at Geneva during those dark days. As you pointed out, I have not stopped labouring for the progress of My people and My efforts for world peace shall never cease. I accept your good wishes.

                                                                                                                                              Feb. 4, 1967.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 690 –   

04.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - TO THE 10TH INAUGURAL MEETING OF E.C.A.

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 404 -