The Indianapolis Star (US Newspaper), Sunday December 25, 1955
“HAILE SELASSIE URGES ‘CENTURY OF LIBERATION’
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia has called upon the colonial powers to make the 20th Century a ‘century of liberation’ for peoples living under foreign domination.
The mild-mannered ‘Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah’ said in an exclusive interview:
‘We hope that all colonial and trusteeship territories of Africa will in the near future be called upon to decide freely as to their own destinies.
The striving of the peoples of Africa to this end should serve to advance the cause of freedom and world peace, in other parts of the world. The 20th Century should be known as the century of liberation.’
Haile Selassie who 20 years ago watched helplessly because of world neutralism when Mussolini’s divisions overran his country, emphatically rejected the ‘spirit of neutrality’ sponsored by India and Egypt. He declared:
‘Ethiopia, faithful to her traditions, never can be neutral insofar as questions of collective security are concerned.’
He suggested that the United States supply additional military and economic aid to Ethiopia because of the control his nation has over the souther entrance to the Red Sea ‘and hence over what is perhaps the most important strategic and commercial trade route in the world’.
The 65-year-old emperor who recently granted his people a liberalized constitution, received this correspondent in the imperial palace at Addis Ababa.
Following are some of the questions submitted and the emperor’s replies:
Q. ‘Do any practical means exist through which the co-operation and friendship of the peoples of Africa could best be gained?’
A. ‘Yes, through the attainment of this objective and the high ideals of nations who demonstrate a true comprehension and recognition of human rights throughout the world.’
Q. ‘Taking into consideration the existence of the two conflicting blocs and the possible danger of a third world war, what would be the role of Ethiopia as a strategically placed country holding a key position on the African continent?’
A. ‘Present international developments have emphasized the importance of the control which Ethiopia enjoys over the southern entrance to the Red Sea and hence, over what is perhaps the most important strategic and commercial trade route in the world. Ethiopia will always exercise that control conformably with the recommendations of the United Nations. Ethiopia firmly believes in collective security and in the maintenance of peace through collective security.’
Q. ‘What plans exist for the industrial development of Ethiopia and the modernization of its agriculture?’
A. ‘Some 10 years ago, a national planning board was established. The results today are already evident. New industries have been established and new agricultural products have been placed on the world markets, with the result that Ethiopia today is enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity. This development is evident to any traveler who has had the occasion to visit Ethiopia more than once during the last decade. However, such progress constitutes only a beginning and by no means indicates that Ethiopia has attracted sufficient foreign capital and enterprises commensurate with the great potentialities which exist, although we have expended every effort to that end. Foreign assistance has been very limited and Ethiopia’s progress has been achieved almost entirely by her own unaided efforts. We hope, however, that the progress achieved should serve henceforth to encourage greater assistance and co-operation from abroad. We wish to assure those friendly countries which are aiding Ethiopia that in so doing they are at the same time aiding neighboring countries as well.’
Q. ‘In what respect could the United States be of assistance to Ethiopia ?’
A. ‘The programs of assistance which the United States of America is already carrying out in Ethiopia give an indication of the nature and extent of that assistance. Ethiopia is most grateful for this assistance. However, it is far from sufficient either in the economic or military fields in view of Ethiopia’s position and international responsibilities.’
Q. ‘Does the new constitution allow any provision for guaranteeing foreign private capital investment in Ethiopia ? And is the Imperial government, in principle, in favor of such investments for the development of the country’s productive prossibilities ?’
A. ‘Yes. Numerous provisions of the new constitution afford protection for foreign investments rarely found in other constitutions of the world. In addition, Ethiopia’s currency which is based on the U.S. dollar and is therefore a <<hard currency>> provides practical assistance that profits from foreign enterprises always can be exported from Ethiopia. Every month marks the arrival and establishment of increasing numbers of foreign enterprises in Ethiopia.’ “
