"We thank the Almighty for
enabling us all to observe the 40th anniversary of Our Coronation, for
blessing the services We have rendered to Ethiopia since We acceded to
the throne of Our forefathers through His will and the wishes of Our
beloved people and for safeguarding the peace of our nation.
"The death after a long
illness of His holiness Abuna Basilios, who was with Us in times of
triumph and trial, has grieved our people deeply. A great man, blessed
with divine grace and spiritual power, His Holiness has constantly
prayed for the well-being of his flock in particular and for world peace
and security in general. The loss of our religious leader this year is
indeed great; however, we shall always cherish his memory through the
lofty and memorable deeds our spiritual father has left behind
him.
"Ever since We assumed the
heavy mantle of leadership, the basic structure of our government,
including the constitution and the development programmes that We drew
up for the nation, have opened the road to progress for our people and
are presently leading them satisfactorily along the charted path.
"Our people have, with the
time and the means at their disposal, never desisted from participating
in various development projects that are bound to enhance their progress
without disturbing the spirit of their long-standing freedom and unity
which they have maintained with great vigilance. We have been encouraged
by the diligence of our youth in the pursuit of, and their brilliance in
mastering higher education. Last year our government achieved major
projects in the economic, social and political fields. Many development
plans are proposed for this year.
"To bring about a rational change
in the lives of our people, various projects are being launched and
accomplished which may perhaps not be readily obvious to a casual
observer. However, in accordance with the Third Five-Year development
Plan the Imperial Ethiopian Government, in conjunction with various
private institutions and agencies, has continued to expand its work to
improve the living conditions of Our people in fields like education,
agriculture, industry, mining, highways, air and marine communications,
electric light and power and water resources."
Preliminary
Studies
"In efforts being made by
Ethiopia to develop her natural resources, it is evident that the making
of thorough preliminary studies of the tasks to be later undertaken in
indispensable. For this reason vast sums of money were spent last year
in carrying out studies on the development of the country's mineral and
hydrological resources. In accordance with plans drawn up to utilize the
formerly wasted waters of the outflowing rivers of the country by
conducting studies on them with the help of friendly nations with a view
to harnessing their power, the potentialities of the Wabi Shebelle, like
those of the Awash and the Abbay in the past, are now under
investigation. Similarly, the potentialities of the Tekezie river in the
field of hydro-electricity and irrigation farming are being studied in
accordance with plans drawn up to utilize the resources of other rivers
and lakes. When the project materializes following the completion of
these preliminary studies on this river, the hydro-electric needs of the
people of the northern provinces will be fully met. Surveys to utilize
the resources of the Omo River are also being conducted. Likewise, the
necessary survey stations have been established with the view to carrying
out studies on ways and means of utilizing the resources of the lakes of
the Rift Valley for the development of the country. Water drilling
operations have been intensified in arid areas like the Ogaden, Borena,
Issa, Yerer-Kereyu and Haikotch and Butajira to alleviate the water
problems of the people by making sufficient appropriations for these and
other rural water resources development schemes.
"The Legadadi dam which we
will inaugurate tomorrow, constructed at a total cost of about Ethiopian
$35 million, will go a long way to alleviate the water shortage of our
capital city. The Mai Nefhi Dam costing Ethiopian $10 million will be
completed within the next few months to meet the water needs of the city
of Asmara.
"To provide towns in our
Empire with sufficient electricity and to improve the existing
facilities in order to provide enough light and power to meet the
existing needs and to provide for future industrial establishments,
considerable investment was made last year. Among the projects nearing
completion is the Fincha Hydroelectric Power Plant. Provincial centres
like Gondar and Jimma have been also provided with self-contained
electric stations to meet the needs of their inhabitants. Other rural
centers, now not enjoying the benefits of electric light, will this year
begin to be provided with electricity following the completions of
studies for the establishment of additional power stations.
"Especially today it is more
than self-evident to what extent the speedy betterment of the living
conditions of man and the augmentation of the wealth and economic power
of a society are based on the utilization of mineral resources. the
search for minerals is being conducted by the Ministry of Mines in
Eritrea, Beghiemdir and Tigre, in Wollega, Sidamo, Illubabor, Kaffa and
Gamu Gofa with additional funds secured from friendly governments and
the United Nations Development Fund, since it was realized that our
government had to make then necessary preliminary studies to determine
the kind and extent of our mineral wealth. From the exploration so far
made there were some promising signs of subterranean wealth in some
parts of the country and the government has entered into agreement with
a number of big foreign firms to prospect for these mineral in Hararghie
and Bale and along the sea-coast and the sea-bed in Eritrea. Already
work on these projects is proceeding in a satisfactory manner.
Mineral
Rights
"As it may be recalled,
legislation on prospecting for minerals which will safeguard the rights
of foreign investors, those present and those who come to participate in
the development of the country, was discussed and passed by Parliament.
When the Bill becomes law and the regulations governing its execution
are promulgated, We are of the belief that it will assist greatly in the
development of Ethiopia's mineral resources.
"We had brought to your
attention last year that a draft legislation to improve the system of
land administration was to be presented to you. As this important
legislation affects the lives of the majority of our people and should
therefore be prepared with the utmost care, it had not been possible to
present the draft legislation for your deliberation last year since
additional time for careful study was required. We had reminded you in
the past that in certain ways the philosophy of Ethiopia's land
administration differs from that current abroad. In principle it is
known that there is enough arable land in Ethiopia for our people. From
studies so far carried out it has been discovered that only a small part
of this land has been developed. The full utilization of land already
developed on modern lines, the regulation of landlord-tenant relations
and the definition of the rights of land ownership have been given
priority in the third five-year development plan, and to this effect a
draft legislation which embodies some beneficial elements from our
traditional land tenure is being prepared. This draft legislation will
be prepared in such a way as to harmonize the family-like relations
between landlords and tenants by safeguarding the common and individual
rights of everyone and by removing the causes of friction over land. We believe
that for a country like Ethiopia, heavily dependent on agriculture for
its livelihood, the proclamation of this law and the measures proposed
are bound to stimulate other people to work together harmoniously and
thereby speed up the country's pace of development."
Land
Aministration
"When God created the earth
for man it was for its use and not for its misuse. this is why
Parliament should realize the importance of the revised draft
legislation on land administration. We urge you to deliberate on it with
utmost care and speed, since the primary aim of this law is to improve
the living conditions of Our people.
"As We mentioned earlier, the
improvements We are making from time to time with regard to the system
of land administration are designed in such a way as to enable Our
people to work peacefully together and make good use of the land blessed
and given to them by God.
"It has been so often said
that agriculture, including animal husbandry, is the backbone of the
country's economy. Educational programmes and projects directed towards
the modernization and mechanization of Ethiopian agriculture have been
organized and in effect for a long time. We understand very well that
agriculture yields satisfactory results when tackled through modern
science and technology and not when done in traditional fashion.
"Insufficient annual harvests
could lead to hunger. For instance, the problems encountered almost
everywhere last year due to the shortage of grain have been a matter of
grave concern to every home. We advise Our people to explore ways and
means of expanding agricultural production through individual or
co-operative enterprise by utilizing existing educational facilities and
by securing credits from banks established to encourage the development
of farming. It is Our hope that every citizen in the Empire who doesn't
own land will acquire his own land and since assistance is necessary to
help the people establish themselves, We are confident that this
assistance will be made available so that none of the land will lie
fallow."
Education
"It is a matter well known to
you that much effort has been so far put into the expansion of education
--- the proven instrument for the social and economic well-being
of Our people. The time has passed when we had to cajole parents to send
their children to school. the fact that the people are now seen working
side by side with the government for the expansion of education by
contributing what they can, provides ample evidence that the attitude of
parents has undergone a change for the better. Those who have been educated
in the various fields at home an abroad are contributing greatly in all the
endeavours to reach Our cherished goals. When you members of Parliament
were discussing the 1963 government budget, you were in particular
deliberating on ways and means of finding new sources of revenue for the
development of education. The fact that you had promptly passed the bill
presented to you for levying additional education taxes to alleviate the
problem shows how much you were preoccupied with this national
issue.
"It is the wish and the
desire of all that education should expand fast and reach the length and
breadth of the country, and for this to be achieved, it is indispensable
that financial resources be readily available. The demand for education
is doubling every year. On the other hand, the capacity to extend
educational opportunities is always determined by available funds. Thus,
to accelerate the tempo at which education is expanding, the people must
continue in the path of strengthening the spirit of cooperation with the
government.
"Technical education should
not be looked down upon as not befitting one's dignity when it prepares
one for such jobs as farming, carpentry and masonry. If education is to
promote the progress of the nation, it must be coupled with the desire
to do useful and creative work which is not only confined to clerical or
administrative jobs. An educated person can benefit his society when he
shows beneficial results without discriminating between jobs."
Health
"Since it is the fundamental responsibility
of our government to safeguard the health of our people, a lot more was
achieved last year in promoting the physical well-being of the nation.
Some hospitals and many clinics have been opened at considerable expense
and are now operating normally. In accordance with provisions made to
establish a self-sufficient health service in every Governorate-general
depending on the availability of funds and skilled medical personnel as
well as giving priority to the eradication of malaria, 16 health centres
were established in rural areas at the beginning of last year. Likewise,
46 new health stations are expected to be built this year and to become
operational in 1964.
"As a result of the thorough
studies made of the areas affected by malaria and identification of the
season when the scourge becomes prevalent, and in accordance with the
malaria eradication programme to rid Ethiopia completely of the disease,
it has been possible to protect over nine million people last year
against infection or recurrence of the disease.
"In like manner, preventive
measures have been taken to control epidemic diseases like cholera which
erupt and affect the lives of people.
"The country, blessed and
bequeathed to the Ethiopian people, is extensive and richly endowed. In
area the country is ample. There is scope for Ethiopians to become both employers
and the employed, since development projects are distributed widely over
the country. As there are places like Setit-Humera where extensive
agricultural projects are proceeding and where employment opportunities
are available for tens of thousands of people, to congregate and remain
idle in big cities is to harm both oneself and one's country.
"Helping the disabled and the
physically handicapped is part of our traditional moral duty. Even today
our people are performing their charitable acts by sharing part of what
they have with the disabled. An institution is now to be established by
the Ministry of National Community Development and Social Welfare to
coordinate and administer charitable funds obtained both nationally and
from foreign sources with a view to helping the disabled."
Work For
Everybody
"There are immense
opportunities for work in Ethiopia for everybody. It is now some time
since new investment legislation was proclaimed with a view to
encouraging the inflow of foreign capital. However, the capital inflow
abroad has not been up to Our expectation. One of the facets of Ethiopian
policy in its relations with friendly foreign governments is to widen
the avenue of mutual economic co-operation. we thus renew our invitation
to all friendly industrialized nations to participate in our development
programme through their public and private capital. The constitutional
framework of the Ethiopian Government receives its stability from its
pattern of history and tradition. In order to predict the future of Ethiopian
events one should familiarize oneself with the history and culture of
the people and nation.
"Members of the armed forces
and the police are each, in their particular fields, discharging their
duties satisfactorily in the maintenance of law and order throughout the
country so that the economic development of Ethiopia continues in the
right direction. Members of the armed forces have shown exemplary
results since they began participating in civilian activities directed
towards the progress and development of the country."
Noted
O.A.U. Summit
"One of the main events in
the political field is the recent meeting here in Our capital of the
Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity. The
Summit conference discussed various matters of common interest and
passed the necessary resolutions. One of the reasons why the recent
meeting was called a conference of reconciliation was that the
difference between Nigeria and some independent African states was
resolved in a spirit of brotherly understanding, the continent's bond of
unity and solidarity was preserved, and this was proclaimed to the whole
world.
"Africans have realized more
than ever before that it is through the Organization of African Unity
that they can attain their unity and solidarity which is the central
pillar of the continent's well-being and freedom.
"The spirit of friendship and
understanding among independent African countries has been steadily
growing stronger from year to year. In particular the border agreement
signed recently between Ethiopia and the neighbouring friendly country
of Kenya has not only reinforced the long-standing fraternal relations
between the two nations but has also set a good example to others.
"When President Kenneth
Kaunda and Lady Kaunda paid a state visit to our capital upon the
invitation extended to them by Us we discussed in detail relations
between the two countries in particular and international peace and
security in general."
International
Friendships
"In addition to strengthening
its ties of friendship with other African countries as usual, Ethiopia
has been also expanding relations with the countries of America, Europe
and Asia. Upon invitations extended to them by Us, H.E. President
Cevedet Sunay of Turkey, H.E. President Jossip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia,
His Majesty King Frederick and Her Majesty Queen Ingrid of Denmark, have
paid state visits to Ethiopia. We have also held talks with His
Beatitude Patriarch Nicolaos of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria
and All Africa, H.E. President Bedel Bokassa of Central African
Republic, His Highness Crown Prince Carl Gustav of Sweden, H.E. Prime
Minister Burnham of Guyana, H.E. Secretary of State William Rogers of
the U.S., and H.E. Foreign Minister Aldo Moro of Italy in the course of
their visits to the capital.
"During the visits of these
world leaders and high-ranking officials We were able to exchange views
on bilateral relations and ways and means of promoting world peace,
progress and prosperity.
"We have held important and
useful talks with Mr. McNamara, President of the World Bank, on ways of
further expanding the participation of the World Bank in the country's
development programmes. Mr. McNamara, who visited Ethiopia for some four
days on a special invitation extended to him by Us, had toured the sites
of the various development projects undertaken with loans secured from
the World Bank prior to this exchange of views.
"We have also paid state
visits to Japan, the Soviet Union, France and the United Arab Republic
upon invitations extended to Us by these friendly governments. During
our visit to Moscow, We discussed with President Podgorny and other
high-ranking Soviet officials matters pertaining to political, economic
and cultural relations between the two countries as well as exchanging
views on the world political scene. a high-level economic delegation was
recently sent to the Soviet Union to finalize matters on which agreement
was reached during Our visit. We are hopeful that the talks We held with
President Pompidou of France on relations between our two countries in
particular and world peace in general will have fruitful results.
"Ethiopia has been able
successfully to acquaint visitors with its ancient cultural history and
various aspects of its modern development by participating in Expo '70
held in Osaka, Japan. By personally attending the Expo '70
"Ethiopia Day" ceremonies and thereby exchanging views with
prominent Japanese businessmen and industrialists, We have been able to
talk to them about the particular fields in which they can usefully
participate in the development of our country."
The
Lusaka Conference
"By attending the conference
of non-aligned countries in Lusaka recently, We had an extensive
exchange of views with other leaders on effective ways of strengthening
world peace. In particular the proposals We had presented with regard to
the freedom of our brothers languishing under the yoke of racialism in
South Africa and South West Africa have been accepted by the
conference.
"The continued denial of
fundamental freedom to, and the oppressive racial domination of, the
peoples of South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and
Portuguese Guinea by the racialist regimes in Southern Africa poses a
threat to world peace. To illustrate the oppression under which these
people live, it is enough to cite the cause of the wives of Nelson
Mandela and other African freedom fighters over whose trial the
tyrannical South African Government has not only made a mockery of its
own laws but has also trampled under foot the principles of
international law.
"By attending the 10th
anniversary of Nigeria's independence celebrations in Lagos which saw
the end of the civil war in that country and the restoration of the people's
unity, we have been able to reaffirm to General Gowon that Nigeria's
peace and unity can always count on the support of Ethiopia.
"After Our visit to Lagos We
proceeded to Cairo to attend the funeral of Our close friend the late
President Nasser and to share in the nation's grief. Africans in general
and Arabs in particular have lost a great leader through the untimely
death of President Nasser.
"By going to the headquarters
of the United Nations and attending the Silver Jubilee celebrations, We
seized the opportunity to reaffirm Ethiopia's full support for the world
organization ---- the last hope for the security and welfare of mankind.
Going there also gave us a chance to reiterate the principles which We
advocated at the discarded League of Nations when the fascist forces in
unprovoked aggression invaded Ethiopia. Had these principles been
accepted, the world would have been saved from the Second World War and
the United Nations can avoid meeting the same fate as its predecessor by
observing these principles in order to maintain international peace,
security and the well-being of mankind. We also seized the opportunity
to hold high-level and fruitful talks with President Richard Nixon on
bilateral and African questions and, in general, on world issues."
Political
Conflicts
"When we view the general
international situation, we realize that the number of innocent lives
lost as a result of political conflicts prevailing in the world as well
as hunger and disease have not decreased. If men were working sincerely
and in concert for the promotion of world peace and progress, this
problem would have been solved. We had often expressed the belief that
since the Great Powers possess both the wealth and the might they have a
special responsibility to eliminate the political ills affecting
mankind. Have the Great Powers exerted enough efforts to assume this heavy
responsibility? Have they done enough in pooling their resources for the
benefit of the whole of mankind? What has been done for those who have
been shorn of their fundamental human rights and are being subjected to
inhuman and oppressive laws? History is waiting for answers to these
questions.
"In this age of transition, characterized
by rising expectations, the burden of leadership is heavier, all the
more because leaders are a link between the past and the future.
"It is well known that from the
time that We assumed the responsibility of guiding the destiny of Our
country by accession to the Throne of Our forefathers, We based the
government on its three main branches --- the Executive, the Legislative
and the Judicial. Since the functions of each branch of the government
are defined in the constitution, the separation of their powers must be
strictly observed.
"Today the tasks to be
undertaken in various fields of national endeavour are not only becoming
more complex but more pressing in character each day. It is for this
reason that each one should fulfill his duties and shoulder his
responsibilities with industry and enthusiasm so that the tasks
undertaken will be satisfactorily executed. Working and thinking for the
common good are dictated by the times in which we live and are
indispensable for the progress and development of a country.
"Parliamentary deliberation
demands attentive listening, mutual comprehension, profound and
far-sighted vision, understanding and the ability to convince in an
orderly manner. Mature views based on inquiry and supported by good
morals and self-discipline, apart from producing the desired results,
will protect one from making errors or being judged wrongly by others.
"Inquiry is a magical power
that opens the door to hidden rewards and must be pursued calmly,
diligently and intelligently to achieve this goal.
"May the Almighty bless the
services you render your country following this spirit and aim."
