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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 III |
| Inauguration Of Economic Commission For Africa Dec. 29, 1958 |
| Inter-Africa |
| ... Concerted action, co-operation, co-ordinated policies -- these, honorable delegates, are not just words, but great and noble conceptions. In them, and in what they stand for, can be found the key to fulfilment of the longings and the hopes of millions of Africans. |
| Selected Speeches |
It is with great pleasure that We, on behalf of Ourselves and Our beloved
people, today extend Our warmest greetings to the delegations of the
Economic Commission for Africa who have gathered here from all over
this great continent, and, in particular, to The Honorable Dag
Hammerskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations, who is Our
honoured guest on this occasion. We welcome you all to Our capital.
The opening session of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa is truly a most historic and significant event for the great African
continent. But a short half-century ago, only the most far-sighted
individuals dared predict that within fifty years Africa would have so far
progressed along the path of political and economic progress that a
conference such as this, where representatives of nine independent
African nations, as well as representatives of several other African
countries have gathered together in solemn conclave to consider the
common problems of Africa and the African peoples, would be possible.
And yet this has come to pass, and today we are assembled here for this
very purpose. Our heart overflows in the attainment ofthis moment.
Only a few years ago, meetings to consider African problems were held
outside of Africa, and the fate of its peoples was decided by non-Africans.
Today, the tradition of Berlin and Algeciras has been repudiated, and it is
thanks to the Conferences of Accra and now of Addis Ababa that the
peoples of Africa can, at long last, deliberate on their own problems and
future.
people, today extend Our warmest greetings to the delegations of the
Economic Commission for Africa who have gathered here from all over
this great continent, and, in particular, to The Honorable Dag
Hammerskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations, who is Our
honoured guest on this occasion. We welcome you all to Our capital.
The opening session of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa is truly a most historic and significant event for the great African
continent. But a short half-century ago, only the most far-sighted
individuals dared predict that within fifty years Africa would have so far
progressed along the path of political and economic progress that a
conference such as this, where representatives of nine independent
African nations, as well as representatives of several other African
countries have gathered together in solemn conclave to consider the
common problems of Africa and the African peoples, would be possible.
And yet this has come to pass, and today we are assembled here for this
very purpose. Our heart overflows in the attainment ofthis moment.
Only a few years ago, meetings to consider African problems were held
outside of Africa, and the fate of its peoples was decided by non-Africans.
Today, the tradition of Berlin and Algeciras has been repudiated, and it is
thanks to the Conferences of Accra and now of Addis Ababa that the
peoples of Africa can, at long last, deliberate on their own problems and
future.
| Striking Evolution |
The political growth of the peoples of Africa, a development which has
come to fruition within the lifetime of every one of us here present, is one
of the most striking and extraordinary evolutions in the recorded history of
man. The political coming of age of the African peoples is ample
testimony that we are witnessing the inauguration of a new and splendid
period in this continent's history. The number of African states which
now enjoy their independence is only nine, but this number will grow in
the future. In 1960, additional states will emerge into the brilliant sun of
freedom, clear evidence that the political growth, which in a few short
years has transformed the status of so great a number of the African
peoples, has not yet finished, and that it will not come to its end until the
goal toward which this movement has steadily and inexorably progressed
has been totally realized.
Political independence, however, is but one part of the complex of
problems which face the African peoples in their struggles to achieve their
rightful place in the world. It is potentially the richest of continents, large
numbers of her people still lead an existence that can only be regarded as
sub-standard. A major cause of this lag in Africa's economic development
has been the lack of education of her peoples. Let us not be too proud to
face these facts and to recognize Africa's deficiencies and defects. Let us
face honestly and frankly the fact that by the standards of the modern
world, the African peoples today are poor. Our poverty need not cover us
with shame. Africa, despite the predominately agricultural basis of her
economy, produces only a small percent of the world's foodstuffs.
Indeed, Africa produces scarcely enough food to support her own
peoples. The average wage of the African worker compares unfavourably
with that of other areas of the world. The average African may, if fate
has smiled upon him, receive the minimum amount of nourishment
necessary for physical survival, but rarely more.
come to fruition within the lifetime of every one of us here present, is one
of the most striking and extraordinary evolutions in the recorded history of
man. The political coming of age of the African peoples is ample
testimony that we are witnessing the inauguration of a new and splendid
period in this continent's history. The number of African states which
now enjoy their independence is only nine, but this number will grow in
the future. In 1960, additional states will emerge into the brilliant sun of
freedom, clear evidence that the political growth, which in a few short
years has transformed the status of so great a number of the African
peoples, has not yet finished, and that it will not come to its end until the
goal toward which this movement has steadily and inexorably progressed
has been totally realized.
Political independence, however, is but one part of the complex of
problems which face the African peoples in their struggles to achieve their
rightful place in the world. It is potentially the richest of continents, large
numbers of her people still lead an existence that can only be regarded as
sub-standard. A major cause of this lag in Africa's economic development
has been the lack of education of her peoples. Let us not be too proud to
face these facts and to recognize Africa's deficiencies and defects. Let us
face honestly and frankly the fact that by the standards of the modern
world, the African peoples today are poor. Our poverty need not cover us
with shame. Africa, despite the predominately agricultural basis of her
economy, produces only a small percent of the world's foodstuffs.
Indeed, Africa produces scarcely enough food to support her own
peoples. The average wage of the African worker compares unfavourably
with that of other areas of the world. The average African may, if fate
has smiled upon him, receive the minimum amount of nourishment
necessary for physical survival, but rarely more.
| Haile Selassie the First - December 29, 1958 |
| Freedom Was Absent |
| Ethiopia's Experience |
Among the reasons for the poverty and hard life of the African peoples
must be numbered the fact that heretofore most Africans have not enjoyed
the freedom which they are now attaining. In addition, the lack of the
capital essential to the development of their economies and the shortage of
technically qualified personnel have severely limited Africa's capacity for
economic growth.
But, just as we must not be too proud to recognize the facts fo Africa's
economic situation as it exists today, so we must not be cast down or
discouraged by the magnitude of the problems which face us. For Africa
is potentially rich. She has enormous deposits of raw materials, and the
total extent of her wealth is by no means yet known. Africa produces
large quantities of several of the world's basic minerals and metals. She
produces large quantities of various agricultural products such as palm oil
and cocoa. The fertility of much of her land is potentially high in the
extreme. The fertility of much of her land is potentially high in the
extreme. A tremendous potential for the production of hydro-electric
power and the irrigation of her land is found in the lakes and rivers of this
great continent.
The vista that opens before the Economic Commission for Africa in
fulfilling the weighty responsibilities laid upon it by the United Nations
General Assembly is vast. The tasks are immense. Much labour and toil
will be demanded, not only from those who will constitute the permanent
organization, but also from the governments of all countries and territories
in fulfilling the commitments and discharging the responsibilities resting
upon its members and associate members. The economics of the African
states have too long existed as separate, self-contained, isolated entities.
African countries have for too long been forced to nurse their own
economies and puzzle out their complicated problems by themselves, or
else have them handled haphazardly for them by others. We are all only
too well acquainted with the difficulties and barriers that the African
peoples have had to overcome in coming together to deliberate on matters
of common interest. But it is impossible to believe that individual
countries, working alone and isolated from their neighbours, can ever
achieve their objectives, and the African peoples must therefore work and
co-operate together if the economic development of this continent is to be
furthered.
must be numbered the fact that heretofore most Africans have not enjoyed
the freedom which they are now attaining. In addition, the lack of the
capital essential to the development of their economies and the shortage of
technically qualified personnel have severely limited Africa's capacity for
economic growth.
But, just as we must not be too proud to recognize the facts fo Africa's
economic situation as it exists today, so we must not be cast down or
discouraged by the magnitude of the problems which face us. For Africa
is potentially rich. She has enormous deposits of raw materials, and the
total extent of her wealth is by no means yet known. Africa produces
large quantities of several of the world's basic minerals and metals. She
produces large quantities of various agricultural products such as palm oil
and cocoa. The fertility of much of her land is potentially high in the
extreme. The fertility of much of her land is potentially high in the
extreme. A tremendous potential for the production of hydro-electric
power and the irrigation of her land is found in the lakes and rivers of this
great continent.
The vista that opens before the Economic Commission for Africa in
fulfilling the weighty responsibilities laid upon it by the United Nations
General Assembly is vast. The tasks are immense. Much labour and toil
will be demanded, not only from those who will constitute the permanent
organization, but also from the governments of all countries and territories
in fulfilling the commitments and discharging the responsibilities resting
upon its members and associate members. The economics of the African
states have too long existed as separate, self-contained, isolated entities.
African countries have for too long been forced to nurse their own
economies and puzzle out their complicated problems by themselves, or
else have them handled haphazardly for them by others. We are all only
too well acquainted with the difficulties and barriers that the African
peoples have had to overcome in coming together to deliberate on matters
of common interest. But it is impossible to believe that individual
countries, working alone and isolated from their neighbours, can ever
achieve their objectives, and the African peoples must therefore work and
co-operate together if the economic development of this continent is to be
furthered.
The Ethiopian people in particular, long isolated socially and
geographically, have had to plough a lonely furrow in many fields of
economic endeavour, lacking the right and the facility to draw upon the
experience and knowledge of others who were attempting to solve almost
identical problems. Now, however, as almost every paragraph in the
Charter of this Commission emphasizes, the goal on which Our eyes have
always been fixed as a primary goal for Our people -- the raising of their
standard of living -- has become the declared objective of the
Governments of the member-states whose representatives are gathered
here today, to be sought, in every way, by concerted action. Concerted
action, co-operation, co-ordinated policies -- these, honourable delegates,
are not just words, but great and noble conceptions. In them, and in what
they stand for, can be found the key to fulfillment of the longings and the
hopes of millions of Africans.
Our task, the task of all gathered here and of those other African countries
who are not numbered among the representatives at this first session of
the Economic Commission for Africa, is to improve the economic lot of all
African peoples, to raise them to a standard of living comparable to that
enjoyed in the most highly-developed regions of the world today. This is a
task and a challenge which must be met. And because this touches all of
us, all must labour and work for success in this endeavour.
When the Commission comes to consider specific problems in the course
of its deliberations, We ardently hope that it will give serious consideration
to finding ways and means of extending immediate economic assistance
not only to all African nations which are in need of such aid, but, as well,
to those territories which are on the threshold of independence. It must
constantly be borne in mind that the economic problems of some of the
younger African states and of those areas which are on the verge of
statehood are most pressing and serious. The United Nations Organization
and the older States are, consequently, under a grave moral obligation to
alleviate the economic difficulties of these your States and territories, and
to help them found their economic structure upon a firm basis that will
maintain and assure their political independence. Political and economic
progress should go hand in hand.
geographically, have had to plough a lonely furrow in many fields of
economic endeavour, lacking the right and the facility to draw upon the
experience and knowledge of others who were attempting to solve almost
identical problems. Now, however, as almost every paragraph in the
Charter of this Commission emphasizes, the goal on which Our eyes have
always been fixed as a primary goal for Our people -- the raising of their
standard of living -- has become the declared objective of the
Governments of the member-states whose representatives are gathered
here today, to be sought, in every way, by concerted action. Concerted
action, co-operation, co-ordinated policies -- these, honourable delegates,
are not just words, but great and noble conceptions. In them, and in what
they stand for, can be found the key to fulfillment of the longings and the
hopes of millions of Africans.
Our task, the task of all gathered here and of those other African countries
who are not numbered among the representatives at this first session of
the Economic Commission for Africa, is to improve the economic lot of all
African peoples, to raise them to a standard of living comparable to that
enjoyed in the most highly-developed regions of the world today. This is a
task and a challenge which must be met. And because this touches all of
us, all must labour and work for success in this endeavour.
When the Commission comes to consider specific problems in the course
of its deliberations, We ardently hope that it will give serious consideration
to finding ways and means of extending immediate economic assistance
not only to all African nations which are in need of such aid, but, as well,
to those territories which are on the threshold of independence. It must
constantly be borne in mind that the economic problems of some of the
younger African states and of those areas which are on the verge of
statehood are most pressing and serious. The United Nations Organization
and the older States are, consequently, under a grave moral obligation to
alleviate the economic difficulties of these your States and territories, and
to help them found their economic structure upon a firm basis that will
maintain and assure their political independence. Political and economic
progress should go hand in hand.
| Practical Steps |
| Draw Upon Lessons |
Africa is not the first geographical area to be embraced by a regional
Economic Commission. This We do not consider a disadvantage, since
the experience gained and the lessons learnt by its predecessors in Europe,
Latin America and Asia and the Far East can be drawn upon. But many of
the economic and social problems are new, and the paths untrodden. In
your task of finding the answers and the way, honourable delegates, not
only the eyes of all Africa but of all the world will be upon you. We, for
Our part, pledge the highest endeavours of Our Government and people in
aiding and speeding your work, not only for this meeting of the
Commission, but for the efforts and objectives of this organization in the
years that are to come. May Almighty God prosper that work, and grant
that it may be pursued in peace, in peace of mind and of circumstance
unhindered by the fact or threat of war.
This land, of which you are the honoured guests, has known and suffered
from the horrors and brutalities of war. The threats of armed conflict, the
obsession with war and armed might, are evils yet to be eradicated form
the minds of men. So long as they survive, progress towards the high and
noble objectives to which this organization is dedicated will be
handicapped and enveloped in darkness. In the mobilization of economic
resources, in the search for ways to improve the lot of man, whether
African or not, the threat to peace stands as a grim obstacle. The essential
prerequisite for economic and social contentment is world peace, and
without such contentment, the weeds of discontent luxurate, and threats
to peace develop.
We pray that peace may be vouchsafed to all men, that the labours of this
Commission may ever be conducted in an atmosphere of harmony and
co-operation.
Economic Commission. This We do not consider a disadvantage, since
the experience gained and the lessons learnt by its predecessors in Europe,
Latin America and Asia and the Far East can be drawn upon. But many of
the economic and social problems are new, and the paths untrodden. In
your task of finding the answers and the way, honourable delegates, not
only the eyes of all Africa but of all the world will be upon you. We, for
Our part, pledge the highest endeavours of Our Government and people in
aiding and speeding your work, not only for this meeting of the
Commission, but for the efforts and objectives of this organization in the
years that are to come. May Almighty God prosper that work, and grant
that it may be pursued in peace, in peace of mind and of circumstance
unhindered by the fact or threat of war.
This land, of which you are the honoured guests, has known and suffered
from the horrors and brutalities of war. The threats of armed conflict, the
obsession with war and armed might, are evils yet to be eradicated form
the minds of men. So long as they survive, progress towards the high and
noble objectives to which this organization is dedicated will be
handicapped and enveloped in darkness. In the mobilization of economic
resources, in the search for ways to improve the lot of man, whether
African or not, the threat to peace stands as a grim obstacle. The essential
prerequisite for economic and social contentment is world peace, and
without such contentment, the weeds of discontent luxurate, and threats
to peace develop.
We pray that peace may be vouchsafed to all men, that the labours of this
Commission may ever be conducted in an atmosphere of harmony and
co-operation.
There are other grave and important matters to which We trust the
Commission will not fail to direct its attention. Among these are the
implications of the involvement of African nations in regional preferential
trade agreements with nations of other continents. The Commission could
well take concrete steps to explore the possibilities of establishing
statistical bureaux where none, now exist, and of co-ordinating and
unifying the statistical methodology to be employed in common by all
member states. A programme of close co-operation between the
Commission and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to
study the possibilities of increasing food production in areas where people
are under-nourished, and of wiping out cattle disease, problems of great
importance to African countries whose economies are predominately
agricultural, would fulfil a long-felt need.
In view of the great influence of public health problems upon the
economic development of African countries, the exploration and
recommendation of solutions to such problems by the Commission, in
collaboration with the World Health Organization, would aid immeasurably
in accelerating the tempo of the economic development of the African
continent. All African countries depend on their export trade and a
amanifest need exists for the promotion, stabilization and diversification of
exports of the ECA member countries. The Commission should give
serious consideration to the prevalent transportation and communication
problems which have a considerable influence upon the development of all
African countries, and seek resolutely to find solutions to the difficulties
which perplex us all in these fields. Solving these problems would
contribute much toward the economic development of Africa. In
undertaking such a study, due consideration should be given to the
desirability of establishing closer connections between the various national
transportation systems, thus encouraging closer economic and commercial
relations among member states.
It is appropriate that this gathering today is held under the sponsorship of
the United Nations. The United Nations is a living and tangible testimony
to the value of co-operative efforts among all men to improve their way of
life and preserve peace. We believe that the African peoples, too, can
co-operate effectively for the common good, for their own good and for
that of all men. But this requires singlemindedness and an unswerving
devolution to the cause of Africa and the African peoples. In your work,
you must take into your hearts and be guided by the principle expressed in
the Holy Scripture "Love thy neighbour as thyself."
Commission will not fail to direct its attention. Among these are the
implications of the involvement of African nations in regional preferential
trade agreements with nations of other continents. The Commission could
well take concrete steps to explore the possibilities of establishing
statistical bureaux where none, now exist, and of co-ordinating and
unifying the statistical methodology to be employed in common by all
member states. A programme of close co-operation between the
Commission and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to
study the possibilities of increasing food production in areas where people
are under-nourished, and of wiping out cattle disease, problems of great
importance to African countries whose economies are predominately
agricultural, would fulfil a long-felt need.
In view of the great influence of public health problems upon the
economic development of African countries, the exploration and
recommendation of solutions to such problems by the Commission, in
collaboration with the World Health Organization, would aid immeasurably
in accelerating the tempo of the economic development of the African
continent. All African countries depend on their export trade and a
amanifest need exists for the promotion, stabilization and diversification of
exports of the ECA member countries. The Commission should give
serious consideration to the prevalent transportation and communication
problems which have a considerable influence upon the development of all
African countries, and seek resolutely to find solutions to the difficulties
which perplex us all in these fields. Solving these problems would
contribute much toward the economic development of Africa. In
undertaking such a study, due consideration should be given to the
desirability of establishing closer connections between the various national
transportation systems, thus encouraging closer economic and commercial
relations among member states.
It is appropriate that this gathering today is held under the sponsorship of
the United Nations. The United Nations is a living and tangible testimony
to the value of co-operative efforts among all men to improve their way of
life and preserve peace. We believe that the African peoples, too, can
co-operate effectively for the common good, for their own good and for
that of all men. But this requires singlemindedness and an unswerving
devolution to the cause of Africa and the African peoples. In your work,
you must take into your hearts and be guided by the principle expressed in
the Holy Scripture "Love thy neighbour as thyself."