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| Selected Speeches |
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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Selected Speeches |
| Haile Selassie the First - July 30, 1966 |
Ladies and Gentlement of the press,
Today I called this press conference in order, first of all, to convey some
of my thoughts about recent happenings and in the second place, to
provide you with an opportunity to ask questions on any subject you might
desire.
First, I would like to say a few words on the recent decision of the
International Court of Justice on the legal action that was brought by
Ethiopia and Liberia against South Africa concerning South West Africa.
As everybody knows by now, all mankind is concerned about the situation
in South West Africa, and what the policy of the South African
Government implies to the rest of the world.
The International Court at the Hague has discussed the South West
African question for several years now. Ethiopia, Liberia and many other
African states as well as men of good-will everywhere have done their
best to see that justice is rendered in this case so that the people in that
unfortunate country are freed from the status of oppression to which they
are subjected at the present. Justice is the essence of civilized existence.
Unfortunately the decision of the Court has been influenced more by
political than by legal considerations.
I know of the great hope that was placed upon the Court when it was
established. At the very outset, I know the Court made useful decisions in
certain cases but the tendency of the Court, if we take the recent decision
as an example of what we may expect in the future, does not inspire
confidence, and because of this we feel that there will be a lesser tendency
to resort to judicial settlement of disputes.
The plaintiffs before the Court were Ethiopia and Liberia, but in a sense,
one can say all peace-loving peoples were somehow concerned about and
were anxiously awaiting the result which was expected to be in
accordance with the demands of justice. It is quite true that judges are
free in their task of decision-making but the decisions must be in
accordance with the law. However we must also point out that humanity
has the right to require that certain fundamental institutions and thoughts
of value which are common to all society and are indispensable to peace
be incorporated as part of the principles of international law upon which
the International Court of Justice should base itself. The Statute of the
Court does make adequate provisions for that.
I must point out that this judgement is contrary to the interests of mankind
and more particularly, contrary to the interests of the African peoples. I
say the decision was affected more by political than legal considerations.
However we are not at the end of the road. I believe we are going to
continue to struggle for the removal of the system of apartheid and
oppression in South West Africa, and I am confident that this struggle will
bring about a satisfactory solution to the problem.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, Your long life has been one of eventful years of
accomplishments of many things. Many events have transpired in the
world, too. Which one does Your Imperial Majesty find the most
significant?
Today I called this press conference in order, first of all, to convey some
of my thoughts about recent happenings and in the second place, to
provide you with an opportunity to ask questions on any subject you might
desire.
First, I would like to say a few words on the recent decision of the
International Court of Justice on the legal action that was brought by
Ethiopia and Liberia against South Africa concerning South West Africa.
As everybody knows by now, all mankind is concerned about the situation
in South West Africa, and what the policy of the South African
Government implies to the rest of the world.
The International Court at the Hague has discussed the South West
African question for several years now. Ethiopia, Liberia and many other
African states as well as men of good-will everywhere have done their
best to see that justice is rendered in this case so that the people in that
unfortunate country are freed from the status of oppression to which they
are subjected at the present. Justice is the essence of civilized existence.
Unfortunately the decision of the Court has been influenced more by
political than by legal considerations.
I know of the great hope that was placed upon the Court when it was
established. At the very outset, I know the Court made useful decisions in
certain cases but the tendency of the Court, if we take the recent decision
as an example of what we may expect in the future, does not inspire
confidence, and because of this we feel that there will be a lesser tendency
to resort to judicial settlement of disputes.
The plaintiffs before the Court were Ethiopia and Liberia, but in a sense,
one can say all peace-loving peoples were somehow concerned about and
were anxiously awaiting the result which was expected to be in
accordance with the demands of justice. It is quite true that judges are
free in their task of decision-making but the decisions must be in
accordance with the law. However we must also point out that humanity
has the right to require that certain fundamental institutions and thoughts
of value which are common to all society and are indispensable to peace
be incorporated as part of the principles of international law upon which
the International Court of Justice should base itself. The Statute of the
Court does make adequate provisions for that.
I must point out that this judgement is contrary to the interests of mankind
and more particularly, contrary to the interests of the African peoples. I
say the decision was affected more by political than legal considerations.
However we are not at the end of the road. I believe we are going to
continue to struggle for the removal of the system of apartheid and
oppression in South West Africa, and I am confident that this struggle will
bring about a satisfactory solution to the problem.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, Your long life has been one of eventful years of
accomplishments of many things. Many events have transpired in the
world, too. Which one does Your Imperial Majesty find the most
significant?
| Chapter XVIII |
| Press Conference: 74th Birthday Jul. 30, 1966 |
| Press |
| Longevity A Divine Gift |
Answer:
I thank God for giving me such a long life. This is a matter which can be
only considered as a gift from the Almighty. In my long life I have seen
and experienced many things. Ever since I was 18 years old, I saw many
things happening both in my own country and abroad. It is difficult to
point out tht most important event during that long period whcih
comprises many decades. The two events that stand out, and which
affected and influenced the course of events throughout the world, have
of course been World War I and World War II; the bloodshed during the
two world wars, why they were fought, how they were concluded and
the aftermath of those wars. In particular, speaking of these world wars,
I recollect of the influence leaders exerted on the course of events. The
history of World War I, of World War II and the aftermath will always
stand out in the annals of history. We know those who were responsible
for those wars -- the men with evil purpose and evil mind -- who took the
leadership in certain parts of the world and the events that followed.
Anybody who has lived through these two great wars and the bloodshed
must recognize the need for effective safeguards to maintain international
peace.
I also know that certain institutions in certain states were responsible for
the outbreak of the world wars. Since then democratic institutions and
procedures have been strengthened throughout the world, and I am
confident that as a result of this experience of the last decades we are in a
better position to maintain world peace.
Of course, the Second World War had affected Ethiopia. It is a
well-known fact that Our country fell victim to the aggressive forces of
Fascism. I had the privilege of pleading the cse before the League of
Nations in Geneva but the League's collective security system had not
been strengthened and there were no standard procedures to which there
was universal adherence for the settlement of international disputes. The
system failed. Ethiopia suffered from the failure of that system but the
concept of collective security was more firmly established after the war.
I know that men of goodwill everywhere sympathized with Ethiopia. We
continued the struggle to free Our people from the rule of aliens and finally
we were able to overcome the enemy. We returned to Our capital city and
began extensive programmes for the progress of Our country.
Furthermore, we witnessed the emergence of the new independent African
states, the laying of the foundation here in Addis Ababa for a greater unity
among the African peoples. These are some of the events I recollect and
to which I attach great significance.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, do You see any relationship between the League of
Nations' failure to take action on the situation Ethiopia faced in 1935-36
and the failure of the Court to take action on the South West African case
in 1966?
I thank God for giving me such a long life. This is a matter which can be
only considered as a gift from the Almighty. In my long life I have seen
and experienced many things. Ever since I was 18 years old, I saw many
things happening both in my own country and abroad. It is difficult to
point out tht most important event during that long period whcih
comprises many decades. The two events that stand out, and which
affected and influenced the course of events throughout the world, have
of course been World War I and World War II; the bloodshed during the
two world wars, why they were fought, how they were concluded and
the aftermath of those wars. In particular, speaking of these world wars,
I recollect of the influence leaders exerted on the course of events. The
history of World War I, of World War II and the aftermath will always
stand out in the annals of history. We know those who were responsible
for those wars -- the men with evil purpose and evil mind -- who took the
leadership in certain parts of the world and the events that followed.
Anybody who has lived through these two great wars and the bloodshed
must recognize the need for effective safeguards to maintain international
peace.
I also know that certain institutions in certain states were responsible for
the outbreak of the world wars. Since then democratic institutions and
procedures have been strengthened throughout the world, and I am
confident that as a result of this experience of the last decades we are in a
better position to maintain world peace.
Of course, the Second World War had affected Ethiopia. It is a
well-known fact that Our country fell victim to the aggressive forces of
Fascism. I had the privilege of pleading the cse before the League of
Nations in Geneva but the League's collective security system had not
been strengthened and there were no standard procedures to which there
was universal adherence for the settlement of international disputes. The
system failed. Ethiopia suffered from the failure of that system but the
concept of collective security was more firmly established after the war.
I know that men of goodwill everywhere sympathized with Ethiopia. We
continued the struggle to free Our people from the rule of aliens and finally
we were able to overcome the enemy. We returned to Our capital city and
began extensive programmes for the progress of Our country.
Furthermore, we witnessed the emergence of the new independent African
states, the laying of the foundation here in Addis Ababa for a greater unity
among the African peoples. These are some of the events I recollect and
to which I attach great significance.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, do You see any relationship between the League of
Nations' failure to take action on the situation Ethiopia faced in 1935-36
and the failure of the Court to take action on the South West African case
in 1966?
| Material Difference |
Answer:
There is a material difference between the failure of the League's collective
security system in 1935 and 1936 and failure of the International Court of
Justice to consider the merits of the South West African case.
The collective security system arrangement that we thought, and
everybody thought, was secured under the Covenant of the League of
Nations collapsed completely. The failure of the International Court of
Justice now to consider the merits of the South West African case means
that legal procedures for the settlement of the dispute are no longer open
to us and that we are to approach the problem from another angle, perhaps
by insisting to invoke the collective security measures under the Charter of
the United Nations. So that in the two cases I see this important
difference: while the League of Nations collapsed completely, in the case
of the International Court of Justice, it was one particular organ of the
collective security system that failed to respond to the demands of justice
in South West Africa.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, has the situation in Rhodesia and the struggle that
was taken in relation to that question tended to weaken the Organization of
African Unity?
Answer:
Needless to say, all the African peoples were disheartened by events in
Rhodesia and by the failure of the efforts of many states and individuals to
restore the legitimate rights to the African majority in Southern Rhodesia.
There are of course many ways to solve a problem; there are many
methods of peaceful settlement and three is also the question of the use of
force, but I believe that before we resort to measures such as the use of
force, we must exhaust all reasonable peaceful methods. So far, the
African states had jointly taken some action but they had put greater faith
on the British Government to crush the illegal regime there. However, we
are sad to say that such measures on the part of the British Government
have not been successful and they have not been adequate.
The African states in the Organization of African Unity have no difference
so far as the Rhodesian question is concerned. Certain differences about
the approaches to the problem existed in the past but we are confident that
in our future actions we will be more united than ever for a just settlement
of the Rhodesian question.
I am sure that when the African heads of state reconvene their regular
summit here the Rhodesian question will be prominent on their agenda.
There is a material difference between the failure of the League's collective
security system in 1935 and 1936 and failure of the International Court of
Justice to consider the merits of the South West African case.
The collective security system arrangement that we thought, and
everybody thought, was secured under the Covenant of the League of
Nations collapsed completely. The failure of the International Court of
Justice now to consider the merits of the South West African case means
that legal procedures for the settlement of the dispute are no longer open
to us and that we are to approach the problem from another angle, perhaps
by insisting to invoke the collective security measures under the Charter of
the United Nations. So that in the two cases I see this important
difference: while the League of Nations collapsed completely, in the case
of the International Court of Justice, it was one particular organ of the
collective security system that failed to respond to the demands of justice
in South West Africa.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, has the situation in Rhodesia and the struggle that
was taken in relation to that question tended to weaken the Organization of
African Unity?
Answer:
Needless to say, all the African peoples were disheartened by events in
Rhodesia and by the failure of the efforts of many states and individuals to
restore the legitimate rights to the African majority in Southern Rhodesia.
There are of course many ways to solve a problem; there are many
methods of peaceful settlement and three is also the question of the use of
force, but I believe that before we resort to measures such as the use of
force, we must exhaust all reasonable peaceful methods. So far, the
African states had jointly taken some action but they had put greater faith
on the British Government to crush the illegal regime there. However, we
are sad to say that such measures on the part of the British Government
have not been successful and they have not been adequate.
The African states in the Organization of African Unity have no difference
so far as the Rhodesian question is concerned. Certain differences about
the approaches to the problem existed in the past but we are confident that
in our future actions we will be more united than ever for a just settlement
of the Rhodesian question.
I am sure that when the African heads of state reconvene their regular
summit here the Rhodesian question will be prominent on their agenda.
| Constitutional Changes |
Answer:
We have witnessed many accomplishements in the last 49 years -- and all
these achievements have given sustained benefits to the Ethiopian people.
If I were to be asked to name just a few, I would say the outstanding
achievement has been in the constitutional changes of Our country. We
have made it possible for the participation of a all our people in the work
of the government. We have instituted systems by which the rights of
Our people are protected. In the economic field, We have instituted
systems by which the Ethiopian people can help themselves and their
government also. We see that the efforts We have invested on the
improvement of Our national life are at present giving forth good results to
Our people. Although I will be the first to say that what has been achieved
has not been fully satisfactory, the country is moving ahead, progress is
being attained by the people and the future is full of hope and promise.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, General de Gaulle will pay a state visit to Ethiopia
in the near future. Do you expect special agreements to be signed
between Ethiopia and France as a result of the visit?
Answer:
We have enjoyed a relation of friendship with France for many years. The
economic, cultural and other relations Our people maintained with the
French people are well-known. When General de Gaulle arrives here We
shall have the opportunity to discuss ways and means by which we can
strengthen further this good relation between our two countries. I am
confident that when General de Gaulle visits Ethiopia we shall have the
opportunity to work out concrete agreements of mutual co-operation. I
am glad he accepted Our invitation to visit Ethiopia. I am sure the result
will be satisfactory to both our peoples.
Question:
What have been the main achievements by Ethiopia in the last few decades?
Answer:
The answer to this question can be very long. I have already pointed out
the achievements that were attained in the constitutional and economic
fields. Now I wish to add the progress We have made and We intend to
make in the the future in the field of education.
Education is not new in Ethiopia. Although We did not have any modern
universities, for centuries We had enjoyed Our own system of education --
a system that brought great benefit to Our people. However, more
recently We embarked on a modern system of education and a great deal
has been achieved. I am confident that in the future We will work even
harder and get even more satisfactory results. It is because I considered
education indispensable to the needs of Ethiopia that I personally assumed
for a number of years the portfolio of the Minister of Education.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, what do you think about the invitation to Your
Imperial Majesty by Mr. Podgorny, the President of the Soviet Union to
visit the USSR?
Answer:
Yes, the Soviet Government has extended an invitation to me to pay an
official visit to the Soviet Union. I was glad to receive the invitation.
When I visit the Soviet Union I hope I will have an opportunity to discuss
with the responsible officials of the Soviet Government matters of mutual
interest between Our two countries and also matters which I hope will
help to strenghthen peace.
I said I was glad to accept the invitation but the precise date of my visit is
still under consideration. There are certain matters to be discussed at a
certain level in this connection.
We have witnessed many accomplishements in the last 49 years -- and all
these achievements have given sustained benefits to the Ethiopian people.
If I were to be asked to name just a few, I would say the outstanding
achievement has been in the constitutional changes of Our country. We
have made it possible for the participation of a all our people in the work
of the government. We have instituted systems by which the rights of
Our people are protected. In the economic field, We have instituted
systems by which the Ethiopian people can help themselves and their
government also. We see that the efforts We have invested on the
improvement of Our national life are at present giving forth good results to
Our people. Although I will be the first to say that what has been achieved
has not been fully satisfactory, the country is moving ahead, progress is
being attained by the people and the future is full of hope and promise.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, General de Gaulle will pay a state visit to Ethiopia
in the near future. Do you expect special agreements to be signed
between Ethiopia and France as a result of the visit?
Answer:
We have enjoyed a relation of friendship with France for many years. The
economic, cultural and other relations Our people maintained with the
French people are well-known. When General de Gaulle arrives here We
shall have the opportunity to discuss ways and means by which we can
strengthen further this good relation between our two countries. I am
confident that when General de Gaulle visits Ethiopia we shall have the
opportunity to work out concrete agreements of mutual co-operation. I
am glad he accepted Our invitation to visit Ethiopia. I am sure the result
will be satisfactory to both our peoples.
Question:
What have been the main achievements by Ethiopia in the last few decades?
Answer:
The answer to this question can be very long. I have already pointed out
the achievements that were attained in the constitutional and economic
fields. Now I wish to add the progress We have made and We intend to
make in the the future in the field of education.
Education is not new in Ethiopia. Although We did not have any modern
universities, for centuries We had enjoyed Our own system of education --
a system that brought great benefit to Our people. However, more
recently We embarked on a modern system of education and a great deal
has been achieved. I am confident that in the future We will work even
harder and get even more satisfactory results. It is because I considered
education indispensable to the needs of Ethiopia that I personally assumed
for a number of years the portfolio of the Minister of Education.
Question:
Your Imperial Majesty, what do you think about the invitation to Your
Imperial Majesty by Mr. Podgorny, the President of the Soviet Union to
visit the USSR?
Answer:
Yes, the Soviet Government has extended an invitation to me to pay an
official visit to the Soviet Union. I was glad to receive the invitation.
When I visit the Soviet Union I hope I will have an opportunity to discuss
with the responsible officials of the Soviet Government matters of mutual
interest between Our two countries and also matters which I hope will
help to strenghthen peace.
I said I was glad to accept the invitation but the precise date of my visit is
still under consideration. There are certain matters to be discussed at a
certain level in this connection.