SPEECH BY H.I.M. HAILE SELASSIE I, CALIFORNIA 28TH FEBRUARY 1968.
"Although our position vis-a-vis the power-blocs is identified with the
policy of non-alignment, our past history testifies to the fact that we
have always endeavored to cooperate with all nations, without exception.
Thus, one of the fundamental principles we have agreed upon at the Addis
Ababa Summit Conference gives expression to our fundamental desire to
live in harmony and cooperation with all States."
"On the question of racial discrimination, the Addis Ababa Conference
taught, to those who will learn, this further lesson:"
"that until the philosophy which holds one race superior and
another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and
abandoned; that until there are no longer any first-class and
second-class citizens of any nation; that until the color of a
man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his
eyes; that until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed
to all, without regard to race -- until that day, the dreams of
lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of
international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to
be pursued but never attained. And also, that until the ignoble
and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in
Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been
toppled and destroyed; until bigotry and prejudice and
malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by
understanding, tolerance and good-will; until all Africans
stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men as
they are in Heaven -- until that day the African continent will
not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary and we
know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of
good over evil."
"The United Nations has done much, both directly and indirectly, to speed
the disappearance of discrimination and oppression from the earth.
Without the opportunity to focus world opinion on Africa and Asia which
this Organization provides, the goal might, for many, still lie ahead,
and the struggle would have taken far longer. For this we are truly
grateful."
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