Haile Selassie

“ The apartheid policy of the racist government of the white minority in South Africa continues to subject our African brothers, who constitute the overwhelming majority in that country, to untold humiliation and oppression. ”

“ We deplore the measures taken by the colonialist regime to frustrate legitimate African aspirations for justice, freedom and independence. We are sure that ultimately our African brothers there will emerge victorious and attain the goal they have set for themselves. ”

“ As regards the tragic situation obtaining in Angola, Mozambique and the others, we deplore Portugal's policy of suppression of unanned and defenseless peaceful African inhabitants who have no other fault than demanding their right of self-determination and independence. ”

“ In her struggles, Ethiopia fought not only for herself but for ad Africa, and the triumph of this Continent over the forces of imperialism and colonialism is in some small measure a vindication and a record for the hardships and perils of years past. ”

“ With respect to the question of the future status of Bechuanaland, Swaziland and Basutoland, we are disturbed by the slow pace of political, constitutional, economic and social progress of our fellow Africans in these territories It is incumbent upon Great Britain to apply the same wisdom it had applied to its former colonies in Africa and Asia and likewise to speed up the political and constitutional advance of the African inhabitants of these territories so as to assure their early accession to independence. ”

“ It is of paramount importance in our view that the African majority of that island nation be allowed to play the leading role in shaping the destiny of their country unhindered by outside interference and intrigue. ”

“ You are now meeting here to lay the foundation for the establishment of a regional federation of the East and Central African countries. Although this objective presupposes the total emancipation of the territories of Our region, most of which still finds itself under Colonial rule, this should not hinder the already Independent States of our region from going ahead and working out the practical arrangements that would give form and substance to this objective. ”

“ In our view, the Portuguese colonies are non-self-governing terdtories and all the good that Portugal can do in the interest of peace is to co-operate with the United Nations and comply with its resolutions and negotiate with the nationalist leaders with a view to working out the programme and time-table of its colonies' accession to independence. ”

“ This will no doubt be a strong factor to accelerate the freedom movement of Our region. The fact that new nations are recognizing the importance of this movement and the impact which it can have in shaping the future region should be a source of satisfaction and encouragement to us all. ”

“ However, this policy was frustrated and Ethiopia continued to egoist as a sovereign and independent country though the threat had never been removed. During this period the relentless struggle of our people to maintain the independence of their country had won the sympathy and moral support of the entire world and gave meaning and form to the present Pan-African Movement. ”

“ Source of Inspiration It is a historical fact that Ethiopia's struggle against colonialism and imperialism has been a source of inspiration to all the coloured peoples of the world. This struggle of Ethiopia had earned her the active opposition of all the colonial powers who had systematically followed a policy of containing and isolating Ethiopia from the rest of Africa. ”

“ Opening It is a privilege for us Ethiopians to welcome in Our midst such a distinguished gathering of African nationalist leaders and freedom fighters of this region on the occasion of the opening of the Conference of the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa here in our Capital city of Addis Ababa. ”

“ But while we appreciate the immense difficulties posed by disruptive outside interference, nevertheless the task of reintegrating the administration of the territory largely remains the responsibility of the Congolese themselves Certain of Our Congolese brothers should let history pass a severe judgment on them because of their seeming lack of patriotism at these critical moments. ”

“ The situation in Northern Rhodesia is equally grave. There too we find the United National Independent Party, which has the support of the African majority of that country led by the distinguished nationalist leader Mr. ”