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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter IV |
| Selected Speeches |
| Historic - War and Peace |
| Haile Selassie the First - May 5, 1966 |
| 25th Anniversary Of Liberation May 05, 1966 |
We thank Almighty God that We have been spared to witness the
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the victory over Fascism. In the words of
David: "The Lord heard my voice; He sent his angel from on high, and He
delivered me from my enemies."
We thank Almighty God that We are reunited today with so many of the
noble and courageous men who fought at Our side in that glorious
campaign.
We thank Almighty God for the triumph of right and justice and liberty
over aggression and oppression.
Today, twenty-five years are but a brief moment in the span of history.
The memories come crowding upon Us, as we re-live those hours of
unbounded rejoicing, as We are buffered again by the profound emotions
which swept Our mind and spirit then. Surrounded today by familiar
faces, by old friends and comrades, Our heart is full.
May 5th, 1941 will live as one of the greatest days in the long annals of
Ethiopian history. It was, at the same time, a great turning point in whorld
history. For a brief period, Ethiopia alone had carried on the struggle
against fascist tyranny. Our appeals were unheeded, Our warnings
ignored. But at last those who had turned their backs on Us at the League
of Nations were themselves driven into turmoil and suffering and to the
very brink of destruction. At last they came to recognize their common
responsibility to oppose the inhuman and degrading doctrine which had
brought devastation and destruction to Our innocent nation. The victory
over fascism in Ethiopia and for Africa was but the first inspiring
landmark for the allied nations on the long road back to the
re-establishment of liberty and justice for themselves.
A century ago, Ethiopia possessed virtually no modern weapons, no
defence against the power of technology. Swords and spears and raw
courage were her weapons. She had no standing army, no trained and
disciplined officers and ranks. She depended for here safety upon the
patriotic instincts in the heart of every Ethiopian and upon the inspiration
of her leaders.
But these resources, even then, were not lightly to be dismissed. Just
seventy years ago, Ethiopian armies formed almost as if by magic and
hurled themselves upon a grasping invader to gain the immortal triumph of
Adowa.
The victory of Adowa has long been hailed as one of the major events of
the nineteenth century in Africa. Its effects upon Ethiopia and her
relations with the colonial powers were far-reaching. Certainly it
preserved the nation's age-old indepedence from the greedly incursions
then being made elsewhere against our brethren on this continent. Thus,
although denied her rightful access to the sea and isolated from the
influences of modern technological learning, Ethiopia nonetheless
maintained her independence and stood as a source of inspiration and hope
to here fellow Africans.
But the legacy of Adowa was perhaps misleading, for soon, courage and
valour would not be enough. The industrialized nations applied the weight
of modern science to the development of ever more fearful engines of
war. Recognizing the danger, We early attempted to alter the nature of the
nation's military base. At our insistence, a small modern military unit was
in fact, organized and trained by experienced soldiers. Airplanes were
purchased and young men were sent abroad for advanced instruction.
First of all, however, We placed Our faith in the principle of collective
security and the seemingly indisputable might of the League of Nations.
The story of the betrayal of that faith is one of the acknowledged tragedies
of our times. The arms and supplies which Ethiopia could not produce
herself were denied her, while the enemy continued to build and fuel with
its own resources its great war machine. The most futile sanctions were
half-heartly called for, and less than half-heartedly enforced. Ethiopia's
warriors and patriots fought with all the valour and desperation for which
they and their ancestors had so often been called upon before, but they
were powerless against the bombs and poison gas which the enemy so
mercilessly and savagely employed against soldiers and innocent civilians
alike. The brutality of those infamous days will forever haunt the memory
of those who lived through them.
The lessons of experience are rarely easy. It was through bloodshed and
sorrow that Ethiopia learned the awesome power of modern arms and
organized military might. From the ashes of the war Ethiopians began to
reconstruct a new and more powerful nation. We vowed in sorrow that
Ethiopia would never again through weakness suffer such outrages as had
been wrought upon her.
In the years since 1941, Ethiopia's military power has grown far beyond
the meager and ill-equipped forces which struggled through the mountains
to Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is ready today, as in the past, to defend here
integrity to the last limit of her resources. But she disposes now of the
trained military forces, the modern equipment which will protect here
rights and interests against the onslaughts of any misguided aggressor.
Never again will she be taken unaware.
From the day of Our return We set about building a military apparatus
which would be equal to the task of guarding Our homeland and people
against attack from any source. Over the years the quality and strength of
the nation's forces have grown rapidly. Today Ethiopia possesses
compact and well equipped ground, naval and air forces. She has trained
substantial numbers of soldiers, sailors and airmen in the modern
techniques of engineering and weaponry. These have long since proved in
battle their capacity to stand man for man against the soldiery of any
nation in the world. Acting with the help and guidance of other friendly
nations we have established on Ethiopian soil the most modern army, navy
and air training institutions. Skilled officers possessing the highest
technical qualifications now comprise the imposing cadres of Ethiopia's
military leaders. Other African nations have sent the finest of their young
men to study in our military institutions both in recognition of the quality
of education provided there and in open expression of the trust and
confidence which we repose in one another.
Yet even beyond the vast improvements in the Ethiopian military machine,
there stands in defence of peace the great bulwark of the United Nations,
erected with willing and eager hands out of the torment, destruction and
misery of the last war. Even as the guns were falling silent the
representatives of millions of men and women, Ethiopians among them,
pledged themselves to uphold the Charter of the United Nations so that no
such holocaust would ever again ravage and darken the earth. The United
Nations was conceived as a means of real and positive action in the face
aggression. Ethiopia evinced her continuing faith in collective security as
she enrolled herself among the charter members of the organization. In
accordance with decisions of the United Nations, Ethiopia has shown here
willingness to give substance to principle, to fight and sacrifice for others
as for herself -- in Korea, in the Congo, and elsewhere -- in order to
uphold and defend the rule of justice and reason in human affairs.
We have gathered today to pay tribute to the noble fighting men of
Ethiopia and of many other nations who struggled here and gave their
blood to this land. We salute the heroes, both living and dead, men like the
late General Wingate, Ethiopian and foreigner alike, who enabled Our
people once again to walk freely with heads unbowed upon the soil of their
fathers.
Present on this occasion are a few of the valiant British officers who
twenty-five years ago travelled the long and arduous path to victory. We
recall the deep pride the magnificent accomplishments of the many brave
men alike Brigadier Sandford who joined in that glorious and triumphant
march.
We are also honoured today with the presence of military representatives
of many of the other nations whose troops fought on Our soil in the
common cause. Their names recall an honour roll of bravery and selfless
sacrifice. We are proud that our friendship with them continues strong.
We are proud too that in testimony to the unity and present readiness of
this entire continent, military representatives of the member states of the
Organization of African Unity are present at these commemorative
ceremonies. High among the principles enshrined in the Charter of that
Organization is the commitment of its member states to co-ordinate and
harmonize their policies with respect to co-operation for mutual defence
and security. The growing might of this continent's military forces must
make any aggressor wary indeed.
Finally, representatives of the armed forces of both the United States and
the Soviet Union have joined this assemblage at Our invitation. These tow
immensely powerful nations dispose today of destructive power which
defies the comprehension of ordinary men. Both are here represented as
friends of Our nation; both refused to extend recognition of the Fascists in
Ethiopia; both have contributed to the building of the modern Ethiopian
state. The American and Soviet governments have been entrusted by fate
with awesome responsibilities for the maintenance of world peace. We
are hopeful that in consultation with Ethiopia and all other nations of the
world they will both continue to devote their utmost efforts to the search
for effective means to halt the arms race and bring about meaningful
disarmament.
For twenty-five years now, Ethiopia has lived quietly and here people have
enjoyed the blessings of peace. Our country's economy has flourished,
and foreigners, in collaboration with Ethiopians, have been encouraged to
invest in this stable African state.
But throughout all this time the flames of war have not for a moment
ceased to flicker from point to point across the world. It is important that
this assembly, gathered in recognition of a great triumph of arms, should
recall that the victory which was won in Ethiopia was a victory for peace.
The military might of which the nations here represented today dispose
can be justified only to preserve peace and freedom. There is enough
hunger and misery in the world without further war and suffering. The
vast sums swallowed by modern arsenals capable of infinite destruction
could be employed in providing food for hungry mouths, in eradicating
poverty, illiteracy and disease, in building for a united world the better way
of life which man's genius has made possible.
Let us vow to be strong today only that we may in our strength advance
the time when it will be possible to beat our swords into plowshares and
when nation shall not make war upon nation. Let us pledge together that
this time will not be long. Let us work for trust among men, for
disarmament, for peace.
Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the victory over Fascism. In the words of
David: "The Lord heard my voice; He sent his angel from on high, and He
delivered me from my enemies."
We thank Almighty God that We are reunited today with so many of the
noble and courageous men who fought at Our side in that glorious
campaign.
We thank Almighty God for the triumph of right and justice and liberty
over aggression and oppression.
Today, twenty-five years are but a brief moment in the span of history.
The memories come crowding upon Us, as we re-live those hours of
unbounded rejoicing, as We are buffered again by the profound emotions
which swept Our mind and spirit then. Surrounded today by familiar
faces, by old friends and comrades, Our heart is full.
May 5th, 1941 will live as one of the greatest days in the long annals of
Ethiopian history. It was, at the same time, a great turning point in whorld
history. For a brief period, Ethiopia alone had carried on the struggle
against fascist tyranny. Our appeals were unheeded, Our warnings
ignored. But at last those who had turned their backs on Us at the League
of Nations were themselves driven into turmoil and suffering and to the
very brink of destruction. At last they came to recognize their common
responsibility to oppose the inhuman and degrading doctrine which had
brought devastation and destruction to Our innocent nation. The victory
over fascism in Ethiopia and for Africa was but the first inspiring
landmark for the allied nations on the long road back to the
re-establishment of liberty and justice for themselves.
A century ago, Ethiopia possessed virtually no modern weapons, no
defence against the power of technology. Swords and spears and raw
courage were her weapons. She had no standing army, no trained and
disciplined officers and ranks. She depended for here safety upon the
patriotic instincts in the heart of every Ethiopian and upon the inspiration
of her leaders.
But these resources, even then, were not lightly to be dismissed. Just
seventy years ago, Ethiopian armies formed almost as if by magic and
hurled themselves upon a grasping invader to gain the immortal triumph of
Adowa.
The victory of Adowa has long been hailed as one of the major events of
the nineteenth century in Africa. Its effects upon Ethiopia and her
relations with the colonial powers were far-reaching. Certainly it
preserved the nation's age-old indepedence from the greedly incursions
then being made elsewhere against our brethren on this continent. Thus,
although denied her rightful access to the sea and isolated from the
influences of modern technological learning, Ethiopia nonetheless
maintained her independence and stood as a source of inspiration and hope
to here fellow Africans.
But the legacy of Adowa was perhaps misleading, for soon, courage and
valour would not be enough. The industrialized nations applied the weight
of modern science to the development of ever more fearful engines of
war. Recognizing the danger, We early attempted to alter the nature of the
nation's military base. At our insistence, a small modern military unit was
in fact, organized and trained by experienced soldiers. Airplanes were
purchased and young men were sent abroad for advanced instruction.
First of all, however, We placed Our faith in the principle of collective
security and the seemingly indisputable might of the League of Nations.
The story of the betrayal of that faith is one of the acknowledged tragedies
of our times. The arms and supplies which Ethiopia could not produce
herself were denied her, while the enemy continued to build and fuel with
its own resources its great war machine. The most futile sanctions were
half-heartly called for, and less than half-heartedly enforced. Ethiopia's
warriors and patriots fought with all the valour and desperation for which
they and their ancestors had so often been called upon before, but they
were powerless against the bombs and poison gas which the enemy so
mercilessly and savagely employed against soldiers and innocent civilians
alike. The brutality of those infamous days will forever haunt the memory
of those who lived through them.
The lessons of experience are rarely easy. It was through bloodshed and
sorrow that Ethiopia learned the awesome power of modern arms and
organized military might. From the ashes of the war Ethiopians began to
reconstruct a new and more powerful nation. We vowed in sorrow that
Ethiopia would never again through weakness suffer such outrages as had
been wrought upon her.
In the years since 1941, Ethiopia's military power has grown far beyond
the meager and ill-equipped forces which struggled through the mountains
to Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is ready today, as in the past, to defend here
integrity to the last limit of her resources. But she disposes now of the
trained military forces, the modern equipment which will protect here
rights and interests against the onslaughts of any misguided aggressor.
Never again will she be taken unaware.
From the day of Our return We set about building a military apparatus
which would be equal to the task of guarding Our homeland and people
against attack from any source. Over the years the quality and strength of
the nation's forces have grown rapidly. Today Ethiopia possesses
compact and well equipped ground, naval and air forces. She has trained
substantial numbers of soldiers, sailors and airmen in the modern
techniques of engineering and weaponry. These have long since proved in
battle their capacity to stand man for man against the soldiery of any
nation in the world. Acting with the help and guidance of other friendly
nations we have established on Ethiopian soil the most modern army, navy
and air training institutions. Skilled officers possessing the highest
technical qualifications now comprise the imposing cadres of Ethiopia's
military leaders. Other African nations have sent the finest of their young
men to study in our military institutions both in recognition of the quality
of education provided there and in open expression of the trust and
confidence which we repose in one another.
Yet even beyond the vast improvements in the Ethiopian military machine,
there stands in defence of peace the great bulwark of the United Nations,
erected with willing and eager hands out of the torment, destruction and
misery of the last war. Even as the guns were falling silent the
representatives of millions of men and women, Ethiopians among them,
pledged themselves to uphold the Charter of the United Nations so that no
such holocaust would ever again ravage and darken the earth. The United
Nations was conceived as a means of real and positive action in the face
aggression. Ethiopia evinced her continuing faith in collective security as
she enrolled herself among the charter members of the organization. In
accordance with decisions of the United Nations, Ethiopia has shown here
willingness to give substance to principle, to fight and sacrifice for others
as for herself -- in Korea, in the Congo, and elsewhere -- in order to
uphold and defend the rule of justice and reason in human affairs.
We have gathered today to pay tribute to the noble fighting men of
Ethiopia and of many other nations who struggled here and gave their
blood to this land. We salute the heroes, both living and dead, men like the
late General Wingate, Ethiopian and foreigner alike, who enabled Our
people once again to walk freely with heads unbowed upon the soil of their
fathers.
Present on this occasion are a few of the valiant British officers who
twenty-five years ago travelled the long and arduous path to victory. We
recall the deep pride the magnificent accomplishments of the many brave
men alike Brigadier Sandford who joined in that glorious and triumphant
march.
We are also honoured today with the presence of military representatives
of many of the other nations whose troops fought on Our soil in the
common cause. Their names recall an honour roll of bravery and selfless
sacrifice. We are proud that our friendship with them continues strong.
We are proud too that in testimony to the unity and present readiness of
this entire continent, military representatives of the member states of the
Organization of African Unity are present at these commemorative
ceremonies. High among the principles enshrined in the Charter of that
Organization is the commitment of its member states to co-ordinate and
harmonize their policies with respect to co-operation for mutual defence
and security. The growing might of this continent's military forces must
make any aggressor wary indeed.
Finally, representatives of the armed forces of both the United States and
the Soviet Union have joined this assemblage at Our invitation. These tow
immensely powerful nations dispose today of destructive power which
defies the comprehension of ordinary men. Both are here represented as
friends of Our nation; both refused to extend recognition of the Fascists in
Ethiopia; both have contributed to the building of the modern Ethiopian
state. The American and Soviet governments have been entrusted by fate
with awesome responsibilities for the maintenance of world peace. We
are hopeful that in consultation with Ethiopia and all other nations of the
world they will both continue to devote their utmost efforts to the search
for effective means to halt the arms race and bring about meaningful
disarmament.
For twenty-five years now, Ethiopia has lived quietly and here people have
enjoyed the blessings of peace. Our country's economy has flourished,
and foreigners, in collaboration with Ethiopians, have been encouraged to
invest in this stable African state.
But throughout all this time the flames of war have not for a moment
ceased to flicker from point to point across the world. It is important that
this assembly, gathered in recognition of a great triumph of arms, should
recall that the victory which was won in Ethiopia was a victory for peace.
The military might of which the nations here represented today dispose
can be justified only to preserve peace and freedom. There is enough
hunger and misery in the world without further war and suffering. The
vast sums swallowed by modern arsenals capable of infinite destruction
could be employed in providing food for hungry mouths, in eradicating
poverty, illiteracy and disease, in building for a united world the better way
of life which man's genius has made possible.
Let us vow to be strong today only that we may in our strength advance
the time when it will be possible to beat our swords into plowshares and
when nation shall not make war upon nation. Let us pledge together that
this time will not be long. Let us work for trust among men, for
disarmament, for peace.