27.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - BANQUET IN HONOUR OF PRESIENT CHARLES DE GAULLE

BANQUET IN HONOUR OF PRESIENT

CHARLES DE GAULLE

Mr. President, Madame de Gaulle,

Historians, in reciting the events of the Twentieth Century, will recognize among the leaders of our time a few men whose energy, resolution and deep understanding of events have caused them to control and direct the very destiny of mankind. We and all Ethiopians are proud and honoured to have in Our presence tonight such a leader. This evening, as Ethiopia salutes one of the great men of this century and one of the great spokesmen of French culture and civilization of any century. Our esteemed and honoured friend, President Charles de Gaulle. We extend to you Mr. President, and to Madame de Gaulle, Our heartfelt greetings, and We reaffirm the warm admiration which the magnificent accomplishments of your inimitable and glorious career so justly merit.

The world well remembers the valiant and ultimately successful struggle which you led to the restoration of France’s birthright of freedom and independence. The epic resistance of the French people to foreign domination and the saga of their heroism and sacrifice in the cause of their historic liberties constitute a glorious chapter in the rich pages of French history. In subsequent years, the strength, the foresight and purpose which you have brought to the French Government have surmounted immense obstacles and opposition to retain and add new dignity to the splendid name of France. The position which France has assumed in world affairs in the recent past under Your Excellency’s far-sighted leadership has heartened all those who are committed to the principles of national independence and self-determination. The nations of Africa are among the most ardent proponents of these great doctrines which were enshrined first in the Charter of the United Nations Organization and later again in the Charter of our own Organization of African Unity. The past decade has been the time of the great unleashing of the long-restrained energies and genius of this vast continent. As the result of long and diligent efforts, the independence of most of our brethren here has been accomplished. In the course of the struggles which have been waged the values of nation-hood and of national and cultural pride firmly imbedded in African soil. 

Comrades In Struggle

France and Ethiopia today stand fast in friendship and understanding, and there are good and sufficient reasons why this should be so. Our wartime experiences constitute one such reason. We too have suffered the pains of struggle. Our people have earned through blood and tears the deep satisfaction gained with the restoration of a cherished and ancient independence. A contingent of the Free French Forces participated successfully during the struggle to liberate our country. Our nation has been tested and tempered with the cruel knowledge of experience and has emerged wiser and stronger for what she has undergone.

France and Ethiopia are convinced that the fundamental problems of our world such as Vietnam can only receive a collective solution resulting from the expression and the contribution of all nations.

The origin of relations between Ethiopia and France goes back far beyond the years of the great struggle against the invader. The relations between our two countries date from the beginning of the seventeenth century. It is true that at that time, the means of communication between Ethiopia and France did not facilitate the establishment of continuous relations.

Nevertheless, as from 1843, a Treaty of Friendship and of Commerce concluded between King Sahle-Selassie and your official representative, acting in the name of Louis-Philippe, King of France, was signed at Angolala.

This treaty – preceded by half a century of other similar treaties – was the inauguration of the policy of co-operation of contemporary Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s first modern link with the outside world, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railroad, was developed and constructed with French support. The continuing co-operation of our two countries in the successful joint administration of this critical transportation route bears witness to their capacities to work together fruitfully and has been indispensable to the nation’s burgeoning development. The achievements of French culture were of immense significance in creating the basis for modem Ethiopian education. French scholars have brought their keen intellects to the study of our own ancient culture. French teachers have brought knowledge of the beauties of the French language and the glories of French civilization to the enquiring minds of generations of Ethiopian students.

Co-operation

Today, as Ethiopia moves ever more quickly forward into the technical and industrial civilization of our times, French co-operation and assistance will be more than ever necessary in accelerating and supporting Our nation’s achievements. The conclusion of a technical and cultural assistance agreement between our two countries assures Us that this assistance will be forthcoming.

In reciting these evidences of friendship We are reminded with pleasure of the generosity and candour of the French people which We everywhere observed on the occasion of Our memorable reception in France during Our visits. We are pleased now to be able to demonstrate to you, Mr. President, and through you to the French people, the depth and the sincerity of the friendship which Ethiopia holds for those who come in peace and with understanding. We are proud to have this occasion to explain to you something of the glories, the traditions and the culture of Our unique and ancient land and people.

We believe that through the exchange of views that will take place new ground will be laid whereon our peoples shall move onward arm in arm to the accomplishment in mutual sympathy of great new tasks.

In the spirit of comradeship which warms this evening, We ask all assembled here to raise your glasses and join with Us in this toast.

To the French culture and civilization; to the history of friendship and understanding between the French and Ethiopian peoples; to the leadership and heroism of an outstanding statesman of our time, President Charles de Gaulle and to Madame de Gaulle.

Aug. 27, 1966.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 144 –   

. HIM QHS with French President Charles de Gaulle. 1967.  Paris, France;  Elysee Palace

24.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ADDRESSING JUDGES ON JUSTICE AND THE LAW

ADDRESSING JUDGES ON JUSTICE AND THE LAW

…. Since in the scale of creation all men are born equal, it is imperative that all laws should be equitable in their application. For, what is the foundation of freedom and what are the reasons that men cherish it if they are not equal before the law?

It is an accepted criterion all over the world to elect judges on the basis of their merit and not on any other considerations. In Ethiopia, the Kings received their mission from God and the allegiance of the people because they have faith in the justice of their actions.

What Our Minister of Justice in his speech has said on your behalf as well as the four-day conference that you have attended will undoubtedly contribute to your enlightenment.

Our history shows that the Emperors and Kings decided cases and handed down judgment based on precedents and the prevailing custom. They were assisted by the “Fetha Negest,” a legal code compiled by learned ecclesiastics. It was even a custom to bury a copy of this code with the Rulers – an act symbolizing the fact that while dispensing justice in their life-time they had not deviated from the provisions of the “Fetha Negest.”

Since in the scale of creation all men are born equal, it is imperative that all laws should be equitable in their application. For, what is the foundation of freedom and what are the reasons that men cherish it if they are not equal before the law? The answer is clear to all of you.

With the assistance of Our elders We have striven to improve the judicial system of our country from the time that We accepted the high responsibility of leading the destiny of our nation, realizing that this is part of our trust. As Saint Paul said: “Where specific law exists, try according to the law, where there exists no code of law, try according to your conscience.”

As you have mentioned in your speech We have been continuously exercised with the task of dispensing justice with equity. And you must be aware of the enormous effort that we have devoted to the promulgation of the Civil and Criminal Codes and to secure the service of foreign legal experts to assist in the execution of these tough tasks both before and after the promulgation of the Constitution.

This is not the first time that We have addressed an assembly of this nature. While some of you had actually attended the meeting that was held earlier at the same place, those of you who were not present must have read about it.

Those who are selected as judges must realize their great responsibilities, for a judge must endeavour to discover the truth so that his judgment will always be impartial and unbiased. He must, moreover, strive to overcome fear and to resist temptations such as those of pecuniary gains and favouritism and any other practices that might prevent him from the proper execution of his duties. He should, in addition, seek guidance from the Almighty God, be true to his conscience and examine objectively cases brought before him to aid him in avoiding malpractices.

Ignorance No Excuse

No judge could claim ignorance or poverty as an excuse for shortcomings in the administration of justice because he can neither shirk the responsibility entrusted to him by the Crown nor perjure his God-given conscience. It will be found that physical and material handicaps which are often short-lived and transitory are not so harmful as finding one’s self faced with a guilty conscience. Whenever conflict arises between material and spiritual values the conscience plays an important role, and anyone who suffers from a guilty conscience is never free from this problem until he makes peace with his conscience. As you all are cognizant of those things which displeased God and brings forth shame, temptations should be rigorously resisted.

Justice is the fundamental axiom for the survival of freedom and government.

We have always been endeavouring to see that what is benefiting people elsewhere in the world is made available to Our own people. For this reason We ourselves have been receiving appeals in Our Court. Ordinary small cases which naturally cannot be handled by Us because of shortage of time have been entrusted to our Ministry of Justice and other judicial authorities in the faith that justice will be dispensed with equity in accordance with the responsibility bestowed upon Us by the Almighty God.

The problem of administering justice is not a thing which exists only in Ethiopia; it exists all over the world. As judges do demand justice for themselves, you should endeavour to administer justice with equity, remembering the words of Jesus Christ that man cannot live on bread alone; he has a spirit to care for.

Our people have always been demanding justice. He who seeks justice knows the value of justice too. This testifies to the maturity of Our people. This has been said time and again in history and is not something new. For this reason We are proud of Our people. We say this to you so that there will be improvement in the future in the administration of justice. Although there might have been failures in the past there is no doubt you have endeavoured to administer justice squarely. In order to satisfy all the demands of all the people, time is required. As We have already pointed out, that which does not give time is the feeling of a guilty conscience. We should try to avoid it with all our efforts. 

Expansion

An endeavour shall be made to arrive at prompt decision on the draft regulations defining the responsibilities of the courts and their administration. It is a well known fact that the budget of the Ministry of Justice has been increased. It should also be noted that as the work of the administration of justice expands, studies will be made for the procurement of still additional funds. There are various means by which the Ministry of Justice can closely co-operate with other departments of the government which have their own part to play in carrying out this task. We shall be passing orders to the Council of Ministers through our Prime Minister to study the possibility of establishing schools for juvenile delinquents on the lines of the one functioning in Addis Ababa so that teenage law offenders who get involved in crimes as a result of their mental instability can be punished for what they have done in the past and at the same time be protected against indulging in crimes in the future.

We have time and again said with regard to the Moslem Community, that the integrity and religious right of everyone should be protected and respected. As laws are being enacted at all times, We have long ago permitted the drafting of laws suited to their religious practices. However, since religion and work go hand in hand, it should be understood that the laws should be practised in a method not detrimental to the unity of a nation. Our Minister of Justice will submit for study the details of the process for the administration of the laws whereupon decision shall be taken.

In general you – judges – should understand that you have been entrusted with the great responsibility of protecting the rights of the people and must therefore endeavour to serve with a spirit of selflessness and integrity so as to free yourselves from guilty consciousness. We urge you to serve with integrity today so as to set a good precedent for posterity. Endeavour to serve with integrity, always bearing in mind what We have told you in the past and what We are now telling you. Since man has been endowed by the Almighty with the special quality of judging his own self, let alone passing a judgment on others, at the hour of pronouncing judgment he must imagine... finding himself to be in the position of the man in the dock. If one passes a judgment after search of his conscience and careful reflection picturing his own self in the position of he who stands before him for trial, and if he does it with good conscience in the interest of the efficiency of administration of justice, there is no doubt that he will pass the right judgment.

He who stands before you or Us for trial is equally our brother. To think that we may tomorrow find ourselves in his place, that posterity will also find itself in the same difficult situation, in a fundamental applicable to all professions.

As unfairness and loss of faith in justice torments both the body and the soul, we urge you to keep yourselves away from befalling such a calamity. Let the Almighty God engrave these words in the heart of everyone of us.

Aug. 24, 1961.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 417 –   

President Mordecai W. Johnson escorts His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, to a special convocation during which the Emperor receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, May 28, 1954.  University Archives, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University

16.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - AT BAHR DAR INSTITUTE

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 232 -

15.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ALLIED VICTORY

ALLIED VICTORY

Today marks what will, perhaps, be recorded as the most significant day in world history, for today has at last been brought to account and to a crushing defeat a worldwide philosophy of aggression against all peace-loving nations. This glorious victory has been won because those peace-loving nations have persisted for long years of incredible hardships, sacrifices, and determination to achieve freedom, decency, and justice not for themselves alone but for the entire world. It is in this sense that the victory over Japan which started in 1931 her infamous attack upon our great friend the Republic of China and which led to the equally infamous aggression against Ethiopia in 1935 and against Europe in 1939, takes on its deeper significance for world history.

We have today, reversed the policy of expediency at the expense of international justice. Today the victory which We now celebrate, represents not only the triumph over Japan, not only the triumph over those same forces in Europe which were part and parcel of the same struggle, but also a triumph of the principle of collective security enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations signed at San Francisco.

However, at this solemn moment in history Our hearts turn in grief and tender reflection to those countless families throughout the world who have sacrificed their most cherished possessions, their husbands and sons, that justice might triumph. This victory has been achieved at a cost of lives, sufferings, and treasure that have never before been equalled. It has also recorded the bravest and most heroic deeds and actions of modern times. In history will ever be enshrined the battle-fields of Alamein, of Stalingrad, of Anzio, of Normandy, of Iwo Jima and of Okinawa. Ethiopia, with the other United Nations and more than most, has contributed her maximum efforts to the attainment of that victory. She will, with all others, however, remain eternally grateful to the British Empire, for her aid in liberating Ethiopia and, during those dark hours of 1940 and 1941, in carrying on alone the war for the defence of decency and liberty; to the Soviet Union, through incredible acts of heroism, for having ground to dust the vast German armies in the East; and finally to the United States of America for its great sacrifices in men and wealth, which with the combined forces of Britain and the Soviet Union made possible the invasion of Europe and which by a series of brilliant naval and air victories achieved the defeat of and victory over Japan.

Re-Affirm Faith

These sacrifices, the sacrifices of other United Nations and the long bitter struggle of Our Empire for the defence and furtherance of the cause of collective security impose upon all nations alike the obligation rendered sacred by the life-blood and sufferings of Our people to ensure that war will not again sear the face of Our fair lands, and that justice and not expediency shall guide the councils of nations and, in the words of the Charter of the United Nations “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of nations large and small.”

Aug. 15, 1945.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 88 –     

  

  

01.08. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - AT ASMARA UNIVERSITY

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 271 -

30.07. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - PRESS CONFERENCE: 74TH BIRTHDAY

PRESS CONFERENCE: 74TH BIRTHDAY

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press,

Today I called this press conference in order, first of all, to convey some of my thoughts about recent happenings and in the second place, to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions on any subject you might desire.

First I would like to say a few words on the recent decision of the International Court of Justice on the legal action that was brought by Ethiopia and Liberia against South Africa concerning South West Africa. As everybody knows by now, all mankind is concerned about the situation in South West Africa, and what the policy of the South African Government implies to the rest of the world.

The International Court at the Hague has discussed the South West African question for several years now. Ethiopia, Liberia and many other African states as well as men of good-will everywhere have done their best to see that justice is rendered in this case so that the people in that unfortunate country are freed from the status of oppression to which they are subjected at the present. Justice is the essence of civilized existence. Unfortunately the decision of the Court has been influenced more by political than by legal considerations.

I know of the great hope that was placed upon the Court when it was established. At the very outset, I know the Court made useful decisions in certain cases but the tendency of the Court, if we take the recent decision as an example of what we may expect in the future, does not inspire confidence, and because of this we feel that there will be a lesser tendency to resort to judicial settlement of disputes.

The plaintiffs before the Court were Ethiopia and Liberia, but in a sense, one can say all peace-loving peoples were somehow concerned about and were anxiously awaiting the result which was expected to be in accordance with the demands of justice. It is quite true that judges are free in their task of decision-making but the decisions must be in accordance with the law. However we must also point out that humanity has the right to require that certain fundamental institutions and thoughts of value which are common to all society and are indispensable to peace be incorporated as part of the principles of international law upon which the International Court of Justice should base itself. The Statute of the Court does make adequate provisions for that.

I must point out that this judgment is contrary to the interests of mankind and more particularly, contrary to the interests of the African peoples. I say the decision was affected more by political than legal considerations. However we are not at the end of the road. I believe we are going to continue to struggle for the removal of the system of apartheid and oppression in South West Africa, and I am confident that this struggle will bring about a satisfactory solution to the problem.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, Your long life has been one of eventful years of accomplishments of many things. Many events have transpired in the world, too. Which ones does Your Imperial Majesty find the most significant?

Longevity A Divine Gift

Answer:

I thank God for giving me such a long life. This is a matter which can be only considered as a gift from the Almighty. In my long life I have seen and experienced many things. Ever since I was 18 years old, I saw many things happening both in my own country and abroad. It is difficult to point out the most important events during that long period which comprises many decades. The two events that stand out, and which affected and influenced the course of events throughout the world, have of course been World War I and World War II; the bloodshed during the two world wars, why they were fought, how they were concluded and the aftermath of those wars. In particular, speaking of these world wars, I recollect of the influence leaders exerted on the course of events. The history of World War I, of World War II and the aftermath will always stand out in the annals of history. We know those who were responsible for those wars – the men with evil purpose and evil mind – who took the leadership in certain parts of the world and the events that followed. Anybody who has lived through these two great wars and the bloodshed must recognize the need for effective safeguards to maintain international peace.

I also know that certain institutions in certain states were responsible for the outbreak of the world wars. Since then democratic institutions and procedures have been strengthened throughout the world, and I am confident that as a result of this experience of the last decades we are in a better position to maintain world peace.

Of course, the Second World War had affected Ethiopia. It is a well-known fact that our country fell victim to the aggressive forces of Fascism. I had the privilege of pleading the case before the League of Nations in Geneva but the League's collective security system had not been strengthened and there were no standard procedures to which there was universal adherence for the settlement of international disputes. The system failed. Ethiopia suffered from the failure of that system but the concept of collective security was more firmly established after the war.

I know that men of goodwill everywhere sympathized with Ethiopia. We continued the struggle to free our people from the rule of aliens and finally we were able to overcome the enemy. We returned to our capital city and began extensive programmes for the progress of our country.

Furthermore, we witnessed the emergence of the new independent African states, the laying of the foundation here in Addis Ababa for a greater unity among the African peoples. These are some of the events I recollect and to which I attach great significance.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, do You see any relationship between the League of Nations' failure to take action on the situation Ethiopia faced in 1935-36 and the failure of the Court to take action on the South West African case in 1966?

Material Difference

Answer:

There is a material difference between the failure of the League's collective security system in 1935 and 1936 and failure of the International Court of Justice to consider the merits of the South West African case.

The collective security system arrangement that we thought, and everybody thought, was secured under the Covenant of the League of Nations collapsed completely. The failure of the International Court of Justice now to consider the merits of the South West African case means that legal procedures for the settlement of the dispute are no longer open to us and that we are to approach the problem from another angle, perhaps by insisting to invoke the collective security measures under the Charter of the United Nations. So that in the two cases I see this important difference: while the League of Nations collapsed completely, in the case of the International Court of Justice, it was one particular organ of the collective security system that failed to respond to the demands of justice in South West Africa.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, has the situation in Rhodesia and the struggle that was taken in relation to that question tended to weaken the Organization of African Unity?

Answer:

Needless to say, all the African peoples were disheartened by events in Rhodesia and by the failure of the efforts of many states and individuals to restore the legitimate rights to the African majority in Southern Rhodesia.

There are of course many ways to solve a problem; there are many methods of peaceful settlement and there is also the question of the use of force, but I believe that before we resort to measures such as the use of force, we must exhaust all reasonable peaceful methods. So far, the African states had jointly taken some action but they had put greater faith on the British Government to crush the illegal regime there. However, we are sad to say that such measures on the part of the British Government have not been successful and they have not been adequate.

The African states in the Organization of African Unity have no difference so far as the Rhodesian question is concerned. Certain differences about the approaches to the problem existed in the past but we are confident that in our future actions we will be more united than ever for a just settlement of the Rhodesian question.

I am sure that when the African heads of state reconvene their regular summit here the Rhodesian question will be prominent on their agenda.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, You have been the leader of our people for the last 49 years. What are Your Majesty's views concerning the progress that the country has achieved in the last 49 years?

Constitutional Changes

Answer:

We have witnessed many accomplishments in the last 49 years – and all these achievements have given sustained benefits to the Ethiopian people. If I were to be asked to name just a few, I would say the outstanding achievement has been in the constitutional changes of our country. We have made it possible for the participation of all our people in the work of the government. We have instituted systems by which the rights of our people are protected. In the economic field, we have instituted systems by which the Ethiopian people can help themselves and their government also. We see that the efforts we have invested on the improvement of our national life are at present giving forth good results to our people. Although I will be the first to say that what has been achieved has not been fully satisfactory, the country is moving ahead, progress is being attained by the people and the future is full of hope and promise.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, General de Gaulle will pay a state visit to Ethiopia in the near future. Do you expect special agreements to be signed between Ethiopia and France as a result of the visit?

Answer:

We have enjoyed a relation of friendship with France for many years. The economic, cultural and other relations our people maintained with the French people are well-known. When General de Gaulle arrives here we shall have the opportunity to discuss ways and means by which we can strengthen further this good relation between our two countries. I am confident that when General de Gaulle visits Ethiopia we shall have the opportunity to work out concrete agreements of mutual co-operation. I am glad he accepted our invitation to visit Ethiopia. I am sure the result will be satisfactory to both our peoples.

Question:

What have been the main achievements by Ethiopia in the last few decades?

Answer:

The answer to this question can be very long. I have already pointed out the achievements that were attained in the constitutional and economic fields. Now I wish to add the progress we have made and we intend to make in the future in the field of education.

Education is not new in Ethiopia. Although we did not have any modem universities, for centuries we had enjoyed our own system of education – a system that brought great benefit to our people. However, more recently we embarked on a modem system of education and a great deal has been achieved. I am confident that in the future we will work even harder and get even more satisfactory results. It is because I considered education indispensable to the needs of Ethiopia that I personally assumed for a number of years the portfolio of the Minister of Education.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, what do you think about the invitation to Your Imperial Majesty by Mr. Podgorny, the President of the Soviet Union to visit the USSR?

Answer:

Yes, the Soviet Government has extended an invitation to me to pay an official visit to the Soviet Union. I was glad to receive the invitation. When I visit the Soviet Union I hope I will have an opportunity to discuss with the responsible officials of the Soviet Government matters of mutual interest between our two countries and also matters which I hope will help to strengthen peace.

I said I was glad to accept the invitation but the precise date of my visit is still under consideration. There are certain matters to be discussed at a certain level in this connection.

July 30, 1966.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 676 –   

29.07. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - TO THE WORLD COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND

TO THE WORLD COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND

It is with great pleasure that We have delegated Ato Abebe Kebede, Administrator General of Our Welfare Foundation, and who is also responsible for the welfare and education of the blind in Ethiopia, to attend and participate in the deliberations of the General Assembly of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind which is to be held in New York from July 30th to August 12th, 1964.

Since the standard of living of the blind people in general is much to be desired yet in the developing countries. We feel that it is your great responsibility to give deep and thoughtful consideration to this problem in the course of your discussions, as well as to study the impact of blindness in the said countries. In doing so, We are confident that you shall be the hope for your brothers and sisters living in darkness at the remote corners of the earth. We also urge the countries who are economically advanced and who have had greater experience in the education of the blind to share their knowledge with others in this field.

We assure you that as long as Our means permit, We shall not fail to support your objectives and closely participate in your activities.

May God bless your work.

July 29, 1964.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 654 –   

Proceedings of the World Assembly of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind held at Statler Hilton Hotel, New York City, U.S.A., 31st July to 11th August, 1964   - see page 25!