| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Haile Selassie I |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| Home | Haile Selassie I | The Church | Rastalogy | Organization | Church Store | Events | Related Links | Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2003-2004 The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. ~ All rights reserved. |
| 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 3 |
| Banquet In Honour Of President Charles De Gaulle Aug. 27, 1966 |
| Personal Diplomacy |
| Selected Speeches |
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, all 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 farsighted
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.
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, all 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 farsighted
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 seventeeth 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 capabilities 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
modern 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.
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 seventeeth 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 capabilities 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
modern 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.
| Haile Selassie the First - August 27, 1966 |
| 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 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 Us in this toast.
To the French culture and civilization; to the history of friendship and
understanding between 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.
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 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 Us in this toast.
To the French culture and civilization; to the history of friendship and
understanding between 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.