Speech by H.I.M. HAILE SELASSIE I,California 28th February 1968
"Last May, in Addis Ababa there was convened a meeting of Heads of African
States and Governments. In three days, the thirty-two nations represented at
that Conference demonstrated to the world that when the will and the
determination exist, nations and people of diverse backrounds can and will work
together in unity for the achievement of common goals and the assurance of that
equality and brotherhood which we desirre"
"Although our position vis-a-vis the power-blocs is identified with the policy
of non-alignment, our past history testifies to the fact that we have always
endeavored to cooperate with all nations, without exception. Thus, one of the
fundamental principles we have agreed upon at the Addis Ababa Summit Conference
give expression to our fundamental desire to live in harmony and cooperation
with all States"
"On the question of racial discrimination, the Addis Ababa Conference taught, to
those who will learn, this further lesson:"
"that until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is
finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; that untill there is no
longer any first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; that until the
color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes;
that until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all, without regard
to race -- until that day, the dreams of lasting peace and world citizenship and
the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be
pursued but never attained. And also, that until the ignoble and unhappy regimes
that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and South Africa in subhuman
bondages have been toppled and destroyed; until bigotry and prejudice and
malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding,
tolerance and good-will; until all Africans stand and speak as free beings,
equal in the eyes of all men as they are in Heaven -- until that day the African
continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary and we know
that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil."
"The United Nations has done much, both directly and indirectly, to speed the
disappearance of discrimination and oppression from the earth. Without the
opportunity to focus world opinion on Africa and Asia which this Organization
provides, the goal might, for many, still lie ahead, and the struggle would have
taken far longer. For this we are truly grateful."