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| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter II - Part 1 |
| Domestic Report On International Relations Dec. 10, 1956 |
| International Relations |
| ... What makes a people great and testifies to its greatness is its aspirations for the well-being of its country and the practical achievement of these same aspirations for its own benefit and for that of future generations. Unity gives strength and assures success. .... |
| Selected Speeches |
We are very happy that by the Grace of God, We are again amongst Our
people, after having spent one and a half months visiting India, Burma, and
Japan, at the kind invitation of the Presidents of India and of Burma and
His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
In the same way as when two years ago We returned from Our visit to
North America and to Europe, We spoke to you about some of the
important things that We had found to be useful to Our country, so today
We wish to tell you of Our impressions and of the useful things that We
have seen in the three countries We visited during our tour of Asia and the
Far East. It is hardly necessary to emphasize that what We saw in these
countries is of great importance and relevance to the programme of
modernization and development which We have initiated in Our own
country.
We realize, of course, that it is difficult for you to gain the same kind of
understanding and appreciation which We have gained through first-hand
knowledge, since hearing is not the same as seeing. But nonetheless, We
want to tell you about the hospitality and the warm welcome that was
accorded to Us on the part of the governments and peoples of India,
Burma and Japan, so that you may experience that same impression that
We have gained during Our visit to these three friendly countries.
The manifestations of friendship and high regard which were shown to Us
in these countries were meant not only for Ourselves but also for the
entire people of Ethiopia. Moreover, Our visit to these countries
constitutes the accomplishment of a long-standing desire on Our part to
make Ethiopia better known and appreciated by the outside world, and at
the same time to help Ethiopia to know and appreciate the rest of the
world.
During Our stay in India, We were able to visit, amongst other things, an
aircraft factory, locomotive, automobile and telephone factories, an atomic
laboratory, a military academy, agricultural and forestry organizations and
projects, great dams and hydro-electric and irrigation schemes, as well as
a number of universities and technical institutions. Moreover, We were
able to visit the wonderful and world-famous Taj Mahal, as well as the
historic city of Benares, the birth place of Buddhism. We also visited the
ancient Orthodox Church of Southern India, founded under the inspiration
of the Apostle Saint Thomas. In all the industries and factories that We
visited, including many which required the application of technical
knowledge of the highest order, the work is done by Indian nationals.
This is indeed an extraordinary example of the success of their efforts to
achieve self-sufficiency.
people, after having spent one and a half months visiting India, Burma, and
Japan, at the kind invitation of the Presidents of India and of Burma and
His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
In the same way as when two years ago We returned from Our visit to
North America and to Europe, We spoke to you about some of the
important things that We had found to be useful to Our country, so today
We wish to tell you of Our impressions and of the useful things that We
have seen in the three countries We visited during our tour of Asia and the
Far East. It is hardly necessary to emphasize that what We saw in these
countries is of great importance and relevance to the programme of
modernization and development which We have initiated in Our own
country.
We realize, of course, that it is difficult for you to gain the same kind of
understanding and appreciation which We have gained through first-hand
knowledge, since hearing is not the same as seeing. But nonetheless, We
want to tell you about the hospitality and the warm welcome that was
accorded to Us on the part of the governments and peoples of India,
Burma and Japan, so that you may experience that same impression that
We have gained during Our visit to these three friendly countries.
The manifestations of friendship and high regard which were shown to Us
in these countries were meant not only for Ourselves but also for the
entire people of Ethiopia. Moreover, Our visit to these countries
constitutes the accomplishment of a long-standing desire on Our part to
make Ethiopia better known and appreciated by the outside world, and at
the same time to help Ethiopia to know and appreciate the rest of the
world.
During Our stay in India, We were able to visit, amongst other things, an
aircraft factory, locomotive, automobile and telephone factories, an atomic
laboratory, a military academy, agricultural and forestry organizations and
projects, great dams and hydro-electric and irrigation schemes, as well as
a number of universities and technical institutions. Moreover, We were
able to visit the wonderful and world-famous Taj Mahal, as well as the
historic city of Benares, the birth place of Buddhism. We also visited the
ancient Orthodox Church of Southern India, founded under the inspiration
of the Apostle Saint Thomas. In all the industries and factories that We
visited, including many which required the application of technical
knowledge of the highest order, the work is done by Indian nationals.
This is indeed an extraordinary example of the success of their efforts to
achieve self-sufficiency.
| Effective Action |
Since the social and economic problems that face India and Ethiopia are
very much alike, there is much of value that We can derive from the
experience that India gained in here effort to tackle and overcome these
problems. The effort that is being made in India with a view to facing and
overcoming these problems is of great significance to the programme of
development and reconstruction that We have planned and are putting into
effect in Our own country for the prosperity and well-being of Our
people. It is not enough to talk about ideas and plans. The important thing
is to translate these into effective actions. May God Almighty sustain and
guide Us in the accomplishment of this great task, so that Our people may
gain ever greater opportunities and benefits from the application of the
development of technical progress.
While We were in the Indian capital city of Delhi, We availed Ourselves of
the opportunity for a friendly exchange of views with Indian leaders on
matters touching upon relations between Our two countries, as well as on
international relations generally. Our talks with Prime Minister Nehru were
characterized by a spirit of cordial understanding. We had occasion to
express once again Our common belief in peaceful negotiation as a means
to settle international differences. We affirmed our adherence to the
principles of non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal
affairs, respect for national sovereignty and integrity and peaceful
co-existence. These are the very principles for which We have sacrificed
much during Our lifetime. We have re-affirmed Our belief in these
principles and We have agreed to make them the basis for greater
understanding and closer co-operation in the future.
very much alike, there is much of value that We can derive from the
experience that India gained in here effort to tackle and overcome these
problems. The effort that is being made in India with a view to facing and
overcoming these problems is of great significance to the programme of
development and reconstruction that We have planned and are putting into
effect in Our own country for the prosperity and well-being of Our
people. It is not enough to talk about ideas and plans. The important thing
is to translate these into effective actions. May God Almighty sustain and
guide Us in the accomplishment of this great task, so that Our people may
gain ever greater opportunities and benefits from the application of the
development of technical progress.
While We were in the Indian capital city of Delhi, We availed Ourselves of
the opportunity for a friendly exchange of views with Indian leaders on
matters touching upon relations between Our two countries, as well as on
international relations generally. Our talks with Prime Minister Nehru were
characterized by a spirit of cordial understanding. We had occasion to
express once again Our common belief in peaceful negotiation as a means
to settle international differences. We affirmed our adherence to the
principles of non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal
affairs, respect for national sovereignty and integrity and peaceful
co-existence. These are the very principles for which We have sacrificed
much during Our lifetime. We have re-affirmed Our belief in these
principles and We have agreed to make them the basis for greater
understanding and closer co-operation in the future.
| Haile Selassie the First - December 10, 1956 |
| Trade Agreement |
In order to strengthen and extend the trade and economic relations which
have existed for so long between India and Our country, We have agreed
to complete a trade agreement, the details of which are at the moment
being studied by Our two governments. An Indian Mission will be coming
to Addis Ababa to negotiate the said trade agreement.
Even though We had to shorten Our stay in Japan, on account of the
grave international situation obtaining at that time, Our visit to Japan at the
kind invitation of His Majesty Emperor Hirohito and the Japanese
government enabled Us to see many of Japan's important industries,
including autombile and textile factories, and an automatic telephone
equipment factory. We also visited many ancient Japanese historic places
and shrines.
In spite of the great damage that the war brought on Japan's economy,
Japan has made a very impressive recovery and great progress in the short
post-war period. Realizing the mutual benefit that could be gained from
greater trade and economic relations with a country whose economy is
complementary to Our own, We have agreed to complete a Treaty of
Friendship and Commerce with Japan.
We have always had great admiration for Japan and for the achievement of
the Japanese people in preserving their traditions, and while acquiring the
best of the new, successfully reconciling it with the best of the old.
During Our visit to that friendly country We were impressed by the
enthusiasm and hard work the Japanese people are giving to achieve their
progress. At the same time Our admiration and high regard for the
Japanese people was greatly increased by Our experience of their
courteous manners and great kindness.
Convinced of the necessity to establish and develop industries in Our own
country, We have already made a beginning in setting up technical schools
and institutions to speed up the realization of these plans. It is Our
constant desire that Our people should be intellectually and technically
advanced as well as being safeguarded from the dangers of unemployment.
In the short period of tmie that We spent in Burma, We visited
pharmaceutical and textile factories, several educational institutions and the
well-known Shwedagon Pagoda erected in memory of Buddha and other
places of historic interest. We also were able to witness the Burmese
government's efforts to overcome the economic and social difficulties of
the country. There is no doubt that the efforts of the Burmese people will
result in the successful achievement of a bright and prosperous future.
have existed for so long between India and Our country, We have agreed
to complete a trade agreement, the details of which are at the moment
being studied by Our two governments. An Indian Mission will be coming
to Addis Ababa to negotiate the said trade agreement.
Even though We had to shorten Our stay in Japan, on account of the
grave international situation obtaining at that time, Our visit to Japan at the
kind invitation of His Majesty Emperor Hirohito and the Japanese
government enabled Us to see many of Japan's important industries,
including autombile and textile factories, and an automatic telephone
equipment factory. We also visited many ancient Japanese historic places
and shrines.
In spite of the great damage that the war brought on Japan's economy,
Japan has made a very impressive recovery and great progress in the short
post-war period. Realizing the mutual benefit that could be gained from
greater trade and economic relations with a country whose economy is
complementary to Our own, We have agreed to complete a Treaty of
Friendship and Commerce with Japan.
We have always had great admiration for Japan and for the achievement of
the Japanese people in preserving their traditions, and while acquiring the
best of the new, successfully reconciling it with the best of the old.
During Our visit to that friendly country We were impressed by the
enthusiasm and hard work the Japanese people are giving to achieve their
progress. At the same time Our admiration and high regard for the
Japanese people was greatly increased by Our experience of their
courteous manners and great kindness.
Convinced of the necessity to establish and develop industries in Our own
country, We have already made a beginning in setting up technical schools
and institutions to speed up the realization of these plans. It is Our
constant desire that Our people should be intellectually and technically
advanced as well as being safeguarded from the dangers of unemployment.
In the short period of tmie that We spent in Burma, We visited
pharmaceutical and textile factories, several educational institutions and the
well-known Shwedagon Pagoda erected in memory of Buddha and other
places of historic interest. We also were able to witness the Burmese
government's efforts to overcome the economic and social difficulties of
the country. There is no doubt that the efforts of the Burmese people will
result in the successful achievement of a bright and prosperous future.
| Similar Problems |
The countries We visited in the course of Our tours are economically,
historically and in many other respects similar to our own. They resemble
Us also, in their keen effort to develop their natural resources for the
greater benefit of their people. We find that the methods which they
employ to overcome their social and economic problems, are useful and
relevant to our national development programmes, since We have to face
similar problems.
Our country is in no way inferior to most other countries so far as its
territorial and natural resources are concerned. It is well known that if a
people has the firm determination to work, it can overcome any and all its
difficulties and problems. We have no problem which is insurmountable.
Let Us work in unity and diligence. What makes a people great and
testifies to its greatness is its aspirations for the well-being of its country,
and the practical achievement of these same aspirations for its own benefit
and for that of future generations. Unity gives strength and assures
success.
In all the countries We have visited, We have noted that education is the
basis for the greatness, the power, the pride and prosperity of a nation.
This impression, together with the satisfaction that We have had from the
students of our own educational institutions, whom We consider the
principal instruments for the progess and well-being of Ethiopia, renews
and strengthens Our belief in education. If, therefore, education is the
factor of everlasting significance in the greatness of a nation, it becomes
the duty of every Ethiopian to strive for education and progress. What We
have seen wherever We went has convinced Us that education is as vital
as life itself.
The foreign technicians and specialists are only employed to provide Us
with temporary assistance and training. It is the duty of everyone to strive
for self-sufficiency by acquiring knowledge and experience. To live
always in dependence upon the assistance of others not only prevents a
people from attaining its ideal, but also deprives life of its true significance
and achievement.
historically and in many other respects similar to our own. They resemble
Us also, in their keen effort to develop their natural resources for the
greater benefit of their people. We find that the methods which they
employ to overcome their social and economic problems, are useful and
relevant to our national development programmes, since We have to face
similar problems.
Our country is in no way inferior to most other countries so far as its
territorial and natural resources are concerned. It is well known that if a
people has the firm determination to work, it can overcome any and all its
difficulties and problems. We have no problem which is insurmountable.
Let Us work in unity and diligence. What makes a people great and
testifies to its greatness is its aspirations for the well-being of its country,
and the practical achievement of these same aspirations for its own benefit
and for that of future generations. Unity gives strength and assures
success.
In all the countries We have visited, We have noted that education is the
basis for the greatness, the power, the pride and prosperity of a nation.
This impression, together with the satisfaction that We have had from the
students of our own educational institutions, whom We consider the
principal instruments for the progess and well-being of Ethiopia, renews
and strengthens Our belief in education. If, therefore, education is the
factor of everlasting significance in the greatness of a nation, it becomes
the duty of every Ethiopian to strive for education and progress. What We
have seen wherever We went has convinced Us that education is as vital
as life itself.
The foreign technicians and specialists are only employed to provide Us
with temporary assistance and training. It is the duty of everyone to strive
for self-sufficiency by acquiring knowledge and experience. To live
always in dependence upon the assistance of others not only prevents a
people from attaining its ideal, but also deprives life of its true significance
and achievement.
| Efforts Justified |
We have seen again during Our visit that God has not been partial in His
divine creation. The difference of colour is a notion which has no
significance and the futility of asserting a difference has now become
obvious. The way in which Ethiopian youth has assimilated the
knowledge of modern art and science, and the high academic
achievements of the young men and women We have sent for higher
education abroad, justifies Our efforts and expectations. Our whole
history testifies to the heroic deeds of our gallant people.
The fact that We have sown on fertile ground strengthens Our hope that
We shall realize the plans We have prepared in order to achieve Our high
ideals. After all, Ethiopia is second to none in her agricultural tradition.
We are proud to say that Our plans and achievements compare favourably
with those of others. If We have been able to accomplish what We had in
mind to do, it is because the love and prayers of Our people have always
sustained Us.
In conclusion, We would leave with you the thought that Ethiopia belongs
equally to each and every Ethiopian, and We rely on you all, young and old
alike, to play your proper constructive part in the great common task of
fructifying in Ethiopia the results of our visits abroad. Nor will you fail in
furthering the success of the programme of modernization and
developoment that We have outlined for Our beloved country.
The thing that harms a nation most and cripples its strength is lack of
enthusiasm and zeal to strive through education to raise itself to the level
that other nations have attained. There is nothing We desire more than to
see the full development of the natural resources of Our Empire and the
raising of the standard of living of Our people. May the Almighty and
everlasting God continue to protect Our people and bless Our efforts, so
that in His good time We may see the fruits of Our endeavours.
divine creation. The difference of colour is a notion which has no
significance and the futility of asserting a difference has now become
obvious. The way in which Ethiopian youth has assimilated the
knowledge of modern art and science, and the high academic
achievements of the young men and women We have sent for higher
education abroad, justifies Our efforts and expectations. Our whole
history testifies to the heroic deeds of our gallant people.
The fact that We have sown on fertile ground strengthens Our hope that
We shall realize the plans We have prepared in order to achieve Our high
ideals. After all, Ethiopia is second to none in her agricultural tradition.
We are proud to say that Our plans and achievements compare favourably
with those of others. If We have been able to accomplish what We had in
mind to do, it is because the love and prayers of Our people have always
sustained Us.
In conclusion, We would leave with you the thought that Ethiopia belongs
equally to each and every Ethiopian, and We rely on you all, young and old
alike, to play your proper constructive part in the great common task of
fructifying in Ethiopia the results of our visits abroad. Nor will you fail in
furthering the success of the programme of modernization and
developoment that We have outlined for Our beloved country.
The thing that harms a nation most and cripples its strength is lack of
enthusiasm and zeal to strive through education to raise itself to the level
that other nations have attained. There is nothing We desire more than to
see the full development of the natural resources of Our Empire and the
raising of the standard of living of Our people. May the Almighty and
everlasting God continue to protect Our people and bless Our efforts, so
that in His good time We may see the fruits of Our endeavours.