Selected Speeches Of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I

TO POLISH PRESIDENT

Your Excellency, Madame Ochab

We thank Your Excellency sincerely for the generous hospitality you have extended this evening.

Ethiopia is honoured to have had this occasion to welcome you as her honoured guest, and to convey through you to the Polish people, an indication of the warm friendship and sincere respect which the name of Poland inspires here.

In the modern world into which Ethiopia has emerged in this century, the distances between nations and peoples can no longer be measured in units of space. Many kilometers separate Poland and Ethiopia but with modern transport available we and all nations are virtually neighbours. Yet we must also be neighbours in a far deeper and more significant sense. The inter-dependence of the peoples of the world is already an established fact and the sphere of mutual interest expands daily.

Economically, co-operation serves us all well, but economic co-operation while of crucial significance, is not in itself an end. There must also exist a body of shared principles of morality and justice which governs not only economics but human relations as well. Many of these principles have already been established and are enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations Organization and the International Declaration of Human Rights. To these principles the peoples of Ethiopia and Africa are earnestly dedicated, and we are proud to have with us as staunch allies in this dedication, the people of Poland.

Vile Racism

In recent months the world has been scared by crises, many of which continue to cause destruction and havoc, in spite of the avowed dedication to peace and human welfare, by those who scourge and destroy one another. This is a tragedy on a scale which defies description but it must cease if man is ever to realize the enlightened destiny which he seeks. But perhaps even more shattering to the conscience of the world than the political and economic wars of this age has been the vile doctrine of racism asserted by the illegal regime of Rhodesia. The disease of apartheid which now contaminates the southern portion of this continent would spread if permitted, but it cannot. We are thankful to the United Nations which has risen to meet this threat. We are proud to assert that the courage and strength and dedication of every Ethiopian stands ready to meet this threat. We are convinced that the principles of justice and equality which ought to prevail, will prevail because now there is a collective will among men which will not tolerate the violation of these principles and which is supported by the means to enforce them. We know that the men and women of Poland share with us the dedication which will force the eradication of the last vestiges of racism and colonialism from the earth.

Indeed, Your Excellency's visit has gone far to illuminate the vast area of interest and concern which is held in common by the Ethiopian and Polish nations. The avenues for co-operation among us are numerous and they promise to lead our peoples to great achievement, and mutual benefits. Our advances will be made in trust and friendship, Mr. Chairman, and there can be no doubt that your visit has formed an important link in the ties that will bind us closely as we go forward.

December 2, 1965.

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Emperor Haile Sellassie First Theocracy Reign
Order of the Nyahbinghi

January 18, 2017