UCI-HIM-Haile-Selassie-I-Wisdom-23-International-Politics

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

In matters of foreign policy 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 negotiations, without recourse to violence. 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.

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.

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 the 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.

Personal Diplomacy

International friendship can be strengthened and deepened by the personal exchange of ideas between leaders of nations.

What the economically backward countries are looking forward to, however is the application of the money now dumped on
destructive armament to the solution of economic problems.

The Need for Concerted Action

What is called for at this critical time is for the international community to move from mere rejection and condemnation to
taking action. The international community has many options, but what has been lacking so far is political will.

The world is only now coming to realize what Ethiopia and Africa have long recognized, that peace, independence and
prosperity of mankind can be achieved and assured only by the collective and united efforts of free men who are prepared to
maintain eternal vigilance and labour unceasingly to protect these most precious of God's gifts.