17.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS IN NEW YORK

THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

IN NEW YORK

Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Members of the Board of Directors, Ladies and Gentlemen:

We should like to begin our remarks to this distinguished gathering of eminent leaders of American business and industry by expressing our deep appreciation to all the officers and members of the Board of Directors of the African-American Chamber of Commerce for their kind hospitality and the opportunity afforded us to meet with you all and to share with you our thoughts and preoccupations concerning matters which are no less important to the well-being of peoples everywhere than are the peace and tranquillity which we all endeavour to promote for all nations great or small.

International peace and security are primary requisites for the economic development and social progress of the world today; however, the converse is no less true – that the economic well-being of peoples advances the cause of international peace, and the key to economic prosperity lies in the free flow and exchange of commerce and capital among nations. In the unhampered flow of capital between countries lies the solution to the problems generated by the widening gap between the economically advanced and the developing nations of today.

It is, therefore, with appreciation that we note that the African-American Chamber of Commerce is dedicated “to foster United States trade with, and promote United States industry and investment in Africa.” So long as far-sighted people like yourselves, in each nation and community, recognize the essential interdependence of all peoples in the economic field, as indeed in other areas of human endeavour; and so long as they realize that there are enormous mutual benefits to be derived from co-operative economic efforts, there is reason to hope that the world economic situation will improve and undoubtedly at a greater pace than ever before.

For some time now, and despite earnest efforts on the part of the United Nations Organization and certain countries, the world economic situation has not been as encouraging as it ought to be.

On the one hand, a small group of economically and industrially advanced countries, notably your great nation, have achieved prosperity unparalleled in the history of mankind, enabling their respective peoples to maintain a high standard of living.

On the other hand, by far the vast majority of the nations of today remain economically underdeveloped, their peoples subsisting in want and poverty as their normal conditions of life. In an enlightened age such as ours in which the benefits of scientific and technological advancement are being brought to bear in almost every sphere of human life, this profound gap gives rise to anxiety and concern. It is a situation that engenders misery, bitterness and hostility. It is a situation that cannot and must not be allowed to continue longer. In an era when nations gather in concert to declare each nation’s fundamental rights to freedom and equality, it is dismaying that the great majority of the world’s population exists in the shadow of poverty and misery, often lacking the basic essentials of food and clothing, while their fellow men in other parts of the globe enjoy a life of abundance, comfort and tranquillity. No greater victory can be won by the nations of today than the conquest of the apocalyptic enemies that still ride mankind – poverty, disease and ignorance.

Two-Pronged

A two-pronged action on a global basis appears to provide a realistic approach to the urgent problems posed by the acute disparity in the world economic situation.

On the one hand, the economically developed nations have a responsibility, to others as much as to their own interests, to make available to less developed countries their vast capital and technological resources in ventures which will yield maximum results within the shortest time possible. On the other hand, it is equally important that the developing nations, for their part, should find ways and means of attracting foreign capital as well as technical skill, both public and private, in order to accelerate their economic development.

We in Ethiopia, for our part, are doing our utmost to achieve progress in both these areas. While our Five-Year Economic Development Plans have laid stress on primary industries, as well as essential hydro-electric power, irrigation systems and a network of highways, among others, the entire nation is now engaged in self-help endeavours which are yielding satisfactory results and contributing to the nation’s efforts toward economic advancement and social progress. Within the purview of sound fiscal policies and other national commitments, we are now engaged in employing every available resource in the national task of economic development.

On the other hand, we have been seeking foreign capital to narrow the gap between available resources and full economic development. While we are appreciative of the assistance of international organizations and agencies as well as a number of friendly governments, we would at the same time like to refer to steps taken by the nation to attract and encourage private foreign capital.

In addition to giving full assurance of utmost co-operation to prospective foreign private investors, the government has enacted a most liberal legislation, which has been in effect for several years now, to encourage private capital. This decree guarantees the rights of potential investors from arbitrary public expropriation, and provides protective concessions for all those who wish to participate in our country’s development programmes.

It is a fact that Ethiopia is fortunately endowed with vast untapped natural resources, and what we in Ethiopia seek is the utilization and exploitation of these resources for the benefit of both the investor and the nation. That a mutually beneficial and happy partnership between foreign private enterprise and government exists in Ethiopia is clearly attested to by the growing number of foreign firms which have profitably established themselves in various businesses, while at the same time assisting in the development of the nation’s economic infrastructure. Nonetheless, Ethiopia desires more private capital investment. Organizations such as yours can do much to fill this need, while providing benefits for the investors.

Impediments

It is a truism that self-help, hard work and initiative are requisites for any nation’s economic and social advancement. Yet it is equally true that there still are outmoded international arrangements which seriously limit the efforts of developing countries to develop their potential. So long as there remain impediments to the free flow of international trade; so long as there is no guaranteed price of primary goods at remunerative level without discrimination, the economic and social development of the developing nations will remain seriously handicapped. It is in this connection that the economically advanced nations can render valuable contribution. Such nations could, as an instance, extend further bilateral or multilateral assistance and waive obstructing arrangements such as preferential tariffs as well as other protective systems which, in the long run, prove a disservice to the economic and social progress of developing nations.

The establishment of the UNCTAD and the declaration of the United Nations Development Decade, in addition to other economic programmes launched under the auspices of the United Nations Organization, have provided the basis for a solution of the urgent problems of the world economic situation. Yet, since the recommendations of the UNCTAD and its organs have not so far been implemented, the prospects for a speedy solution to these problems have not appeared particularly promising. It is here that the economically advanced countries can make maximum contribution and thereby help to usher in a great new age, an era of “economic liberalism.”

The perpetuation of the status quo will not, in the long run, serve even the narrow interests of the few, and it will inevitably prove disastrous to the world economic situation. It is, therefore, to be ardently hoped that the governments of the economically advanced countries will rise to this challenge and join in a concerted effort to alleviate the world’s economic ills which are but the root and cause of many other international problems.

As I have remarked earlier, private organizations such as the African-American Chamber of Commerce can do much to help solve present world economic problems by promoting the free flow of private capital. And it is in this respect that we would like to wish all success to the endeavours of this organization which stands to help promote the ideals of international peace and co-operation.

We thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for your hospitality and the opportunity afforded Us on this occasion to share these thoughts with you.

                                                                                                                                            Feb. 17, 1967.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 154 –   

16.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - Bulgarian Exhibition

Important Utterances of H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I - page 482 -

15.02. - 2 - Speech Of The Day - PASSING OF EMPRESS MENEN

PASSING OF EMPRESS MENEN

We are pleased with the speech Our Prime Minister delivered yesterday on behalf of Our Ministers and Our people concerning the demise of Her Imperial Majesty Itegue Menen in which he adequately described her kindness and virtues.

All of you knew her well but she was more intimately known to me. She was devoutly religious and did not lose her faith even in the time of hardship. During the memorable days of Our companionship We never had differences that needed the intervention of others. As Sarah was to Abraham, so was she obedient to me. Our wishes were mutual until we were separated by the Almighty. Her assistance for the good of the young, the old and the needy requires no testimony for they are greater than thoughts and words.

We have been extremely pleased to live long enough in the perfect union that enabled us to see our offspring, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren. We are thankful to the Almighty for having vouchsafed to us that long and uninterrupted union which is not very common in the world today: There could be no more profound prayer for me to utter.

In spite of Our utmost efforts to save her life in her time of illness, she was overtaken by the fate of Adam and passed away.

We cannot fly in the face of the Almighty, nor can We afford to be idle. Now that the time of mourning has come to an end, the public and our officials must attend to their duties. As idleness is injurious to the welfare of the country, as from Monday everyone should return to his work.

A large number of people have come from the Provinces to take part in Our mourning. Since We do not wish them to continue because this will disrupt normal life, it would be better for them to send two or three representatives with letters.

We are deeply touched by the expressions of grief both on the part of Our people and the foreign communities.

This is not the first time that Our people have joined Us in Our mourning. When Our beloved son, Prince Makonnen, passed away they expressed their grief in no less measure than We ourselves. They have even contributed of their own free will to erect a monument in his honour.

We pray the Almighty shall recompense you for your deeds.

When Itegue was sick the general public, following the events through the radio, shared Our anxiety. To the doctors and her personal attendants We owe a debt for their untiring assistance. May these tears We shed be accepted by God as price for peace in Ethiopia and in the world.

                                                                                                                                            Feb. 15, 1962.

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 650 –   

15.02. - 1 - Speech Of The Day - HONOURING FALLEN OFFICERS

HONOURING FALLEN OFFICERS

Since the beginning of the world, God has always granted a people, divided though they may be into provinces, districts, villages and families, the privilege of living together as one nation, in freedom. However, because of human jealousy, and man’s domineering spirit and because of the greed that impels one to rob another of a part or the whole of his homeland, it has become an essential duty of man to keep ready the means of defending his freedom.

Ethiopia, jealous of her freedom, has always had to struggle, both for the sake of her territorial integrity and for the preservation of her religious liberty. The heroism, developed in the blood of our people and passed from generation to generation, has served to this day as a bulwark for our freedom, so that Ethiopia has never had to bear the yoke of slavery. To this, history and the world bear witness.

We have seen from the happenings of history how God, in His profound justice, never fails to execute righteous judgment, and for this our thanksgiving and praise to Him is unbounded. But unfailing as the righteous judgment of God in punishing the arrogant has ever been, since freedom is an issue upon which national existence itself depends, it becomes a sacred obligation of primary importance for a people of one family, united in their own common life and in oneness of mind and spirit, to preserve their free and pleasant way of life from all external danger, and thus be enabled to advance along the path of progress.

The glories and advantages of freedom cannot be purchased with all the world’s material wealth. Freedom’s price is the sacrifice of the lives of innumerable heroes and in deep realization of this, it becomes the duty of free men everywhere to be ever prepared for the defence of their freedom. However, since in Ethiopia the laying down of one’s life for the sake of national independence has always been looked upon as a duty of the highest priority and has been ascribed paramount honour and value, our country has, thanks to the valour of her heroes, from the most ancient times been ever mistress of her destiny. Thus, even in the dark ages through which the other nations of Africa had to pass, Ethiopia’s name was well known throughout the world because our heroic forefathers, making God their shield and their Defender, were always able to repel in defeat and shame the enemy who descended upon her from time to time.

When, by the will of God, We became Emperor of Ethiopia, We became aware of the need for minimizing the loss of life of Our people through the development of technique whereby the enemy might be repelled by the efforts of a small number of experts of military strategy, and realized the absolute necessity of entering into a race for such know- ledge in accordance with the way of the world and the practice of civilized nations. Hence it was that from the outset we established as Our primary objective, the achievement for our country of a level of attainment equal to that of other nations of the world, through the preservation of her freedom and the development of Our people in education and culture. The Military College, whose cherished memory We are today gathered here to honour and celebrate, one of the many institutions that We had established in Our time for the realization of Our primary objective for Our country, was created by Us in January of 1933, in order that Our young men might receive modern and scientific military education, and thus be fitted to defend their country's freedom and serve their Emperor. It has been with very high hopes that We waited for the early fruition of its work.

Unstinting Support

In those early days, We confidently anticipated that this institution would grow without interruption from its status as a school providing elementary military education to young cadets, until it achieved full stature as an institution of the first rank. In Our own tireless efforts to fulfil Our pledge to defend Ethiopia's freedom and to labour for the development of the life of Our people, We have given Our unstinting support and encouragement to the officials in whom We had placed Our confidence and to whom We had entrusted the responsibility of leading the school to the achievement of its intended goal, so that they might encounter no difficulties in carrying out their appointed task. We would like to mention here the earnest assistance rendered by the Swedish officers whom We brought as instructors at that time.

It gives Us pride to remember that although the war prevented the school from reaching its goal, Our efforts during the few short years of its existence bore fruit. During the invasion, the officer cadets who had studied here, though still in the prime of their youth, faithful to their pledge “For the Love of our Country and the Honour of Our Emperor”, courageously ventured forth into that territory between life and death, some to die in battle, others to undergo the rigours of exile. Some of the young cadets of the Guenet Military Academy, which was named after Us, and who distinguished themselves by their ability and their courage, are helping Us today in the execution of the plan which We have envisaged for our Defence Forces.

It is, therefore, with deep pride that We have erected this monument before Us to the sacred memory of those heroic officers, who, having studied in that early school and entered into their soldierly duties in 1935, combining in themselves the natural heroism inherited from their fore-fathers with the skills of modern warfare, and faithful to their soldierly pledge to defend their country's freedom, fell on the battlefield struggling valiantly to their last breath, without once bending their knee in shame before their enemies, as well as to the memory of those officers who died in service and of those that are living now, and We are pleased to award today these war medals to them according to the degree of accomplishment of each.

This enduring monument will not only perpetuate the proud memory of those heroes who served with pride, but will also help to transform the sorrow of their parents and their nation into joy, and to inspire posterity to emulate the heroism of those patriots to whose achievements this memorial bears witness.

A Tradition

We would like to say, in conclusion, that a military school unless it establishes a tradition which is handed down from generation to generation, is of no real use. You, young men, who are privileged to study at this Military College should never surrender to the spirit of defeatism, but following the example of your predecessors and ever conscious of the high responsibilities which will be yours in your future careers, should strive zealously to acquire those qualities which are the mark of a good officer.

In our day, man is seen engaged in the development of atomic energy. This power can be used for peaceful or destructive purposes. Many learned men have on various occasions sought to abolish war and establish an everlasting peace. Treaties have been signed and organizations formed to achieve this goal, but because they lacked guarantees, these efforts uniformly failed, and to gain their ends, countries even resorted to the production and use of poison gas. Now nations are producing weapons which not only constitute a terrible danger to those against whom they might be used, but could in fact mean the end of mankind, and again there are no guarantees. If these awful weapons are used, who will bear the responsibility? In these circumstances, if man has not sought out the protection of God as well as prepared himself for his self protection, the havoc and ruin that can be brought down upon the race of human beings is beyond the bounds of imagination. These matters will not fail to be mentioned in the course of instruction in this school, and We want you to keep this thought in your mind. In the ethical sphere, your primary obligation ought to be the inescapable responsibility you have to your country, along with your faith in God.

In order to acquire the qualities and equipment of a good officer, you must work hard, strive assiduously for higher knowledge, prepare your minds from day to day to offer yourselves in sacrifice for the land of your birth, and be loyal to the pledge you have taken.

So, remembering the words which We have spoken to you today, work tirelessly to fulfil your sacred duty of serving your beloved country.

We are pleased to express Our thanks to the officers and instructors and the staff of this institution, for the efficiency and diligence they have shown in developing this College to its present status, in accordance with Our commands.

We would also like to remember here and express Our gratitude and thanks to the British officers who, immediately after the Liberation of Our Country assisted us greatly in the training of our Army at this place.

We would further like on this occasion to state that a befitting memorial to those soldiers who fell in the four corners of our country in defence of their freedom, will shortly be constructed.

                                                                                                                                             Feb. 15, 1958

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie – page 597 –   

Fallen Soldiers - Midnite

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 -