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Following is the a reply of His Impe-
rial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie, to
the address of welcome by the Acting
Prime Minister the Hon. Donald Sang-
ster, and the address from the Commis-
sioners and on behalf of the Citizens
of the Corporate Area at the National
Stadium on April 21, 1966.
“Your Excellency, the Governor
General, the Acting Prime Minister: I
wish to say how touched I am at the
reception accorded to me by the people
and Government of Jamaica.
‘I know of the love which the Ja-
maica people entertain for the people
of Ethiopia, and the welcome which
you have given me is evidence of it.
“I know that the Jamaica people
were very sympathetic when Ethiopia
was occupied by the Fascist regime.
During that time, Jamaica as well as
others who had African blood, support-
ed the Ethiopian Liberation Movement.
“And now that we are free we must
therefore assume the responsibility to
work for the greater unity of all peo-
ples of African origin.
Desire fulfilled
“I have always known very much
about Jamaica and have for a long time
wanted to visit Jamaica. I am happy
that God has spared me and I have
had the opportunity to do so on this
occasion and to see Jamaicans as an
independent people. I consider this the
fulfillment of a long-standing desire.
“You all have come from many
tribes; you have encountered many
difficulties. But you have always had
confidence. It is my hope that with that
confidence you are going to continue to
overcome your difficulties and march
towards prosperity and progress and
unity.
“I know that you share the African
people’s sentiments. The Jamaican and
Ethiopian people are brothers and had
had relationships going back a very
long time.
“We rejoice in the progress that you
have achieved. The Ethiopian people
hope that the Jamaican people will en-
joy continued progress and prosperity.
“I wish to take this opportunity
again to express my gratitude to the
people of Jamaica for the grand recep-
tion they have accorded me.
“May God bless you.”
Have for long time wanted
to visit Jamaica
– Selassie