Even before introducing Ethiopia to the League of Nations in 1923, when he was Regent and
Heir Apparent, Emperor Haile Selassie saw the necessity of Ethiopia's active role in
international politcs. Thus he has shaped and pursued a foreign policy in which his country
has not remained a mere spectator of the currents of world affairs. He has played and
continues to play an active role in international politics. From the League of Nations, to the
United Nations, through to the Non-aligned Conference and the Organization of African
Unity, His Majesty the Emperor has left for Ethiopia an indelible imprint on the course of
world political affairs. In the international sphere, Ethiopia today occupies a respected
place in the Council of Nations. As His Imperial Majesty observed.
We have won, through Our efforts, Our right to this position.
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Three Principles
Nov. 02, 1958
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.... In matters of foreign relations, We have been ever guided by three basic principles. First is Our
deep conviction that, where there is no lack of goodwill, all international disputes can be resolved
through peaceful negotiations, without recourse to violence. This tenet underlies the role which
We played in the Suez crisis, and it was in implementation of this conviction that, during this last
year, We offered Our good offices to mediate in the border dispute between the Republic of the
Sudan and the United Arab Republic. Similarly, We have relied upon this principle in Our efforts to
prevent the spread of the fire which threatens the Middle East. An inevitable corollary of this belief
is Our firm conviction that all nations, whatever their political persuasions, can live together in
peace.
Second is Our unswerving devotion to the principle of Collective Security. In those early days of
1935-6 when Our country was subjected to the horrors of aggression, We appeared before the
League of Nations to plead the cause of Collective Security, a plea which unfortunately fell on deaf
ears. But even today, no better principle can be devised for the maintenance of peace of the world,
and the peace-loving nations of the world have begun to come together under this banner.
Third, flowing from the principle of Collective Security, is the necessity, in these anxious days when
the major powers are engaged in a frantic arms race, for all countries which have accepted this
principle and assumed a share of the responsibility for ensuring the peace of the world, to become
ever stronger militarily.
It is in order to discharge Our responsibilities under the principle of Collective Security that we
have established the Military Academy at Harar, to ensure that properly trained officers will lead
Our Armed Forces. And in order further strengthen Our Armed Forces for the defence of Our
Empire in time of war, and for ensuring its internal security in time of peace, We have ordered the
establishment of an Imperial Territorial Army.
As We have stated time and time again. We are firmly persuaded that the path to guaranteeing the
peace of the world lies in supporting principle of Collective Security and the United Nations
Charter, combined with a progressive reduction of the armaments which are being built up
throughout the world. The billions of dollars which are now wasted on this fruitless effort could
with great benefit be diverted into the constructive channels of aid for the economic growth of
under-developed countries.....
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Haile Selassie the First - November 2, 1958
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