| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Haile Selassie I |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| Home | Haile Selassie I | The Church | Rastalogy | Organization | Church Store | Events | Related Links | Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2003-2004 The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. ~ All rights reserved. |
| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter VII |
| Selected Speeches |
As such there can hardly be any other who knows the disadvantages and
advantages of foreign rule better than we do. Who was there to voice the
cause of Eritreans either on international or other forums during all that
period when we were separated and at which time you were sweltering
under the heels of colonialism? Did not those who are now trying to
divide some of us through using some traitors as instruments, then know
of the existence of Eritrea? Was there any nation or government which,
other than organizing itself, had uttered a word on religious lines before the
time Ethiopia was fighting on the international arena for the rights of her
brothers after she fought for her freedom following the Second World
War?
Ethiopia began fighting for the liberation of Eritrea long before she
recovered from the economic depletion suffered through the war.
Ethiopia made this struggle in the interest of Eritrea because she knew that
Eritreans are her blood-brothers.
You know that there are a lot of reasons for Ethio-Eritrean oneness. The
relation of the people of Eritrea with Ethiopia is not confined to the political
aspect. Not only are the two people joined by culture, geography and
language, but historically the Adoulis heritage shows that the other
Ethiopian tribes originated from Eritrea. Throughout Ethiopia's long
record as an independent entity, Eritrea was separated from us for only 60
years and even if we were separated by political and artificial barriers
during this short span of time, we were unseparated in our way of life and
mutual feeling.
Throughout the period when Eritrea was under colonial rule, a great
number of not only those elders who previously knew the value of liberty,
but also Eritrean youth who were born during the foreign occupation and
who subsequently left their parents fled to Our Capital. This is adequately
proved by the large number of Eritreans who, since long time,
disseminated in other parts of Ethiopia, found jobs in various government
institutions and other services and thus lived among us. It is equally
known that every time they came to us we sent them, knowing that they
were time-separated brothers, to various places for higher education
abroad. Upon their return they were placed in responsible positions so that
they may be helpful and a source of pride to Ethiopia and particularly to
their foreign dominated kinsmen. Though We need not elaborate on this
list of people, the ones who are still alive from among those who got this
opportunity are living evidences of this fact.
advantages of foreign rule better than we do. Who was there to voice the
cause of Eritreans either on international or other forums during all that
period when we were separated and at which time you were sweltering
under the heels of colonialism? Did not those who are now trying to
divide some of us through using some traitors as instruments, then know
of the existence of Eritrea? Was there any nation or government which,
other than organizing itself, had uttered a word on religious lines before the
time Ethiopia was fighting on the international arena for the rights of her
brothers after she fought for her freedom following the Second World
War?
Ethiopia began fighting for the liberation of Eritrea long before she
recovered from the economic depletion suffered through the war.
Ethiopia made this struggle in the interest of Eritrea because she knew that
Eritreans are her blood-brothers.
You know that there are a lot of reasons for Ethio-Eritrean oneness. The
relation of the people of Eritrea with Ethiopia is not confined to the political
aspect. Not only are the two people joined by culture, geography and
language, but historically the Adoulis heritage shows that the other
Ethiopian tribes originated from Eritrea. Throughout Ethiopia's long
record as an independent entity, Eritrea was separated from us for only 60
years and even if we were separated by political and artificial barriers
during this short span of time, we were unseparated in our way of life and
mutual feeling.
Throughout the period when Eritrea was under colonial rule, a great
number of not only those elders who previously knew the value of liberty,
but also Eritrean youth who were born during the foreign occupation and
who subsequently left their parents fled to Our Capital. This is adequately
proved by the large number of Eritreans who, since long time,
disseminated in other parts of Ethiopia, found jobs in various government
institutions and other services and thus lived among us. It is equally
known that every time they came to us we sent them, knowing that they
were time-separated brothers, to various places for higher education
abroad. Upon their return they were placed in responsible positions so that
they may be helpful and a source of pride to Ethiopia and particularly to
their foreign dominated kinsmen. Though We need not elaborate on this
list of people, the ones who are still alive from among those who got this
opportunity are living evidences of this fact.
| Bad Intention |
You should be aware of the fact, that as Ethiopia has been a country
which fought against imperialism more than any other, those who
approach you with a contradictory propaganda against Ethiopia do so with
the intention of belittling our historical standing considering Us as wishing
to use our power to control others. Being proud of Our admirable and
outstanding history We have been enthusiastically engaged in guarding Our
own rights and there has been no time that We interfered in the internal
affairs of another. We shall continue to uphold this policy for future use
also. It is up to the Ethiopian people to consider the short-comings and
difficulties in their internal administration and solve it by themselves.
Ethiopia does not desire to exist by formulating false external propaganda
with the intention fo hiding her internal difficulties.
That unity is the basic foundation for progress in this era is being proved
through the massive movement made in Europe, the Middle East as well as
by African countries towards reaching this goal. We will waste no more
time in details since there is no one here unaware of the strength to be
gained through unity in the protection of a country.
Existing conditions have made it impossible for the former colonialist
powers to remain in Africa. They have resorted to the idea of dividing the
peoples. You are aware that conferences are being held to federate in
order not to lose their independence through the man-made boundaries laid
by the colonialists. Ethiopia has consistently expressed her desire for
African solidarity as a participant in these same conferences.
There are certain states who participate as supporters in conferences held
for African unity and are at the same time engaged in acts that would
divide Africa. Can we then accept this as in support to Our cause? No
doubt that people of a country who have fought incessantly for their
independence understand that unity is the foundation of liberty.
Co-operation and unity are the sources of respect. It is also the source of
strength. It has been known from time immemorial in human history that
no person is able to understand and solve one's own problem than one's
self.
which fought against imperialism more than any other, those who
approach you with a contradictory propaganda against Ethiopia do so with
the intention of belittling our historical standing considering Us as wishing
to use our power to control others. Being proud of Our admirable and
outstanding history We have been enthusiastically engaged in guarding Our
own rights and there has been no time that We interfered in the internal
affairs of another. We shall continue to uphold this policy for future use
also. It is up to the Ethiopian people to consider the short-comings and
difficulties in their internal administration and solve it by themselves.
Ethiopia does not desire to exist by formulating false external propaganda
with the intention fo hiding her internal difficulties.
That unity is the basic foundation for progress in this era is being proved
through the massive movement made in Europe, the Middle East as well as
by African countries towards reaching this goal. We will waste no more
time in details since there is no one here unaware of the strength to be
gained through unity in the protection of a country.
Existing conditions have made it impossible for the former colonialist
powers to remain in Africa. They have resorted to the idea of dividing the
peoples. You are aware that conferences are being held to federate in
order not to lose their independence through the man-made boundaries laid
by the colonialists. Ethiopia has consistently expressed her desire for
African solidarity as a participant in these same conferences.
There are certain states who participate as supporters in conferences held
for African unity and are at the same time engaged in acts that would
divide Africa. Can we then accept this as in support to Our cause? No
doubt that people of a country who have fought incessantly for their
independence understand that unity is the foundation of liberty.
Co-operation and unity are the sources of respect. It is also the source of
strength. It has been known from time immemorial in human history that
no person is able to understand and solve one's own problem than one's
self.
| Mutual Respect |
It is not only through acceptance of foreign immigrants form neighbouring
countries that Ethiopia has maintained good relationship with other nations,
but also by respecting in good faith the diplomatic sentiments of these
same countries. When international questions arise directly affecting her
neighbours, Ethiopia cautiously takes her time before making any rash
decisions. It must be realized that Ethiopia passes her own resolutions
only after those countries affected have taken a deliberate consideration of
the question. It is not out of fear that Ethiopia pays special attention to the
resolutions freely passed by countries that claim to be bound by religious
ties, but it is for the sake of maintaining the feeling of friendship and to
respect the spirit of understanding. Furthermore, it is in realization of the
fact that love, generosity and understanding are evidence of the
administrative experience of any government.
As for development in the economic field, Eritrea has partaken in the
progress so far achieved by the whole of Ethiopia. In the study of the
development programme of the Empire, the economic problems of Eritrea
have been considered with the other twelve parts of Ethiopia on equal
footing. Lying as she does at our sea outlet, and since her agricultural
potential cannot be developed as much as those of the other part of
Ethiopia, Eritrea has, in fact, had a greater share with respect to water
power, the construction of means of communication as well as industries
and ports.
In the period of the last ten years which followed the re-union of Eritrea
with the motherland, a total of more than $74,819,817 has been allotted to
the general economic development of the area. This money has gone for
work on the construction of roads, airport, the opening of air
communications, schools, hospitals, clinics, as well as the training of
nurses, the setting up of development projects, the building of churches
and mosques. In addition, you all know that We have done everything
possible to help by way of exempting you from taxes when locusts
occasionally destroyed the harvest or when a general epidemic struck the
territory.
countries that Ethiopia has maintained good relationship with other nations,
but also by respecting in good faith the diplomatic sentiments of these
same countries. When international questions arise directly affecting her
neighbours, Ethiopia cautiously takes her time before making any rash
decisions. It must be realized that Ethiopia passes her own resolutions
only after those countries affected have taken a deliberate consideration of
the question. It is not out of fear that Ethiopia pays special attention to the
resolutions freely passed by countries that claim to be bound by religious
ties, but it is for the sake of maintaining the feeling of friendship and to
respect the spirit of understanding. Furthermore, it is in realization of the
fact that love, generosity and understanding are evidence of the
administrative experience of any government.
As for development in the economic field, Eritrea has partaken in the
progress so far achieved by the whole of Ethiopia. In the study of the
development programme of the Empire, the economic problems of Eritrea
have been considered with the other twelve parts of Ethiopia on equal
footing. Lying as she does at our sea outlet, and since her agricultural
potential cannot be developed as much as those of the other part of
Ethiopia, Eritrea has, in fact, had a greater share with respect to water
power, the construction of means of communication as well as industries
and ports.
In the period of the last ten years which followed the re-union of Eritrea
with the motherland, a total of more than $74,819,817 has been allotted to
the general economic development of the area. This money has gone for
work on the construction of roads, airport, the opening of air
communications, schools, hospitals, clinics, as well as the training of
nurses, the setting up of development projects, the building of churches
and mosques. In addition, you all know that We have done everything
possible to help by way of exempting you from taxes when locusts
occasionally destroyed the harvest or when a general epidemic struck the
territory.
| False Propaganda |
There is no better example than the privilege enjoyed by the Muslims and
other foreigners in engaging themselves in all kinds of business activities in
this country to disprove the false propaganda made against Ethiopia in
connection with religious and racial discrimination.
Why did the Islamic population of Ethiopia remain faithful and fight along
with Us as patriots for the independence of their country if they had been
discriminated against in religion according to the false saying? Especially
the Arabs and Muslims of the neighbouring countries, have been closely
tied up with Us from the time of the Prophet Mohammed, not only
geographically, but also in blood relations, and other Arab nationalities are
residing, widely scattered throughout the whole land in the cities, towns
and the countryside, running large business and commercial enterprises
with no retrictions for residence permits and passports like other aliens are
doing in accordance with the law of Our country. Equal rights granted to
foreigners and equally to all Ethiopians without any religious or racial
discrimination is an outstanding example to prove the compatibility ot the
Ethiopian policy and administration. Would it be possible for foreign
Muslims to migrate into Ethiopia in excessive number and live and
assimilate here for three or four generations if the Government practised
any religious discrimination against them? It is because of the
long-standing friendship, dating back to the past several centuries, that
they are permitted freely to lead their own society from generation to
generation and that We never stopped the Muslims from transferring the
wealth they acquired in Ethiopia with an ample opportunity not enjoyed in
any other country, for the economic development of their respective
governments.
It is probably due to the increase in the number of defaulting debtors that
Our generosity has not been acknowledged.
The fact that Ethiopia's kindness and goodwill has not been acknowledged
by the beneficiaries led Us to mention all this and to make known at the
same time Our ability to react to the full extent to any criticism not only to
show how baseless is the propaganda on religious matters launched
against Us, but to explain that the effect will be only harmful to its
instigators.
other foreigners in engaging themselves in all kinds of business activities in
this country to disprove the false propaganda made against Ethiopia in
connection with religious and racial discrimination.
Why did the Islamic population of Ethiopia remain faithful and fight along
with Us as patriots for the independence of their country if they had been
discriminated against in religion according to the false saying? Especially
the Arabs and Muslims of the neighbouring countries, have been closely
tied up with Us from the time of the Prophet Mohammed, not only
geographically, but also in blood relations, and other Arab nationalities are
residing, widely scattered throughout the whole land in the cities, towns
and the countryside, running large business and commercial enterprises
with no retrictions for residence permits and passports like other aliens are
doing in accordance with the law of Our country. Equal rights granted to
foreigners and equally to all Ethiopians without any religious or racial
discrimination is an outstanding example to prove the compatibility ot the
Ethiopian policy and administration. Would it be possible for foreign
Muslims to migrate into Ethiopia in excessive number and live and
assimilate here for three or four generations if the Government practised
any religious discrimination against them? It is because of the
long-standing friendship, dating back to the past several centuries, that
they are permitted freely to lead their own society from generation to
generation and that We never stopped the Muslims from transferring the
wealth they acquired in Ethiopia with an ample opportunity not enjoyed in
any other country, for the economic development of their respective
governments.
It is probably due to the increase in the number of defaulting debtors that
Our generosity has not been acknowledged.
The fact that Ethiopia's kindness and goodwill has not been acknowledged
by the beneficiaries led Us to mention all this and to make known at the
same time Our ability to react to the full extent to any criticism not only to
show how baseless is the propaganda on religious matters launched
against Us, but to explain that the effect will be only harmful to its
instigators.
| Haile Selassie the First - June 27, 1962 |
| Address To The United Nations Jun. 27, 1962 |
As We appear among you today, as is customary with the visits We make
now and then to witness for Ourselves the administrative efficiency on the
spot and also to effectuate matters of major importance, We shall now talk
to you not only as an Emperor but also as an Ethiopian. There is nothing
particularly new at this time to account for Our intention to give you a
broad view of our opinion today. You, who are listening to Us now, the
old, the young and those in school out in the country, since it is We who
are bearing the responsibility of guiding the present and coming
generations on the right path, it is imperative that we all should serve our
country and people dedicatedly and according to God's wish.
It is no surprise to Us, either now or before, if an aggressor should make
any kind of move through Eritrea, since there is nothing unusual in this.
What We have found a little surprising, however, is that, whereas the
people of Eritrea have always supported their freedom and gallantry by
deeds, there should still exist among a people with such a fine record of
history some hypocrites who are serving as instruments for marring past
history and betraying it to aliens.
You know that, though small in number, there have always been among us
some alien puppets. Though they are insignificant in number, we can
attain practical results in the endeavours of progress we are making only if
there is absolute unity among ourselves. We have been patient until now
with the hope that they will improve sooner or later through examining for
themselves the current international situation and thereby learn something
from it. This hope was based on the belief that when any people acquires
its freedom and runs on its own, it will have more appreciation for the love
of country and people, and so create absolute unity.
In the days when supremacy of arms decided victory, it was through
Eritrea that the enemy successively carried out acts of aggression on us;
today, our enemies are trying to conduct propaganda campaigns against us
through this same part. If Eritrea, as Ethiopia's outlet, now becomes the
scene of a propaganda campaign as it was the entrance of the enemy to
the country, who is to lose and who is to gain? The people of Eritrea have
felt what it means to live under foreign rule during the 60 years of
subjugation. The other parts of Ethiopia have also experienced alien
domination during the five years of tribulation.
now and then to witness for Ourselves the administrative efficiency on the
spot and also to effectuate matters of major importance, We shall now talk
to you not only as an Emperor but also as an Ethiopian. There is nothing
particularly new at this time to account for Our intention to give you a
broad view of our opinion today. You, who are listening to Us now, the
old, the young and those in school out in the country, since it is We who
are bearing the responsibility of guiding the present and coming
generations on the right path, it is imperative that we all should serve our
country and people dedicatedly and according to God's wish.
It is no surprise to Us, either now or before, if an aggressor should make
any kind of move through Eritrea, since there is nothing unusual in this.
What We have found a little surprising, however, is that, whereas the
people of Eritrea have always supported their freedom and gallantry by
deeds, there should still exist among a people with such a fine record of
history some hypocrites who are serving as instruments for marring past
history and betraying it to aliens.
You know that, though small in number, there have always been among us
some alien puppets. Though they are insignificant in number, we can
attain practical results in the endeavours of progress we are making only if
there is absolute unity among ourselves. We have been patient until now
with the hope that they will improve sooner or later through examining for
themselves the current international situation and thereby learn something
from it. This hope was based on the belief that when any people acquires
its freedom and runs on its own, it will have more appreciation for the love
of country and people, and so create absolute unity.
In the days when supremacy of arms decided victory, it was through
Eritrea that the enemy successively carried out acts of aggression on us;
today, our enemies are trying to conduct propaganda campaigns against us
through this same part. If Eritrea, as Ethiopia's outlet, now becomes the
scene of a propaganda campaign as it was the entrance of the enemy to
the country, who is to lose and who is to gain? The people of Eritrea have
felt what it means to live under foreign rule during the 60 years of
subjugation. The other parts of Ethiopia have also experienced alien
domination during the five years of tribulation.
| Fought for Eritrea |
| Valiant Stand |
When our country was invaded, a great number of Eritreans, who were
physically and otherwise fit, abandoned the enemy and fought on our side
at Maichew and Neghelli. Those who survived death have made valiant
stands with patriots throughout the five years, by deeds of patriotism and
shown with their blood that we are one and the same. Though We do not
mention the names of those whom we know and ones who were with Us
on the battlefield, their memories will be passed on in the pages of history.
When later on the federation of Eritrea whit the motherland was being
debated, they came on Our side recalling their past historical riches, and
proved Our historical oneness before the world forum.
Those who, in the light of all these historical ties and evidence of unity, are
coming between Us on religious, ethnical and other grounds are doing so
not for our benefit but for that of their own. This can be easily
understood. That former colonial powers are benefiting from creating
discord among geographically, economically, historically, and ethnically
linked people in Africa and other parts of the world in order to maintain
their former authority is known not only to those who can read but to the
illiterate as well. Nobody knows better than We Africans that the policy of
divide and rule are the aspirations of those who seek to benefit at other's
expense. That it is the obsolete method of dividing to rule in order to rule
by dividing is apparent.
Being aware of the attacks and tricks of imperialism, Ethiopia has been the
first African country who waged war against such powers and through
her unity, has preserved her liberty through victories as in the recent case
of Adua. More than being an example to the rest fo the African states,
after the Second World War, Ethiopia struggled alone in International
Conferences, for African independence with no other free African nations
to support her as at present. No greater testimony could be available to
the resistance made by Our patriots against the enemy on seven fronts
with the use of out-dated weapons than the heroic activities of Our
fathers, relying upon God the Almighty.
physically and otherwise fit, abandoned the enemy and fought on our side
at Maichew and Neghelli. Those who survived death have made valiant
stands with patriots throughout the five years, by deeds of patriotism and
shown with their blood that we are one and the same. Though We do not
mention the names of those whom we know and ones who were with Us
on the battlefield, their memories will be passed on in the pages of history.
When later on the federation of Eritrea whit the motherland was being
debated, they came on Our side recalling their past historical riches, and
proved Our historical oneness before the world forum.
Those who, in the light of all these historical ties and evidence of unity, are
coming between Us on religious, ethnical and other grounds are doing so
not for our benefit but for that of their own. This can be easily
understood. That former colonial powers are benefiting from creating
discord among geographically, economically, historically, and ethnically
linked people in Africa and other parts of the world in order to maintain
their former authority is known not only to those who can read but to the
illiterate as well. Nobody knows better than We Africans that the policy of
divide and rule are the aspirations of those who seek to benefit at other's
expense. That it is the obsolete method of dividing to rule in order to rule
by dividing is apparent.
Being aware of the attacks and tricks of imperialism, Ethiopia has been the
first African country who waged war against such powers and through
her unity, has preserved her liberty through victories as in the recent case
of Adua. More than being an example to the rest fo the African states,
after the Second World War, Ethiopia struggled alone in International
Conferences, for African independence with no other free African nations
to support her as at present. No greater testimony could be available to
the resistance made by Our patriots against the enemy on seven fronts
with the use of out-dated weapons than the heroic activities of Our
fathers, relying upon God the Almighty.
| Part of Ethiopia |
As Eritrea is a part of Ethiopia, were it not for other reasons, it would have
been unnecessary to make mention of what has especially been done for
her. As long as God offers Us the opportunity to do so, it is Our wish to
improve on it and help more. What led Us to talk on this is the false
propaganda of certain detractors who talk as if nothing has bene done for
Eritrea.
We are concerned with the advancement of the people of Eritrea for the
future as well. Since industrial progress and development works are
linked with the culture, climate conditions, sources of power and raw
materials, no project will get underway before the necessary study is first
made. In accordance with this, We have decided to set up a federally
composed development committee. The committee, planned to start work
shortly, will be entrusted with the task of studying the condition, needs
and requirements of Eritrea with a view to working on projects best suited
to solve existing problems and improve the standard of living of our people.
With the aim of speeding up agricultural developoment, We had earlier
rather hastily dammed Zula. A further study was, however, found to be
necessary. The result of the study, made by an American research bureau
has now been received. It is for this reason that work on the dam has
been delayed. On the basis of the study for the work remaining to be done
before the dame reaches completion, it has been made known to Us that a
further $19,000,000 would be required. Since it would take time to
complete the dam with the amount of money allotted for the job, We have
further been given to understand that i would be advisable for farmers to
settle in the Zula valley while work is going on there. Since it has been
found out to be a basic requirement to create an organization that would
supervise the remaining work and see to it that the farmers settle in the
place in question according to plan, We have decided to set up a
department -- to be administered by a special board -- the Zula Valley
Authority.
You have to understand much more that development programmes and
administrative reforms can only be carried out when law and order is
maintained in the area. When a certain outlaw takes to hiding as a result of
his own criminal acts, foreign enemies and those among us who allowed
themselves to be used as the tool of alien propaganda have, by attempting
to make this appear as if it had any political aim, endangered the peace and
the right of people to their property. We have realized how detrimental the
effect of this has been on the country's economy. The maintenance of a
more adequate order in future is a matter of concern. We have passed
orders to Lt. General Abbiye Abebe and Bitwoded Asfaha to see to it, as
Brig-General Tedla Oukbit has done along with the Police, that the work is
done.
been unnecessary to make mention of what has especially been done for
her. As long as God offers Us the opportunity to do so, it is Our wish to
improve on it and help more. What led Us to talk on this is the false
propaganda of certain detractors who talk as if nothing has bene done for
Eritrea.
We are concerned with the advancement of the people of Eritrea for the
future as well. Since industrial progress and development works are
linked with the culture, climate conditions, sources of power and raw
materials, no project will get underway before the necessary study is first
made. In accordance with this, We have decided to set up a federally
composed development committee. The committee, planned to start work
shortly, will be entrusted with the task of studying the condition, needs
and requirements of Eritrea with a view to working on projects best suited
to solve existing problems and improve the standard of living of our people.
With the aim of speeding up agricultural developoment, We had earlier
rather hastily dammed Zula. A further study was, however, found to be
necessary. The result of the study, made by an American research bureau
has now been received. It is for this reason that work on the dam has
been delayed. On the basis of the study for the work remaining to be done
before the dame reaches completion, it has been made known to Us that a
further $19,000,000 would be required. Since it would take time to
complete the dam with the amount of money allotted for the job, We have
further been given to understand that i would be advisable for farmers to
settle in the Zula valley while work is going on there. Since it has been
found out to be a basic requirement to create an organization that would
supervise the remaining work and see to it that the farmers settle in the
place in question according to plan, We have decided to set up a
department -- to be administered by a special board -- the Zula Valley
Authority.
You have to understand much more that development programmes and
administrative reforms can only be carried out when law and order is
maintained in the area. When a certain outlaw takes to hiding as a result of
his own criminal acts, foreign enemies and those among us who allowed
themselves to be used as the tool of alien propaganda have, by attempting
to make this appear as if it had any political aim, endangered the peace and
the right of people to their property. We have realized how detrimental the
effect of this has been on the country's economy. The maintenance of a
more adequate order in future is a matter of concern. We have passed
orders to Lt. General Abbiye Abebe and Bitwoded Asfaha to see to it, as
Brig-General Tedla Oukbit has done along with the Police, that the work is
done.
| Domestic |
| Taxes Remitted |
We will pay the taxes, due for the last two years, of those people whose
harvests have been destroyed by locusts.
We are doing this so that the Eritrean treasury may not face a deficit.
What We wish to remind not only the people of Eritrea but those of the
entire Ethiopian Empire as well is the fact, that for countries such as ours
that are not economically developed, poverty and ignorance are our
common enemies. It is evident that any opposing force can only
undermine our efforts with the support of these same two weaknesses.
For this reason, the eradication of poverty and ignorance is a tested
reason, of attaining meaningful independence free of economic and
political dependence. The means of destroying poverty and ignorance are
education and work. Mere talk is the instrument of the lazy and would not
take us anywhere. The aim of those leaders that is based on ambition for
power and personal gain is one with no firm foundation and will,
consequently, crumble easily.
We would like to make it clear to you that, as We have already repeatedly
pointed out, you should bear in mind that unity is the most lasting
foundation for progress and development, as well as for greatness and
freedom. We imagine our transitory existence here on earth to be
permanent and not to make what we say correspond with what we feel
and think is detrimental to a country and its people and is something that
could be considered as pushing ourselves into an unforeseen precipice.
The age we are living in is one in which the value of unity is being
appreciated more than ever before. On our part, we have triumphed over
the attempt that was made to divide us. A foreign hand is concerned
about itself; it will not work for us. It is essential that we bear in mind the
fact that at a time when we are exploring ways and means of forging unity
with neighbouring countries, division among ourselves will not only be an
obstacle but that it will also open the door to our enemies. May God the
Almighty guide you in the carrying out of the heavy responsibility with
which We have entrusted you.
harvests have been destroyed by locusts.
We are doing this so that the Eritrean treasury may not face a deficit.
What We wish to remind not only the people of Eritrea but those of the
entire Ethiopian Empire as well is the fact, that for countries such as ours
that are not economically developed, poverty and ignorance are our
common enemies. It is evident that any opposing force can only
undermine our efforts with the support of these same two weaknesses.
For this reason, the eradication of poverty and ignorance is a tested
reason, of attaining meaningful independence free of economic and
political dependence. The means of destroying poverty and ignorance are
education and work. Mere talk is the instrument of the lazy and would not
take us anywhere. The aim of those leaders that is based on ambition for
power and personal gain is one with no firm foundation and will,
consequently, crumble easily.
We would like to make it clear to you that, as We have already repeatedly
pointed out, you should bear in mind that unity is the most lasting
foundation for progress and development, as well as for greatness and
freedom. We imagine our transitory existence here on earth to be
permanent and not to make what we say correspond with what we feel
and think is detrimental to a country and its people and is something that
could be considered as pushing ourselves into an unforeseen precipice.
The age we are living in is one in which the value of unity is being
appreciated more than ever before. On our part, we have triumphed over
the attempt that was made to divide us. A foreign hand is concerned
about itself; it will not work for us. It is essential that we bear in mind the
fact that at a time when we are exploring ways and means of forging unity
with neighbouring countries, division among ourselves will not only be an
obstacle but that it will also open the door to our enemies. May God the
Almighty guide you in the carrying out of the heavy responsibility with
which We have entrusted you.