| 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 ard
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
strenthened 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 abour
unceasingly to protect these most
precious of God's gifts. |