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

.... In the international sphere, Ethiopia today occupies a respected place in the council of nations. We have won, through our efforts, our right to this position.

Our nation is known, and rightly, as a staunch advocate and supporter of the principle of collective security, the principle which still underlies the modern concept of the regulation of relations among states. We have stood forthright in our support of the United Nations, and we have not hesitated to respond to the call of that Organization.

Ethiopia is, by her own choice, a non-aligned state. Our policies on the vexatious international issues of the day have been declared to all, and our adherence to them is steadfast: the urgent imperative of universal disarmament; the settlement of disputes by peaceful negotiation; the supremacy of reason and logic over force and irrationality.

Dedicated to the cause of Africa, Ethiopia remains prepared to implement agreed measures calculated to advance the objectives embodied in the Charter of the Organization of African Unity.

Ethiopia's actions in her international dealings have been wholly consistent with her declared policies. We insist today that the way to peace among men and nations rests in the even-handed application and enforcement of the principles of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity: non-interference in the internal affairs of others; self-determination for the remaining dependent peoples of the world; respect for the territorial integrity of independent states....

November 2, 1966.

.... In the conduct of the international affairs of Our nation, We have placed high value upon personal contacts between peoples and leaders of nations. In the past year, We met and discussed with a number of world statesmen important world problems, both in Addis Ababa and abroad. The President of France, Our good friend General Charles De Gaulle, honoured Ethiopia with his presence earlier this year. Only a few days ago We had occasion to meet with him again in Paris where we discussed issues of mutual concern, including the question of Djibouti. We were pleased to receive in Our Capital His Majesty King Olaf V of Norway, and the leaders of Bulgaria, Hungary and Poland. With each We exchanged views on matters of interest to our respective states.

Early this year, We travelled to the Malagasy Republic, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. We have just returned from a tour of the Middle East. In Kuwait, We met with His Highness Sheikh Sabah as Salem as Sebah, and, in Lebanon with President Charles Helou. With each of these leaders, We considered matters of common interest, and We explained to them Ethiopia's position on her relations with the Middle East. In Jordan, among other important subjects reviewed with His Majesty King Hussein, We considered the question of the Dar El Sultan Monastery. We anticipate that a final and permanent solution will be reached shortly.

In the United Arab Republic We received a warm welcome from Our good friend President Nasser and the people. We considered at length with President Nasser the ancient ties between our two nations, the Organization of African Unity, the situation in the Middle East, and world problems in general.

We were also pleased to meet with Our good friend Marshall Tito in Yugoslavia and to discuss with him the issues facing the non-aligned nations of the world and the events of the recent Conference held in New Delhi by the leaders of Yugoslavia, India and the United Arab Republic. Everywhere on these visits We were received with a warmth and a generosity which testified to the position which Ethiopia occupies in the world community of nations. Everywhere We were able to confirm that the ties which link Ethiopia and her friends in all parts of the world remain close and strong. Everywhere We believe that a meaningful contribution was made to the cause of world brotherhood and peace.

During this same trip, We addressed the opening in Berlin, of the Lutheran World Council of Churches where we emphasized the urgent need in the modern world for religious tolerance, in order that men of all faiths may live together in peace and harmony....

November 2, 1966.

Selected Speeches Of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I

ETHIOPIA'S WORLD POSITION