EMPEROR’S SPEECH ON ERITREA FEDERATION 1962
ETHIOPIA OBSERVE Vol. VI No. 3, 1963
THE EMPEROR HAILE SELLASSIE I's IMPORTANT SPEECH ON THE
PROGRESS OF ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA DELIVERED IN ASMARA ON
JUNE 28, 1962.
 
As We appear among you to-day, as is customary with the visits We make now and then to witness for
Ourselves administrative efficiency on the spot and also to effect matters of major importance, We
shall now talk to, you not only as an Emperor but also as an Ethiopian. There this nothing particular
new at this time to account for Our intention to give you a broad view of our opinion today, you who
are listening to Us now, the old, the young and those in school out in the country. Since it is We who
are bearing the responsibility of guiding the present and coming generations on the right path, it is
imperative that we all should serve our country and people with dedication and according to God's
wish.
It is no surprise to Us, either now or before, if an aggressor should make any kind of move through
Eritrea, since there is nothing unusual in this. What We have found a little surprising, however, is that,
whereas the people of Eritrea have always supported their freedom and galantry by deeds, there
should still exist among a people with such a fine record of history some hypocrites who are serving as
instruments for marring past history and betraying it to aliens.
You know that, though small in number, there have always been among us some alien puppets.
Though they are insignificant in number, we can attain practical results in the endeavours of progress
we are making only if there is absolute unity among ourselves. We have been patient until now with
the hope that they will improve sooner or later through examining for themselves the current
international situation and thereby learn something from it. This hope was based on the belief that
when any people acquires its freedom and runs on its own, it will have more appreciation for the love
of country and people, and so create absolute unity.
In the days when supremacy of arms decided victory it was through Eritrea that the enemy
successfully carried out acts of aggression on us; to-day, our enemies are trying to conduct
propaganda campaigns against us through this same part. If Eritrea, as Ethiopia's outlet, now
becomes the scene of a propaganda campaign as it was the entrance of the enemy to the country,
who is to lose and who is to gain'? The people of Eritrea have felt what it means to live under
foreign rule during the 60 years of subjugation. The other parts of Ethiopia have also experienced
alien domination during the five years of tribulation.
As such there can hardly be any others who knew the disadvantages and advantages of foreign
rule better than we do. Who war there to voice the cause of Eritreans either on international or
other forums during all that period when we were separated and at which time you were
sweltering under the heels of colonialism? Did those who are now trying to divide some of us
through using some traitors as instruments, then know of the existence of Eritrea? Was there any
nation or movement which other than organising itself, had uttered a word on religious lines
before the time Ethiopia was fighting on the international arena for the rights of her brothers after
she fought for her freedom following the Second World War?
Ethiopia began fighting for the liberation of Eritrea long before she recovered from the economic
depletion suffered through the war. Ethiopia made this struggle in the interest of Eritrea
because she knew that Eritreans are her blood-brothers.
You know that there are a lot of reasons for Ethio-Eritrean oneness. The relation of the people
of Eritrea with Ethiopia is not confined to the political aspect. Not only are the two people joined
by culture, geography and language, but historically the Adulis heritage shows that the other
Ethiopian tribes originated from Eritrea. Throughout Ethiopia's long record as an independent
entity, Eritrea was separated from us for only 60 years and even if we were separated by political
and artificial barriers during this short span of time, we were unseparated in cur way of life and
mutual feeling.
Throughout the period when Eritrea was under colonial rule, a great number of not only those
elders who previously knew the value of liberty, but also Eritrean youths who were born during
the foreign occupation and who subsequently left their parents fled to Our Capital. This is
adequately proved by the large number of Eritreans who, since a long time, disseminated in other
parts of Ethiopia, found jobs in various government institutions and other services and thus lived
among us. It is equally known that every time they came to us we sent them, knowing that they
were time-separated brothers, to various places for higher education abroad. Upon their return
they were placed in responsible positions so that they may be helpful and a source of pride to
Ethiopia and particularly to their foreign dominated kinsmen. Though We need, not elaborate on
this list of people, those who are still alive from among those who got this opportunity are living
evidence of this fact.
When our country was invaded, a great number of Eritreans, who were physically and otherwise
fit abandoned the enemy and fought on our side at Maichew and Neghelli. Those who survived
have made valiant stands with patriots throughout the five years, by deeds of patriotism and
shown with their blood that we are one and the same. Though We do not mention the names of
those whom We know and those who were with Us on the battlefield, their memories will be
passed on in the pages of history. When later on the federation of Eritrea with the motherland was
being debated, they came on Our side recalling their past historical riches, and proved Our
historical oneness before the world forum.
Those who, in the light of all these historical ties and evidence of unity, are coming between Us
on religious, ethnical and other grounds are doing so not for our benefit but for that of their own.
This can be easily understood. That former colonial powers are benefiting from creating discord
among geographically, economically, historically and ethnically linked people in Africa and other
parts of the world in order to maintain their former authority is known not only to those who can
read but to the illiterate as well. Nobody knows better than We Africans that the policy of divide
and rule is the aspiration of those who seek to benefit at other's expense. That it is the absolute
method of dividing to rule in order to rule by dividing is apparent.
Being aware of the attacks and tricks of imperialism, Ethiopia has been the first African country
who waged war against such powers and through her unity, has preserved her liberty through
victories as in the recent case of Adua. More than being an example to the rest of the African
states, after the Second World War, Ethiopia struggled alone in International Conferences, for
African independence with no other free African nations to support her as at present. No greater
testimony could be available to the resistance made by Our patriots against the enemy on seven
fronts with the use of out-dated weapons than the heroic activities of Our fathers, relying upon
God the Almighty.
You should be aware of the fact that as Ethiopia has been a, country which fought against
imperialism more than any other, those who approach you with contradictory propaganda against
Ethiopia do so with the intention of belittling our historical standing, considering Us as wishing
to use our power to control others. Being proud of Our, admirable and outstanding history We
have been enthusiastically engaged in guarding Our own rights land there has been no time that
We interferred in the internal affairs of other countries. We have signed and respected the
resolutions passed by the Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung, that no one nation shall interfere in
the domestic affairs of another. We shall continue to uphold this policy for the future also. It is
up to the Ethiopian people to consider the shortcomings and difficulties in their internal
administration and solve it by themselves. Ethiopia does not desire to exist by formulating false
external propaganda with the intention of hiding her internal difficulties.
That unity is the basic foundation for progress in this era is being proved through the massive
movement made in Europe, the Middle East as well as by African countries towards reaching this
goal. We will waste no more time in details since there is no one here unaware of the strength to
be gained through unity in the protection of a country.
Existing conditions have made it impossible for the former colonialist powers to remain in
Africa. They have resorted to the idea of dividing the peoples. You are aware that conferences are
being held to federate in order not to lose their independence through the manmade boundaries
laid by the colonialists. Ethiopia bas consistently expressed her desire for African solidarity as a
participant in these same conferences.
There are certain states who participate as supporters in conferences held for African unity and
are at the same time engaged in acts that would divide Africa. Can we accept this in support of
Our cause? No doubt that people of a country who have fought incessantly for their independence
understand that unity is the foundation of liberty. Co-operation and unity are the sources of
respect. It is also the source of strength. It has been known from time immemorial in human
history that no person is better able to understand and solve one's own problem than one's self.
It is well known to all of you that the man-made boundaries in Europe and Africa have been
removed by the power of God the Almighty.
There is no better example than the privilege enjoyed by the Muslims and other foreigners in
engaging In all kinds of business activities in this country to disprove the false propaganda made
against Ethiopia in connection with religious and racial discrimination.
Why did the Islamic population of Ethiopia roman faithful and fight along with Us as patriots for
the independence of their country, if they had been discriminated against in religion according to
the false saying? Especially the Arabs and Muslims of the neighbouring countries, have been
closely tied up with Us from the time of the Prophet Mohamed, not only geographically, but also
in blood relations, and other Arabs are residing, widely scattered throughout the whole land in the
cities, towns and the countryside, running large business and commercial enterprises with no
restrictions for resident permits and passports like other aliens in accordance with the law of Our
country.
Equal rights granted to foreigners and equally to all Ethiopians without any religious or
racial discrimination is an outstanding example to prove the compatibility of the Ethiopian policy
and administration. Would it be possible for foreign Muslims to migrate into Ethiopia in
excessive numbers and live and assimilate here for three or four generations if the Government
practised any religious discrimination against them? It is because of the long-standing friendship,
dating back to the past several centuries, that they are permitted freely to lead their own society
from generation to generation and that We never stopped the Muslims from transferring the
wealth they acquired in Ethiopia with an ample opportunity not enjoyed in any other country, for
the economic development of their respective governments.
It is probably due to the increase in the number of defaulting debtors that Our generosity has not
been acknowledged.
The fact that Ethiopia's kindness and good-will has not been acknowledged by the beneficiaries
led Us to mention all this and to make known at the same time Our ability to react to the full
extent to any criticism not only to show how baseless is the propaganda on religious matters
launched against Us, but to explain that the effect will be only harmful to its instigators.
It is not only through acceptance of foreign immigrants from neighbouring countries that
Ethiopia has maintained good relationship with other nations, but also by respecting in good faith
the diplomatic sentiments of these same countries. When international questions arise directly
affecting her neighbours Ethiopia cautiously takes her time before making any rash decisions. It
must be realised that Ethiopia passes her own resolutions only after those countries affected have
taken a deliberate consideration of the question.
It is not out of fear that Ethiopia pays special attention to the resolutions freely passed by countries
that claim to be bound by religious ties, but it is for the sake of maintaining the feeling of friendship and
to respect the spirit of understanding. Furthermore, it is in realisation of the fact that love, generosity
and understanding are evidence of the administrative experience of any government.
As for development in the economic field, Eritrea has partaken in the progress so far achieved
by the whole of Ethiopia. In the study of the development programme in the Empire, the
economic problems of Eritrea have been considered with the other 12 parts of Ethiopia on equal
footing. Lying as she does at our sea outlet, and since her agricultural potential cannot be
developed as much as those of the other parts of Ethiopia, Eritrea has, in fact, had a greater share
with respect to water power, the construction of means of communication as well as industries
and ports.
In the last 10 years which followed the re-union of Eritrea with the motherland, a total of more
than $74,819,817 has been allotted to the general economic development of the area. This money
has gone for work on the construction of roads, airport, the opening of air communications,
schools, hospitals, clinics, as well as the training of nurses, the setting up of development the
building of churches and mosques. In you all know that We have done everything possible to
help by way of exempting you from taxes when locusts occasionally destroyed the harvest or
when general epidemic struck the territory.
As Eritrea is a part of Ethiopia, were it not for other reasons, it would have been unnecessary
to make mention of what has specially been done for her. As long as God offers Us the
opportunity to do so, it is Our wish to improve on it and help more. What led Us to talk about
this is the false propaganda of certain detractors who talk as if nothing has been done for Eritrea.
We are concerned with the advancement of the people of Eritrea for the future as well. Since
industrial progress and development works are linked with the culture, climatic conditions,
sources of power and raw materials, no project will get underway before the necessary study is
first made. In accordance with this, We have decided to set up a federally composed
development committee. The Committee, planned to start work shortly, will be entrusted with
the task of studying the condition, needs and requirements of Eritrea with a view of working on
projects best suited to solve existing problems and improve the standard of living of our people.
With the aim of speeding up agricultural development, We had earlier rather hastily dammed
Zula. A further study was, however, found to be necessary. The result of the study, made by an
American research bureau, has now been received. It is for this reason that work on the dam
has been delayed. On the basis of the study, for the work remaining to be done before the dam
reaches completion, it has been made known to Us a further $19,000,000 would be required.
Since it would take time to complete the dam with the amount of money allotted for the job, We
have further been given to understand that it would be advisable for farmers to settle in the Zula
valley while work is going on there.
Since it has been found to be a basic requirement to create an organisation that would supervise the
remaining work and see to it that the farmers settle in the place in question according to plan, We have
decided to set up a department--to be administered by a special board--the Zula Valley Authority.
You have to understand much more that development programmes and administrative reforms
can only be carried out when law and order is maintained in the area. When a certain outlaw
takes to hiding as a result of his own criminal acts, foreign enemies and those among us who
allowed themselves to be used as the tool of alien propaganda have, by attempting to make this
appear as if it had any political aim, endangered the peace and the right of people to their
property. We have realised how detrimental the effect of this has been on the country's
economy. The maintenance of a more adequate order in future is a matter of concern. We have
passed orders to Lt- General Abbiye Abebe and Bitwoded Asfaha to see to it, as Brig-General
Tedla Oukbit has done along with the Police, that the work is done.
We will pay the taxes, due for the last two years, of those people whose harvests have been
destroyed by locusts.
We are doing this so that the Eritrean treasury may not face a deficit.
What We wish to remind not only the people of Eritrea but that of the entire Ethiopia as well is
the fact, that for countries such as ours that are not economically developed, poverty and
ignorance are our common enemies. It is evident that any opposing force can only undermine our
efforts with the support of these same two weaknesses. For this reason, the eradication of
poverty and ignorance is a tested means of attaining meaningful independence free of economic
and political dependence. The means of destroying poverty and ignorance are education and
work. Mere talk is the instrument of the lazy and would not take us anywhere. The aims of
leaders based on ambition for power and personal gain have no firm foundation and will
consequently crumble easily.
We would like to make it clear to you that, as We have already repeatedly pointed out, you
should bear in mind that unity is the most lasting foundation for progress and development, as
well as for greatness and freedom. To imagine our transitory existence here on earth to be
permanent and not to make what we say. P. 185
(continued at foot of next column)
ETHIOPIA OBSERVER
Vol. VI, No. 4 1963
The Emperor's Speech on the Reunion of Eritrea
November 15, 1962
P.310-2
When the name of Ethiopia first appeared in the pages of history, Eritrea formed an integral part
of Our nation. Our ties do not consist merely in having lived together as one country ,Ethiopia
and Eritrea shared common heritage of territorial contiguity, race and language, and Eritrea has
served as one of the main fountains of Ethiopian civilisation and culture.
In the latter part of the 19th Century, when the colonial powers separated Eritrea from the rest
of Ethiopia and established in Eritrea a rule which lasted for about 60 years, it was their aim to
establish a separate Eritrean identity and to dissociate Eritrea from the motherland. In this, the
colonialists failed completely. There is no greater evidence of the bankruptcy of this cruel policy
than the fact that not only those elderly Eritreans who had happily experienced the value of
freedom in unity, but even those who were born during the colonialist occupation of their
country, voluntarily separated themselves from their parents and relatives and, emigrating to the
motherland, shed their blood for the cause of reunion of Eritrea with Ethiopia and during the
Fascist invasion, for the liberation of the entire nation.
Fruit of Sacrifice
The Eritreans who so gallantly sacrificed themselves on the battlefield did not die in vain. Their
children stand today as living reminders of the determination of the people of Eritrea to maintain
the unity of Ethiopia in freedom. When the invader was driven from Our nation by the combined
efforts of Eritreans and Ethiopians alike, the international political situation was such that,
unfortunately, no measure of Eritrean unity with Ethiopia could be immediately attained. Thus
We are compelled to continue Our struggle for an additional decade before Eritrea was returned
to its motherland. With the blessing of Almighty God, Our just efforts and struggles came to
fruition, just 10 years ago, in Eritrea's federation with the rest of Ethiopia - although this
particular form of association was not that for which We had struggled and it had been requested
by no one.
Nonetheless, because of the world political situation then prevailing, the people of Eritrea,
through their elected representatives, acceeded to the Federation, and upon Our approval the
federal system was put into operation and has continued to this day.
Alien Imposed Federation
In the last decade, the people of Eritrea have increasingly come to realise that the Federation,
alien to their tradition and experience, was superfluous and unnecessary among people whose
unity had stood the test of time. Moreover, the operation of this system was necessarily beset by
serious difficulties which, among other consequences, tended to retard the pace of economic and
social development. As the years passed, the people of Eritrea repeatedly requested Us to abolish
 
the federal system and to re-establish the age-old integrity of Eritrea with the rest of Ethiopia. We
are aware that many modern nations, including a number of major powers, do not accept the
concept of federalism for their own people and prefer instead a unitary form of government. We
also know that among those nations which have subscribed to the principle of federalism, many
have been compelled by the demands of the fast moving modern age to adopt measures designed
to mitigate the adverse effects of this system upon the rate of progress of their people. But,
nonetheless, We have in good faith, allowed this system foreign to our history and experience, to
function without let or hindrance.
Slowed Progress
The consequences of the past decade are known to all. T he Federation instituted between the
people of Eritrea and the rest of Ethiopia has tended to slow the speed of the economic and social
progress of the entire nation, including, Eritrea.
The Federation has increasingly been manipulated as a readymade tool through which the
enemies of Ethiopian and Eritrean progress and solidarity have endavoured to further their evil
designs.
The Federation contains the inherent danger of creating misunderstandings among people who
have, for centuries past, experienced no problems in living together.
The Federation, by duplicating administrative apparatuses, has occasioned waste of both human
and material resources which could have been otherwise ilised for development purposes.
One is, accordingly fully justified in concluding that the unfortunate consequences of this
particular form of federation and the needs of the age, and not any conscious effort on the part of
the people concerned, have brought about its demise.
Any responsible person who has deliberated upon and examined carefully the unfortunate
consequences flowing from the federal system under consideration will cel no surprise that the
people of Eritrea, who have had the misfortune of being directly subjected to its adverse
consequences, have urged and pleaded that it can be eliminated and replaced by a unitary form of
administration. The steps We are now about to take, therefore, merely confirm and implement the
result which the natural solidarity of the Ethiopian people and their wise desire for closer
collaboration has already brought about.
The people of Eritrea, through their representatives gathered together in the Eritrean Assembly,
recognising the harmful consequences of the operation of the federal system through the
experience of the past decade, desirous of living together with their other Ethiopian brothers
without hindrance or obstacle, I have formally requested, by their resolution voluntarily and
unanimously adopted on November 14, 1962, that the federation be dissolved. In its place, they
have asked for the complete administrative integration of Eritrea with the rest of Ethiopia in order
to facilitate and speed the economic growth and development of the nation. We have accepted
this resolution and have consented to its being placed into effect.
The human rights and fundamental freedoms contained in the former Constitution of Eritrea are,
equally, important provisions existing in the Constitution which We promulgated for Ethiopia in
1955. The people of Ethiopia have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy these basic freedoms, and
they shall continue to be protected zealously. All rights, privileges, concessions and exemptions
of whatever nature granted to persons or companies within Eritrea, whether foreign or national,
are sacred obligations which will not be impaired or affected in any manner.
Delegated Autonomy
In Our Throne Speech of November 2, 1962, We spoke of measures under consideration
whereby administrative authority will be delegated to local administrations to direct their own
activities in such designated fields as education, health, transport, communications and so on.
Until such time as these measures have entered into force and are fully implemented and until the
laws and regulations now in force in Eritrea are revised and replaced, existing Eritrean legislation
will remain valid.
Throughout Our nation's history the Ethiopian people have spared no sacrifice to maintain their
unity and independence. Today, closer and more united than ever, they stand ready to guard,
jealously and gallantly, this unity and independence in their peaceful and determined march
toward progress and prosperity. We thank our people of Eritrea who, guided by a deep sense of
patriotism and unity, have laboured without cease to bring about this advancement. We vow
before God that, as We have repeatedly stated, We shall spare no effort to secure the happiness
and advancement of Our people.
We are thankful to Almighty God Who, through His Grace, has spared Us to see this day.
==================================================
Reunion of Eritrea
Proclamation
Order No. 27 of 1962
Termination of the Federal Status of Eritrea and the Application to Eritrea of the System of
Unitary Administration of the Empire of Ethiopia Order
Page24
ORDER No. 27 of 1962
An Order to provide for the Termination of the Federal Status of Eritrea and the
Application to Eritrea of the System of Unitary Administration of the Empire of Ethiopia.
CONQUERING LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH
HAILE SELLASSIE I
ELECT OF GOD, EMPEROR OF ETHIOPIA
WHEREAS, on the 11th September, 1952 the Territory of Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia
under the sovereignty of the Ethiopian Crown; and
WHEREAS, the people of Eritrea have become progressively to realise the disadvantages flown
from the federal system of administration and have increasingly and repeatedly requested the
abolition of this system, which they have never sought, and application to Eritrea of the system of
unitary, administration presently uniformly applied throughout the Empire; and
WHEREAS, the Eritrean Assembly, 1962, has expressed the will of the people of Eritrea that the
federal system of administration be terminated and that Eritrea be wholly integrated into the
unitary system of administration of the Empire of Ethiopia;
NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the desires of the people of Eritrea convinced that the
pace of the economic and social development of the Empire of Ethiopia has been adversely
affected by the application of the federal system of administration, and taking into account the
resolution unanimously adopted by the Parliament of the Empire of Ethiopia on 15th November,
1962 giving full support to the resolution of the Eritrean Assembly, We hereby order as follows:
1. This order may be cited as the "Termination of the Federal Status of Eritrea and the
application to Eritrea of the system of Unitary Administration of the empire of Ethiopia Order,
1962.
2. The federal status of Eritrea with Ethiopia is hereby terminated and Eritrea which continues to
constitute an integral part of the Empire of Ethiopia, is hereby wholly integrated into the unitary
system of administration of Our Empire.
3. The Revised Constitution of Ethiopia given by Us as the Sovereign and Crown of the Empire,
of Ethiopia on 2nd November, 1955 shall continue to be the sole and exclusive Constitution to
apply uniformly throughout the territory of the Empire of Ethiopia.
PDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com
4. All rights, including the right to own and dispose of real property, exemptions, concessions
and privileges of whatever nature theretofore granted, conferred or acquired within Eritrea,
whether by law, order, contract or otherwise, and whether granted or conferred upon or acquired
by Ethiopian or foreign persons, whether natural or legal, shall remain in full force and effect.
5. All rights, powers, duties and obligations of the former Administration of Eritrea become, by
virtue of this Order, the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the Imperial Ethiopian
Government.
6. All enactment, laws and regulations or parts thereof which are presently in force within Eritrea
or which are denominated to be of federal application, to the extent that the application thereof is
necessary to the continued operation of existing administrations, shall, until such time as the
same shall be expressly replaced and repealed by subsequently enacted legislation, remain in full
force and effect, and existing administration shall continue to implement and administer the same
under the authority of the Imperial Ethiopian Government.
7. This Order shall come into effect on 15th November, 1962.
TSAHAFE TAEZAZ AKLILU HABTE WOLD
Prime Minister and Minister of Pen.
Source: Carolina Rediviva University Library, Uppsala – Sweden

Top

* * * * *