Haile_Selassie_I-Selected_Speeches-Chapter

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

Haile Selassie I

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Selected Speeches

The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

Selected Speeches

Those of you who wre present 25 years ago, can compare well the
present and the past, and will recall educational problems and difficulties
which confronted you then. Today there are 35 times as many schools as
existed 25 years ago.

Before the war the number of students pursuing their studies abroad was
limited to a few score. Today, however, large numbers of our youth are
pursuing higher studies abroad. Some of these have completed their
studies and are already back home rendering services to their country in
various capacities.

We have just mentioned the introduction, under Our guidance, of many
modern public utilities in Our cities. We now have a national network of
telephone and radio communications. Today, there are more improved
roads in Ethiopia than at any other point on the East Coast of Africa. To
these achievements must be added the outstanding successful Airlines, the
establishment of which was due entirely to Our initiative. As a result,
Ethiopia is not weeks, but hours, from all the world capitals, and foreign
nationals are at present able, without any difficulty to visit Our country.

Commerce and Industry

Similarly, reflect upon the conditions of commerce, industry and finance
as they existed 25 years ago and today. Not only have the
resourcefulness, the initiative, and the enterprise of Ethiopian subjects
during this period resulted in the introduction and establishment of new
industries, but also foreign capital has, in recent years, been coming to
Ethiopia in ever increasing amounts, although not to the extent of Our
expectations. You have but to look about yourselves to note the full
measure of that development. The face, even of our cities and of our
countryside is being transformed through the construction of imposing
industirial establishments, mining and extractive installations, and
mechnical agricultural projects. Plans have now reached the stage of
execution for an ambitious national programme of hydro-electric
development and of irrigation.

With regard to foreign trade, Ethiopia has won for her various products, a
place in the world markets which greatly exceeds Our expectations.
Moreover, through improved communications with the rest of the world,
Ethiopia has been able to meet the needs of other countries as well as her
own.

Legislative Activity

Judiciary

Human Rights

Although the original Constitution already contained provisions on Human
Rights and Fundamental Liberties, this Chapter in the Revised Constitution
contains provisions adopted in the most advanced countries of the world
for the protection of Human Rights.

Each provision in this Chapter has a precedent, either in Ethiopian
traditions, or in well-established constitutional precedents abroad. No less
than 29 articles have been inserted in the Constitution to provide for the
protection of the essential liberties and rights fo the people. Thus, We
have provided that "no one shall be denied the equal protection of the
laws"; that "there shall be no discrimination amongst Ethiopian subjects
with respect to the enjoyment of all civil rights"; that "there shall be no
interference with the exercise in accordance with the law of the rites of
any religion or creed by residents of the Empire"; that "freedom of speech
and of the press is guaranteed throughout the Empire, in accordance with
the law"; that "correspondence shall be subject to no censorship except in
time of declared national emergency." We have, further confirmed our
practice that every person accused of a crime shall be presumed innocent
until prove guilty and that no one shall be imprisoned for debt, except in
case of legally proved fraud.

Unlike many countries of the world, We have provided the right to any
resident of the Empire to bring suit against the Government or any
ministry, department, agency or instrumentality thereof, for wrongful acts
resulting in substantial damage. Likewise, everyone in the Empire shall
have the right to present petitions to Us.

So important have We considered these guarantees of Human Rights and
Fundamental Liberties that, in the Revised Constitution, We have stipulated
that not only the courts but, in particular, Ourselves, shall at all times
assure and protect these Human Rights. They constitute principles which
no branch of the Government, be it the Executive, Legislative or Judiciary,
can transgress and which, in consequence, must be placed under the
particular protection of the Sovereign Himself. We Ourselves will always
be ready to act positively to ensure respect for these rights by all branches
and every official of the Government. Thus, the lowliest subject of the
Empire, the poorest as well as the richest, even the convict in prison, has
always the assurance that the Sovereign is at all times vigilant in the
protection of his rights and fundamental liberties.

Codification of Laws

Conscious of the broader implications of constitutional reform and of the
necessity of providing means by which it may take root, We have called
upon the services of the most enlightened jurists of the Continent of
Europe to codify, under Our direct and constant supervision, and in the
light of Ethiopia's age-old traditions and of her present day and future
needs, the civil, penal, commercial and maritime lasws of the Empire. The
work undertaken and already accomplished under Our supervision and
constant encouragement, has been gigantic, and We expect shortly to
receive the final fruits of all these labours for the benefit of Our beloved
people.

The Constitution which We promulgated twenty-four years ago has amply
proved its worth and We trust that Our beloved subjects will benefit from
the Revised Constitution which has adapted the earlier one to the changed
conditions of today. We pray the Almighty to grant Us wisdom and
strength to guide Our people to ever-greater destinies. We express to Him
Our gratitude for having spared Us to celebrate the twenty-fifth
Anniversary of Our Coronation.

Similar considerations have been borne in mind in drawing up the
provisions concerning the third branch of the Government, the Judiciary.
Thus, the welfare of Our beloved people is the supreme consideration
which has dictated the deliberations out of which the Revised Constitution
was conceived and elaborated. We have given long and searching thought
to this problem and the fruit of Our reflection and deliberations during the
past six years is therefore no superficial achievement. It represents solid
and patient studies for many months by Ourselves, with the assistance of
specialists and many commissions. It was, thereafter, submitted to
Parliament for its approval before receiving Our final authorization. Thus
it is that today, We have been able to promulgate this Revised Constitution.

In Our preoccupation with the problem, We have been alive to the
realization that no single document, however profound and however
comprehensive can, of itself, bring about far-reaching and fundamental
traditions, customs, habits, predilections, as well as the legal concepts of
the society upon which it is based. The great liberal regimes of France
and Anglo-Saxon countries and the great contributions which they have
been able to make toward the development of political thought, have been
based certainly not only on strictly constitutional concepts, but also on the
broader and all-pervading philosophy of civil and penal law, a philosophy
based on the sacredness of the individual.

Haile Selassie the First - November 3, 1955

Nearly a quarter of a century ago We were pleased to grant to Our beloved
people the first Constitution in the history of this three-thousand-year-old
Empire. Today, on the Jubilee Anniversary of Our Coronation, We are
pleased to proclaim a Revised Constitution consolidating the progress
achieved, and preparing the way for future advances.

On that day, 24 years ago, We laid the basis of the modern Government of
Ethiopia. That we had reflected well upon the particular needs of the
Empire, and upon the future courses of its development, and that We had
produced, at that time, a work capable of surviving the vicissitudes and
the severe trials compressed into these 25 years of Our Reign, is attested
by the force and vigour of the Government and of that same Constitution,
following the occupation and subsequent glorious liberation of Our
Empire. The Constitution which We proclaimed 24 years ago has,
therefore, demonstrated its worth and its viability.

However, the enormous progress achieved during these 25 years
requires that We adapt this same Constitution to the progress attained
in order that the Empire may spring forward to yet further progress
and development. Many of Our loyal subjectss here present recall
vividly the circumstances existing at the time of Our Coronation, and
are in position to evaluate for themselves and to establish a
comparison between the conditions existing at that time and today.
Since Our first and foremost objective is the welfare and prosperity of
Our people, it has been and still is Our constant purpose to strengthen
the economic and educational foundations of Our country as well as to
improve the standard of Our people.

It is in consequence of this programme that the population of the
Empire has increased during the period under review, as well as the
foreign inhabitants who, with Our subjects, are jointly participating in
growing commercial and industrial enterprises.

Public Health Service

This increase has been due, in part, to the introduction not only of the
latest techniques in the sciences of medicine and of public health, but also
of facilities which did not exist here 25 years ago. For instance, the
number of hospitals and clinics which existed then did not exceed 48,
whereas today there are 240 hospitals and clinics throughout the Empire.
The consequence of these measures has been an increase in the span of
life of the inhabitants of Ethiopia, a reduction of infant mortality, and an
overall increase in the national population.

As a result of this increase in population, and of the introduction of
modern public utilities, our capital city has, within the last ten years, more
than doubled in size. These modern and public facilities are not limited to
the capital only, but are being extended to all throughout the Empire.

Education

Ethiopian Products

Ethiopia has entered these markets with entirely new products, and on a
scale exceeding the most optimistic predictions of 25 years ago. For
example, Ethiopia's exports of fresh vegetables, meats and other fresh
foodstuffs, in one year alone, exceed the entire exports in one year before
the war, of coffee, or hides. As for coffee, the value of the annual crop
exported has increased over ten times in the 25 year period under review.
As for exports generally, they have increased nearly in the same amount.
Even in the much shorter period of the last nine years, exports have
quadrupled, as have imports, the former passing from $37,000,000 in
1946 to $169,000,000 in 1954 and the latter from $36,000,000 to
$137,000,000.

Similarly, and as a concomitant development, the financial picture has been
completely transformed during the past 25 years and that, notwithstanding
the incredible hardships and sacrifices imposed by the occupation and the
subsequent bleak years following liberation. Whereas, before the war the
national budget of Ethiopia did not exceed $5,000,000, today it exceeds
$100,000,000. The money in circulation has increased form $80,000,000
in 1946 to over $220,000,000 in 1954. In that same period, our holdings
of gold have increased approximately 20 times over. It is obvious that,
from this point of view also, Ethiopia, and indeed the Government itself,
have burst forth from the limits necessarily traced by a consitution
promulagated under vastly different conditions.

Houses of Parliament

We have broadened the fields of legislative activity. For example by
detailed provisions in the Revised Constitution, We have provided for
further legislative responsibilities in respect of finances. Furthermore, We
have provided that every proposal of law involving an increase in
governmental expenditure by a new or increased tax shall first come
before the Chamber of Deputies.

We have mentioned the international responsibilities of Parliament in the
legislative process. For example, in the Revised Constitution, it is provided
that, before entering into force, the advance approval of both Houses of
Parliament shall be required in respect of all treaties and international
agreements laying a burden on Ethiopian subjects personally, or modifying
legislation in existence, or requiring expenditures of State funds or
involving loans or monopolies, or a modification of the territory of the
Empire, or of sovreignty or jurisdiction over any part of such territory,
and in respect of all treaties of peace.

We have provided for a substantial increase in size of both Houses of
Parliament. What is, however, perhaps even more important, is that, for
the Chamber of Deputies, We have provide for direct elections, by secret
ballot, throughout the Empire upon the basis of universal suffrage.
Moreover, in order that these provisions for elections should promptly
translated into reality, We have prepared for consideration and approval by
Parliament a national electoral law. The Constitution contains provisions
to the end that all parts of the Empire shall receive their due representation
in Parliament, and that there shall be no discrimination whatsoever
amongst racial or religious groups. Furthermore, as We will have
occasion shortly to indicate in detail, We have provided that there shall be
no discrimination among Ethiopian subjects with respect to the enjoyment
of all civil rights or citizenship. It is Our steadfast aim that all citizens of
the Empire shall live together as brothers, in one large family.

In order that every member of Parliament shall feel himself free to carry
out his responsibilites to the Nation, "without fear or favour" We have
provided in greater detail for the traditional system of Parliamentary
immunities as consecrated by the original Constitution and by the practice
in other countries of the world.

Finally, by detailed provisions, We have established means for resolving
differences of opinion between the two Houses of Parliament. In this
matter, We have followed time-honored precedents from the Parliamentary
systems of other countries using bicameral legislatures. It is essential that
the two Houses work together in harmony for the national interest. They
should not constitute warring or antagonistic elements. Those elected by
the people must also benefit by the sage advice of those whom long years
of experience in government administration and positions of responsibility
have given wisdom and insight.

Such are, then, the concepts which We have adopted in respect of the
reorganization of Parliament. There is, however, as We have just
mentioned, yet another aspect of this problem of strengthening the bases
and enhancing the importance of Parliament. By that We refer to the role
which Parliament itself, as so reorganized, will be called upon to play in
the legislative process. We have envisaged and, in consequence provided
for, a broadened role of parliament in respect of the law-making functions.

Supervision and Control

However, this same progress calls for increasing governmental supervision
and control, as is evidence by the ever-augmenting number of laws
governing the protection of property, of national and foreign investments,
the legislation governing limited liability corporations, the guarantees for
monetary stability, etc. This development is also reflected in the marked
growth of the judicial system. During the last 12 years, leaving aside the
Meketel Wareda courts, the courts of Our Empire, including Moslem or
Sharia courts, have grown in numbers from 182 to 593.

In other words, the great material development, required a simultaneous
and concomitant development not only of the judiciary, but also of the
other branches of government charged with the responsibility of fostering
and protecting this thriving plant of national economy.

Centralization

The growth in size and responsibilities of the Government has necessiated
the strengthening of the processes of centralization. All regions of the
Empire are now closely knit together under a single unified direction
capable of guiding them all along parallel lines of progress and integrating
all into a common national endeavour.

In addition, all vestiges of feudalistic and other classes of personal
privileges have been wiped out, so that all Our beloved subjects may live
together as equals and brothers in the same family.

Revised Constitution

Obviously, the structure of the Government itself must grow in size and in
power. To do so We must broaden and strengthen the bases of all three
of the traditional branches of government, the Executive, Legislative, and
Judicial. The Revised Constitution which We promulgate today reflects
these preoccupations and enlarges and consolidates the Government.

In this Revised Constitution, We have not only sought to provide the
essential conditions for effective work by ministers and Government
officials, but We have, at the same time, provided that Our ministers shall
be responsible to Us and to the State for the proper fulfilment fo their
highly responsible functions. Close collaboration between the executive
and legislative branches of all modern governments has become an
ineluctable necessity as regards the legislative process. In order to work
intelligently in the drafting of laws, Parliament must be acquainted with
problems as viewed by the Executive. Consequently, We have provided
that ministers, on their own initiative, or at the request of Parliament, may
appear before it to explain these matters. It is Our hope that this
procedure will serve as a precious tool for the co-ordination of the
executive and legislative processes and that, with the explanations which
Our ministers may, from time to time, furnish to Parliament, this latter
body will be able, more intelligently and in a fuller knowledge of the facts
and circumstances involved, to devise legislation more responsive to the
exigencies of the present hour to the needs of the future.

We have mentioned the rapid expansion of legislation in social and
economic fields. New industries, the accumulation of wealth, the
acquisition of a maritime frontier and of ports, the existence of new fields
of social endeavour, and, finally, problems of international import including
treaties, and other international commitments, have all served to broaden
the responsibilities of Parliament and to call from the members thereof for
greater social, economic, national and, indeed, international vision. To
respond to these problems, We have sought in two ways to strengthen the
legislative branch of Government, first by organizational improvements
and secondly by a broadening of the Parliamentary functions.

Chapter VI

Promulgating The Revised Constitution
Nov. 03, 1955

Legal & Constitutional

Ministries

In yet other ways have the developments of the past 25 years called for an
ever increasing expansion of the governmental framework. Many of you
will recall the state of the organization which existed, 25 years ago, as
regards the ministries of Our Empire. These were not only few in
number, but greatly understaffed. Today, although much remains to be
accomplished, no less than 14 ministries, housed under far more adequate
conditions and with an ever growing and increasingly trained staff of civil
servants, is valiantly seeking to cope with the ever-widening perspective of
national development.

Similarly, the organized army of 25 years ago, although valiant, was
inadequately armed and lacked adequate numbers of officer cadres and
training. Today, that situation has been vastly improved, to the extent
even that Ethiopia has been able to send a contingent to participate in the
United Nations effort in Korea. This development has, however, required
an ever-increasing expenditure and heavy sacrifices, but We will resolutely
pursue to completion, and regardless of costs and obstacles, this
programme for the modernization of Our Armed Forces.

International Horizons Expanded

On the other hand, under our reign, Ethiopia's international horizons have
been enormously expanded. Twenty-five years ago Ethiopia was still a
little known corner of the dark continent of Africa. Through her
courageous resistance against aggression and through Our appeal to the
world founded on respect for international morality and collective security,
Ethiopia has achieved imperishable fame. The world has come to
recognize the moral stature and greatness of the Ethiopian people. In
consequence, We have been able to rectify certain of the crying injustices
perpetrated against Our beloved country during the iniquitous period of
imperialism against which Ethiopia, under Our leadership, had to fight
alone. No longer is Ethiopia a land-locked country. Two ports on the Red
Sea are being developed to handle the rapidly expanding foreign trade of
Ethiopia to which We have just referred. With the rectification of sixty
years of injustice, and with the return of Our devoted Eritrean subjects,
Ethiopia has known, once again, that national unity and coherence which
she has enjoyed since before the time of Christ.

However, here again, the increase in population, territory and national
responsibilities, has called for a broader concept of governmental
organization. For example, problems connected with a maritime frontier,
the development of ports, of naval forces and of a merchant marine, did
not exist until recently. Today, the Government must be remodelled to
take these development into consideration. Engineering skills and
administrative supervision of high order are involved, as well as the
establishment of a Naval Academy, a Coast Guard Academy and Marine
and Fisheries Administrations. In sum, the hurried pace of progress
which Ethiopia has known during Our Reign now imperatively calls from
all of us for our most intelligent efforts to profit by those favours which
the Almight has bestowed upon Us. It is Our hope to have the assistance
of friendly countries in these efforts.

In other words, the past twenty-five years have been characterized by
material, including commercial, industrial and financial progress, a steeply
ascending curve of cultural and political development, an expanded
population and national territory, and ever-widening national horizons.
Ethiopia, under Our guidance, must consolidate this progress. She must
do more. She must advance yet further. To assure the progressive
welfare of Our beloved people is Our sole goal of life. There can be no
justification for any government, whatever be its form, except that of
ensuring and promoting the welfare of its subjects.