16.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - PRESS CONFERENCE ON DJIBOUTI

PRESS CONFERENCE ON DJIBOUTI

Gentlemen of the press: I have asked you to assemble here today because I have an important announcement to make to you. The matter that I will be considering this afternoon affects the vital interests of both the people of Ethiopia and the Djibouti Territory.

The question of Djibouti Territory has come to the forefront as you know, recently. But we must not be mistaken in the fact that the Djibouti Territory is an integral part of Ethiopia. This is not a fictitious claim; it is based on facts.

As is well known, the frontiers of Ethiopia had stretched from time immemorial to the shores of the sea and the area that is today known as Djibouti Territory formed an indisputable, integral part of Ethiopia. It was only during the latteral part of the 19th century that outside forces intervened in this part of the world to cause dismemberment of certain parts of Ethiopia. It is also well known that the Ethiopian people had heroically resisted this dismemberment throughout history; but our efforts, however heroic, were of no avail. The dismemberment took place as it took place in many other parts of Africa. The accuracy of this statement is clearly attested by the annals of history of this part of the world.

It is also well known that prior to the era of freedom in Africa Ethiopia resisted invasion and resisted dismemberment and the slavery of her people. We also know that when the fascists had occupied our country the whole world sympathized with the fact that a heroic people were victimized by the forces of evil.

When we say that the Djibouti Territory has always historically formed part and parcel of Ethiopia and that we are not claiming somebody else's territory, we are fortified by the memories of recent history and by historians who seek the truth. We do not seek what belongs to others. However, we will continue impressing people that are concerned in this matter that the Djibouti Territory had always formed, prior to the last part of the 19th century, an integral part of Ethiopia. This fact is well known to the people of Djibouti themselves and many other peoples throughout the world are aware of it. It is also known to France. The French Government and people know that the Djibouti Territory and the people there cannot survive without the vital links with Ethiopia.

Economic Link

We must also remember, in addition to the fact that the Djibouti Territory has always formed an integral part of Ethiopia, there is an important economic link between the territory and Ethiopia. Djibouti forms the terminus for the Franco-Ethiopian railroad. Economically speaking, Ethiopia has always been in the service of the Djibouti Territory and vice versa the Djibouti Territory forms an important vital port for Ethiopia.

When we consider the situation from the ethnic point of view, it is also clear and indisputable that out of the 80,000 people inhabiting that area, 40,000 are Danakils, the large segment of the Danakil tribe being in Ethiopia, thus being Ethiopians. 20,000 out of this 80,000 people constitute the Issa tribe, again the large body of whom are Ethiopians living within the territorial jurisdiction of Ethiopia. These, I say, are the real inhabitants of the Djibouti Territory. These are the peoples whose interests we should hold uppermost in mind when thinking in terms of the fate of the people concerned.

For instance, I pointed out that the Danakils are Ethiopian nationals; they are within Ethiopian territory. Similarly, the Issas form part of Ethiopia. I do not believe that members of the Issa tribe who are Ethiopian citizens would wish part of their tribe to be dismembered and to have its fate disjoined from the fate of the main stock and the people of Ethiopia.

There are additional considerations, such as the geographical location of the territory, which cannot be ignored. The territory forms an important strategic area for Ethiopia. We know that out of the 500 kilometres frontier of the Djibouti Territory, 400 are with Ethiopia and only 100 kilometres with Somalia.

All these considerations – historic, strategic, ethnic and the economic factors which form the vital interests of the Ethiopian people and of the inhabitants of the Djibouti Territory – compel us to resist forces that would put apart the destiny of the people of Djibouti from that of Ethiopians.

Peace and Cooperation

In so far as the Somalia Government is concerned, we have openly in the past expressed our desire to live in peace. It is also well known that the Ethiopian Governments has done in the past all it could to see to it that there is better accommodation of interests, that there is less acrimony and that there is peaceful co-operation. However, unfortunately we have not been able to attain that to the full extent. The difference in policy that we pursue and that of Somalia is quite clear. We resist the dismemberment of our country while they stand for dismemberment of others.

I pointed out the strategic importance of the Djibouti Territory to the Ethiopian people, and such an area particularly inhabited by a people whose sole means of survival and viability is based on the Ethiopian economy and whose composition of citizenship derives from Ethiopia and whose historical links with Ethiopia have been affirmed by history, cannot be separated from Ethiopia herself.

In so far as self-determination is concerned we have advanced that principle to the people of the Djibouti territory. We have no opposition to the application of the principle of self-determination to the people because we are aware and we know for sure that the large majority of the inhabitants of the Djibouti Territory know their vital interests and they will make decisions in accordance with these, were they to be asked to express themselves in the form of a plebiscite. I am confident that the people in the Djibouti Territory are fully aware of their vital interests, where their freedom lies, their prosperity is located, and will take decisions in accordance with those interests that are dictated by necessity as well as by the desire to acquire significant freedom.

We have heard of the recent demonstrations in the Djibouti territory. These demonstrations affirmed the desire of the people to be free to decide their own destiny. And when that chance is given to the people of the Djibouti Territory we have no doubt as to where the answer would lie and what association they would wish to create for joint prosperity of this region.

I know that certain forces – I mean outside forces – have attempted to take advantage of the demonstrations of the people who are in quest of an opportunity to make a vital decision for themselves. I know certain evil-doers have attempted to blacken the motives of that quest of the people by inserting matters that do not directly relate to the interests of the people concerned but to ideas that would serve alien interests.

I know, for instance yesterday, the property of Ethiopians in Djibouti had been damaged by certain unruly groups who do not speak for the majority of the people in the Djibouti territory. I hope appropriate compensation for the destruction of the property belonging to Ethiopians will be arrived at through a discussion which we have in mind of conducting with the French Government. When we think in terms of the future of the Djibouti Territory, I believe we must always keep in mind the interests of the people themselves and not the interests of the alien powers or alien agents.

We must take into account the interests and the needs of the Ethiopian people too. We must recall historical facts. We must also think in terms of the strategic consideration and the ethnic affinity of the Djibouti Territory and the people. The Ethiopian people and Government will never accept a solution to the Djibouti problem, which is in contradiction to the interests of the people concerned and in violation of the rights of the Ethiopian people.

(His Imperial Majesty's statement was followed by questions from pressmen to which appropriate answers were given).

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, you have correctly stated that the Ethiopian Government does not oppose the application of the principle of self-determination to the inhabitants of the Djibouti Territory but we have witnessed recently that some efforts are being made by foreign interests so that the people there would be diverted from their real interests. What do you think would be the remedy to the situation?

Have Confidence

Answer:

I had pointed out earlier that the Adal and Issa people in Djibouti, who constitute the real and original inhabitants, will not seek separation from their real interest which is association with Ethiopia. Since we have confidence in the vast majority of the people there we have very little to fear.

Question:

In your long reign we all know that you have taken several historical and decisive actions and we also know that if the Djibouti Territory falls into the hands of aliens, the Ethiopian people and the people concerned would be harmed. But, supposing the Djibouti situation takes a different turn and supposing the interests of the people of the Djibouti Territory and Ethiopia are harmed, what action will the Ethiopian Government take?

Answer:

At the present, the Djibouti Territory is in French hands. We have continued to affirm that the Djibouti territory forms an integral part of Ethiopia. However, the future should be decided with this basic principle in mind: Dismemberment or alienation of the Djibouti Territory from Ethiopia is like dismemberment of a vital part of the human body. What would a human being do if there is a threat to serious dismemberment of his body or an actual dismemberment takes place? That we will leave for a future decision. There is no point in making speculation.

We know that many countries had historical experiences such as the one we are facing and I am confident that the attitude of the French Government and the people of France would not be in variance with the interests and desire of the people of the Djibouti Territory. Under the circumstances, I do not believe the French Government and people would act in a manner contrary to the interests that are involved.

Question:

How does Your Imperial Majesty foresee the future – voting for independence and then association with Ethiopia?

Independence Envisaged

Answer:

We realize that the independence of the Djibouti territory is not far off. I read the conclusion from General De Gaulle's recent statements. I also know that France gave freedom to many other territories in the past. However, under the situation we are facing today in Djibouti, I would emphasize the strategic considerations and ethnic factors from which the Ethiopian Government views the problem. I would also emphasize the vital interests that are linking the Ethiopians with the inhabitants of the Djibouti Territory. No matter in what form a decision is made, these realities must be maintained.

The French people and the Ethiopian people have maintained friendly relations for a long time. I believe friendship implies a commitment on each other's part that the vital interests of our respective peoples should not be endangered.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty, since the Djibouti Territory constitutes a vital interest for Ethiopia, instead of urging that the territory be free, and subsequently joined with Ethiopia why does not the Ethiopian Government make an outright claim to the territory?

Answer:

That was a good question. We must remember that Ethiopian affirmation that the Djibouti Territory forms an integral part of Ethiopia is not of recent origin. The documents of Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia, and my own father Ras Makonnen testify clearly that Ethiopia long ago had asserted the necessities as they existed in the relations between Ethiopia and the Djibouti Territory and the people there.

Question:

Your Imperial Majesty: About 43 years ago, in 1916 Ethiopian Calendar, you had visited Europe and in particular France. The Agreement that was signed at the latter part of the 19th century merely postulated that it was to have duration of 99 years without fixing a definite time limit. In that visit you were able to come to an agreement with the French Government to have a time limit for the expiration of the agreement concerning the Franco-Ethiopian railroad. Did you have any further discussions with the French Government otherwise concerning the Djibouti territory?

Answer:

It is quite true that the agreement for the construction of a railroad from Addis Ababa to Djibouti was to have the duration – the contract was to have the duration – of 99 years. This was conceived to be in accordance with the interests of Ethiopia, the Djibouti Territory and the French people who were assigned to undertake construction of this railroad. (It is also logically clear that were we to understand that after 99 years we were going to dismantle the railroad from the area and from the section in the Djibouti Territory we certainly would not have accepted the agreement that would have divorced us from such vital interest after a certain period of time). The logic of events points to the fact that Ethiopia has continued to assert the fact that the Djibouti Territory forms an integral part of Ethiopia.

Sept. 16, 1966.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 683 –    

14.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - FACULTY OF LAW

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 24 -

13.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - RE-UNION ANNIVERSARY

RE-UNION ANNIVERSARY

On this historic anniversary of the federation of Eritrea with the motherland the words you have all uttered are a source of great happiness.

Happiness so signifies different things to different people. There is happiness that is of a momentary nature and happiness that lives for ever. The federation of Eritrea with the motherland resuscitates in Us a happiness that is not evanescent but everlasting.

Even if an artificial boundary separated Ethiopia and Eritrea in the days of yore the wishes and desires of the Eritrean people were never at variance but in concord with the wishes and desires of the whole people of the motherland.

From the time that We were called upon to guide the destiny of Ethiopia, it has been Our wish and desire that Eritreans of their own free will share the same opportunities offered to their Ethiopian brothers, and it is a matter of deep gratification to Us to witness that Our wish has been fulfilled. Those who have been ceaselessly struggling to preserve the life and not bring about the death of Ethiopia and those who have never fallen dupes to the separationist propaganda of alien rule, have always been in the forefront ready to sacrifice their blood for the freedom and unity of their country.

During the invasion when death was hovering over Us, We always remember the worthy Eritreans who fought for their freedom and those who fell on the battlefield for the love of their homeland.

When the artificial boundary was at long last made nonexistent and Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia, the Eritreans, who had never relented from fighting for its freedom in the hours of its trial, have never ceased to express their love of country and devotion to the motherland.

Both Christians and Moslems in Eritrea, without any religious antagonism, have lived side by side in harmony with faith in the words We pronounced, assuring Our people: “The country is for all and religion for the individual,” and this has enhanced Our unity and strengthened Our Government through the spirit of brotherly love.

The love of country shown by the people of Eritrea will benefit not only them but also the whole of Ethiopia. Although this good fortune has fallen to be Ours and the achievements speak in Our name, let Us not forget to express Our gratitude to God who accomplishes everything.

Thanks be to the Almighty who brought Our wishes and desires into a happy realization and made Us celebrate the New Year in unity.

Sept. 13, 1960

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 346 –   

 

11.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ADDRESS AT THE NEW YEAR

ADDRESS AT THE NEW YEAR

As we contemplate the Ethiopian New Year, 1958, We cannot avoid thanking the Almighty for his innumerable blessings bestowed upon Us and the Ethiopian people in the year that has just passed. Nor can We escape thinking of the problems faced and overcome, those existing at present and those anticipated in man’s unending march forward in the search for peace, progress, and prosperity.

Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people have passed another year in their successful striving for a better life, and an inventory of the past year makes Us confident of continuing achievements in this New Year and the years ahead. This is so because the foundations that we have laid and that we continue to lay as we travel the high road of progress assure the stability and resilience of a superstructure that under modern Ethiopianism We are committed to build. The splendid co-operation and collaboration among our people and their steadfast striving for education and enlightenment bring to mind those proverbial busy workers – the bees – which combine their efforts and work for the common good.

The task of nation-building is one that involves generations – the duty of each succeeding to consolidate the gains made by its predecessor. The Ethiopian people have demonstrated this awareness, so that in the manifold areas of the nation’s life, with their eyes fixed on the future, they continue to conquer new frontiers year after year. Our people shall never lack the solicitude and guidance which We pledged from the day We assumed leadership and the sustaining of which history has thus far eloquently vindicated. The desire and eagerness of our people to work together and their keen interest to improve the general welfare of the nation have been a great source of satisfaction to Us. Much has been accomplished, but more remains to be achieved.

     In her international dealings Ethiopia has adhered to the guiding principles of non-alignment, friendship, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. These general principles which Ethiopia follows in accord with other states, embrace her relations with all nations near and far. In Africa, under the umbrella of a continental family, Ethiopia has scrupulously followed these principles – the basis of good neighbourly relations.

Ethiopia covets not the territory or possession of others; conversely, she stands ready always to defend her sovereign right against the malicious designs of others.

For Ethiopia, however, peace is priceless; it has become traditional; this had been so in the years past, in 1957, and will be so in this New Year, 1958. The role of Ethiopia in the United Nations, in the Organization of African Unity and in the Afro-Asian Conference is founded on the open avowal that peace is the keynote to progress, prosperity and even human survival. Unless the desire for peace is expressed in terms of concrete achievements and thus give a sense of assurance and serenity to humanity, mere pious hope constitutes only self-delusion.

Thus our minds turn to the Twentieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly to convene within the next ten days; to the Afro-Asian Conference in Algiers and the African Summit Assembly of the OAU to be held in Accra.

Ethiopia recently proposed that all Heads of State and Government should personally attend the forthcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly to exert their collective influence in finding ways and means to restore peace in the trouble spots of the world. The participation of Heads of State and Government at the United Nations Assembly would help maintain international peace and security.

Ethiopia intends to play her full part in the forthcoming international conclaves. Her principal and over-riding desire is to help strengthen the forces of peace and human progress. She has never flinched nor will ever flinch from her responsebility as an active member of the international community. In greater measure, Ethiopia will continue to support the campaign to end colonialism and will continue to do so until all dependent territories in Africa and elsewhere breathe the clean air of freedom and independence.

The former colonial territories, which have now attained independence and freedom, are today beset by the residues of colonialism. Even if those former colonial territories had benefited in some respects from the colonial administration, these states have inherited people divided unto themselves – the result of the divide-and-rule policies of the colonial era. This has become a cancerous disease which is spreading fast with the effect of not only pitting brother against brother but also endangering international peace and security. These are some of the reasons which have prompted Us to propose that all Heads of State and Government should attend the forthcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly to work out concrete proposals for the eradication of this evil colonial heritage, thriving under different guises.

For the New Year, it is Our wish that the Ethiopian people continue to march forward; that peace will be restored in areas that are disturbed by conflict, and that the Almighty will continue to bless all efforts in creating a better life for Our people and all the peoples in the world.

Sept. 11, 1965.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 477 –   

10.09. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - ON INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 529 -

 

 

10.09. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - ADJOURNING THE NIGERIAN PEACE TALKS

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 399 -

 

09.09. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - INTERVIEWED BY YUGOSLAV PRESS

INTERVIEWED BY YUGOSLAV PRESS

During our recent visit, with President Nasser of the United Arab Republic We exchanged views on the utilization of the Nile Waters. It was clearly understood by all that the resources of the Nile are adequate for the needs of all the riparian states, provided of course that there is consultation and agreement between them. We were able to inform President Nasser that We have Our own plans for the utilization of the Blue Nile River. It is Our impression that President Nasser fully understands Our position on this question.

On our part a study is under way for the development of the Nile basin, and it is expected that construction will start in the vicinity of Lake Tana in the very near future. The study is being conducted by a team of experts from various countries. The extent of the benefit to accrue for Ethiopia from the utilization of the Nile waters can best be judged from the benefits already being drawn from this river by both Sudan and the United Arab Republic.

Our relations with Yugoslavia in general and in the fields of economic cooperation and exchange of trade in particular have developed rapidly. To cite two among the many projects which we have been able to develop with the assistance provided by the Yugoslav Government by credit and technical assistance are the port of Assab and a survey of the Water Resources of Ethiopia. It is Our expectation that these relations and collaboration between Yugoslavia and Ethiopia will further develop for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

During Our recent visit to the USSR, We felt that the people and Government of that country sincerely desired peace. This impression has been confirmed also by what the Authorities have declared to Us.

It is our hope that efforts for peace would not confine themselves to verbal statements, but would work out in the actual relations between the nations of the world.

We have also been deeply impressed by the vast resources of the country and the industry and diligence of the people.

As to the question regarding trade and cooperation between Ethiopia and Communist nations, problems of communication and geographical location can stand in the way of development. But trade relations have already been commenced with some of these countries, and a certain amount of development can be anticipated.

Regarding the expansion of Communism in the Middle East, you are in a better position to assess the situation than We are. We are happy about the resumption of diplomatic relations between UAR and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, since it would ease some of the tension that exists in the Middle East, and pave the way for closer cooperation.

Regarding the recent appointments in the Iraq Government, We would consider this an internal matter of that Government, and would no like to express any opinion, since We believe in the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

Eisenhower- Khrushchev Meeting

The forthcoming meeting between President Eisenhower and Premier Khrushchev may well thaw the cold war and become a step on the road to peace, for which the whole world yearns deeply, and therefore it is a very significant event in the history of our decade. We welcome this meeting. However, it has to be stated quite categorically that no ultimate solution can be arrived at without all the nations who are members of the U.N. organization participating in it. The mistakes of the Congress of Berlin and of Yalta are not to be repeated. The small nations, having also committed themselves to the principles and Charter of the United Nations, would expect the big powers to adhere to those principles of self-determination for small and big nations and to the channels of negotiations, which have been established in our age after great sacrifices.

The main impression that We have gathered from Our recent visit to many countries in Africa and Europe, is that all people are primarily desirous of working in peace to improve their standards of living. Since peace is the basic requirement for the peoples of the world to cooperate among themselves for the betterment of their lives, it becomes an imperative duty of the leaders of nations, as We have often stated, to make striving for peace the primary objective of their national and international policy. We would like to reaffirm Our strong conviction that the principles of coexistence enunciated at the historic conferences of Bandung and Accra should form a major basis in international relations.

Ethio-Yugoslav Relations

We have been pleased by the development of the close friendship and collaboration between Ethiopia and Yugoslavia, during the past years, which have, as is known, yielded valuable results to both nations. Since it is Our fervent desire to see the development and strengthening of this collaboration in various fields, We shall strive harder towards this objective. The friendship between Ethiopia and Yugoslavia bears eloquent testimony to the possibility of nations with different political systems cooperating in facing their common problems and working together towards world peace.

We remember how, during Our previous visit to Yugoslavia five years ago, the people of this country gave warm expression to their feelings of friendship towards Ourselves and Our people. During the present visit also, the heartfelt welcome extended to Us by the peoples of the Slovenian and Croation Republics, has manifested to Us genuinity of their goodwill towards Us and Our people. We have not only experienced the hospitality of the people, but have also observed with admiration the priority given to, and the progress achieved in the field of industrial development. This achievement assures Us that the people of Yugoslavia, under the able leadership of His Excellency President Tito, would, in the near future, attain an even greater degree of development and welfare.

Sept. 9, 1959.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 166 –