Modern Ethiopianism ,May 7, 1965
``As the years wear by, man's horizon grows wider and wider and the vistas
multiply. So it is with Ethiopia. As the nation moves progressively in the
accomplishments of the targets set for her political, social and cultural
advance, We find Ourselves confronted with yet more tasks, more avenues of
effort that demand Our attention. It is within this framework that, thankfully,
the wheels of progress have moved and have brought Ethiopia thus far on the path
We have chartered for Our country and people since we undertook the
responsibility to move Ethiopia forward. The Ethiopian people, who have
co-operated fully in implementation of all Our plans,deserve Our gratitude and
appreciation.
The catalogue of achievements that you have reviewed on this twentyfourth
anniversary of Ethiopia's liberation is testimony above all to three factors :
1) the continued guidance of the Almighty in the fructifying of our aims ; 2)
the incalculable sacrifices made in the campaign of liberation by the Ethiopian
people and their vanguard, the patriots, through whom this freedom, liberty and
the Ethiopian way of life that We so proudly cherish today have been preserved ;
and 3) the unrelenting loyalty and co-operation of our people in the successful
prosecution of the manitold national endeavours.
Ethiopia is an ancient land and her civilisation is the result of the harmonious
alchemy of the past and the present, upon which we confidently build for the
future. This heritage is the bedrock of modern Ethiopia.
In it the people have chosen to distil from the past that which is useful and
enduring, to adapt those worthwhile attributes of our present day world, and to
fashion this modern ethiopianism - the foundation of our social order that has
served so admirably the purpose of the nation's steady advance.
Be it recognised that while the institutions which Ethiopians have inherited
from their forefathers still proudly carry their ancient designation, the
contents of these valued institutions have been adapted to meet the rising
expectations of the present generation of Ethiopians ;
Be it known to all who judge our institutions by the labels We have inherited
from our past civilisation, that Ethiopian institutions, regardess of their
nomenclature, are the fruits of Ethiopianism - this optimum combination that the
people of Ethiopia themslves have fashioned to serve the fulfilment of their
national destiny ;
Be it understood that while we Ethiopians are justly proud of Our national
heritage, we do not look backwards to find our national purpose but forward to
the full realisation of Our national goals.
This anniversary of the liberation of our country came as a result of the
aggression against Ethiopia, sequel to the then prevailing international
conditions. Unfortunately, the breakdown of international law and morality that
led to this episode has not been fully rectified and the lesson taught by that
sad experience has not given rise to efforts commensurate with the imperious
need for collective security, and a unified purpose to protect and guarantee
world peace.
Through the struggle of her people, Ethiopia has survived and this survival has
afforded her the opportunity to bring the weight of her experience to the fforts
deployed by the international community in building a world of peace, progress
and human understanding. We are gratified that Ethiopia has been able to play a
significant role in this search for a better world, a search to which she is
committed in her foreign and domestic policies.
When we look back to May 5, 1941, and contemplate the progress that Africa has
made in the area of independence, it appears as if one is experiencing the
fulfilment of a once farfetched dream. Today, there are thirty six voices that
are raised in the defence of Africa and African causes ; in the 1940's there
were only three. Ethiopia has been gratified at the emergence of these new
African states to the community of sovereign independent nations. She is always
willing and ready to play her part through the organisation of African Unity in
bringing about greater co-operation among the independent African states and to
continue to do whatever lies in her power to aid in the struggle for the
complete liberation of our continent.
We thank you for the kind words you have expressed and for the list of
achievements you have reviewed. Those of us who need to know ourselves should
read the message of St Paul in Corinthians, Chapter 4, verses one to six.
Further details of duties and responsabilities of our officials will be
announced in the near future.
May the Almighty help us to redouble our efforts on this 24th anniversary of
Ethiopia's liberation and to be ready to undertake great responsabilities to
build a future for coming generations.``