PREFACE
This commemorative book contains some of the speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I. It is presented as a humble homage to His Majesty the Emperor - architect of modern Ethiopia, - on His 80th Birthday Anniversary.
From the beginning of His enlightened reign, some 50 years ago, it has been the unfailing habit of His Im-perial Majesty to inspire the Ethiopian people through the spoken word to respond to his call for action in the interest of the nation. The theme which runs through all his speeches is that of a singular message: to guide and encourage his nation to rise up to the challenges of the Modern Age.
The speeches contained within this volume will help the reader to appreciate the history of Ethiopia since the beginning of the second decade of this century and some of the motivations that characterize the country under His leadership. Moreover, some of the speeches reflect His Imperial Majesty's historic and universally respected compassionate interest in the problems of world peace, security and social justice.
On this 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the Emperor, the Ethiopian nation pays tribute to its greatest leader. This book of selected speeches is a humble token of the gratitude of the nation as it celebrates His Imperial Majesty's 80th birthday anniversary;
a half century of which has been marked by his selfless and dedicated service to the progress and welfare of His Country.
TESFAYE GEBRE-EGZY,
Minister of Information. |
