Selected Speeches Of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, 1918-1967

.... In matters of foreign relations, We have been ever guided by three basic principles. First is Our deep conviction that, where there is no lack of goodwill, all international disputes can be resolved through peaceful negotiations, without recourse to violence. This tenet underlies the role which We played in the Suez crisis, and it was in implementation of this conviction that, during this last year, We offered Our good offices to mediate in the border dispute between the Republic of the Sudan and the United Arab Republic. Similarly, We have relied upon this principle in Our efforts to prevent the spread of the fire which threatens the Middle East. An inevitable corollary of this belief is Our firm conviction that all nations, whatever their political persuasions, can live together in peace.

Second is Our unswerving devotion to the principle of Collective Security. In those early days of 1935-6 when Our country was subjected to the horrors of aggression, We appeared before the League of Nations to plead the cause of Collective Security, a plea which unfortunately fell on deaf ears. But even today, no better principle can be devised for the maintenance of the peace of the world, and the peace-loving nations of the world have begun to come together under this banner.

Third, flowing from the principle of Collective Security, is the necessity, in these anxious days when the major powers are engaged in a frantic arms race, for all countries which have accepted this principle and assumed a share of the responsibility for ensuring the peace of the world, to become ever stronger militarily.

It is in order to discharge Our responsibilities under the principle of Collective Security that we have established the Military Academy at Harar, to ensure that properly trained officers will lead Our Armed Forces. And in order further to strengthen Our Armed Forces for the defence of Our Empire in time of war, and for ensuring its internal security in time of peace, We have ordered the establishment of an Imperial Territorial Army.

As We have stated time and time again, We are firmly persuaded that the path to guaranteeing the peace of the world lies in supporting the principle of Collective Security and the United Nations Charter, combined with a progressive reduction of the armaments which are being built up throughout the world. The billions of dollars which are now wasted on this fruitless effort could with great benefit be diverted into the constructive channels of aid for the economic growth of under-developed countries. ...

November 2, 1958.

Selected Speeches Of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I

THREE PRINCIPLES