HAILE SELASSIE I: (1892-1975)

HAILE SELASSIE I: (1892-1975)

‘It is a source of great satisfaction to me that I have fought my way here at the head of my forces and have borne my share in the conquest of our mutual enemies. It is with a sense of deep thankfulness to Almighty God that I stand today in my palace from which the Fascist forces have fled’

 

 

HAILE SELASSIE I: (1892-1975) Ethiopian Regent Plenipotentiary 1916-30 and Emperor 1930-74. An extremely rare and historically important printed folio copy of the speech made by Haile Selassie upon entering Addis Ababa on 5^th May 1941, following the defeat of Italy and the liberation of Ethiopia, four pages printed in Amharic and with the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah at the head, the text stating, in part, 'My People: It was on this day five years ago that the Fascist forces entered my capital and at once Mussolini proclaimed the establishment of the “Roman Empire” in our country of Ethiopia…..In those dark days you, my people, never abandoned hope. Small bands of warriors with old rifles ranged the hills. For five long years the Italian enemy never dared to penetrate the mountainous regions where Ethiopian patriots maintained their freedom in hardship and privation….Immediately before Italy entered the war to snatch what she could from a defeated France, she poured into Ethiopia men, money and munitions……Confident that these mighty armaments could not be assailed the Fascist Government proceeded with its work…..But a mighty change was at hand. It was to be in Ethiopia, for the first time, that the power of the power of the spirit was to be manifested as the ruling power in modern war. It was in Ethiopia that the will of a whole people was first to co-operate with the expert military genius of a valiant and humane nation to form together an irresistible force which should succeed in destroying an army far superior in numbers and equipment. It was long before the British forces, fighting for the cause of humanity in other theatres of war, could come to the rescue of Ethiopia……when the forces of our great Ally were at last released for an effectual attack upon the enemy….I again entered my country and marched with my forces from the far-off frontier on the Sudan into the heart of the Gojjam…..My forces were outnumbered by 20 to 1 and we were without artillery or aircraft. My appearance amongst the patriots at once brought thousands to my side and the enemy's fear magnified these to as many more……I proceeded at once to collect my forces which were scattered in pursuit of the enemy, and to move towards my capital which I have today entered. It is a source of great satisfaction to me that I have fought my way here at the head of my forces and have borne my share in the conquest of our mutual enemies. It is with a sense of deep thankfulness to Almighty God that I stand today in my palace from which the Fascist forces have fled. It is my firm purpose to merit the blessings which I have received: firstly to show my gratitude to my allies the British by returning the benefit done me; by releasing their Imperial troops for warfare on other fronts and by my supplying them with armed forces wherever they may need them; and, secondly, by re-establishing in Ethiopia Christian ethics in Government, liberty of conscience and democratic institutions. Lastly to you, my people, I say with a full heart, today is a day of rejoicing, today is a day of triumph over our enemies. Let us therefore rejoice but in the spirit of Christ……Do not stain the name of Ethiopia by acts worthy of our enemies. I shall see to it that they are disarmed and are given a safe passage to the place from which they came. And while you treat your enemies with forbearance, you must treat our Allies with the kindness that you show to a brother and a saviour. St. George who slew the dragon, is the patron saint of both our countries. Let us unite in everlasting friendship and amity to oppose this new dragon of Godless brutality that has assailed mankind'. Signed by Haile Selassie in fountain pen ink to a clear area at the head of the first page and dated 1941 in his hand. Also featuring an inscription in Amharic to Captain Richardson. Accompanied by a contemporary printed English translation of the speech. An extremely rare signed copy of what is undoubtedly the most important speech made in the modern history of Ethiopia. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, about EX