ON
LIBERATION:
"THE GOLDEN DECLARATION" Jan. 22, 1940.
Our people of Ethiopia! Listen!
Thanks be to Almighty God who is impartial to all. Who can
break the arms of the strong and who stands by the oppressed.
When Our long-time enemy, Italy, crossed Our border and occupied
Our country by aggressive force, we fought to defend Our country
as much as we could and then went to Europe to solicit help
while you, patriots of Ethiopia, continued the struggle and
waited for us fighting day and night in the forests and mountains
against the militarily superior brutal enemy, in taking advantage
of your natural heroism as your greatest weapon, never putting
aside your swords, abandoning your flag or surrendering to
alien rule.
As you now see, your five-year struggle has made it possible
for you to witness the fruits of your efforts and sacrifices.
We have told you before that we have brought for you with
us, the aid of Great Britain which promised us to completely
dispel Our enemy from Our country and restore Our independence.
Our happiness is boundless when we announce to you that we
have returned to Our beloved country, with God's will, and
to be present amidst Our people whom We have been missing
for some time.
Our people of Ethiopia
You know how grim life is to people robbed of their government,
independence and their motherland. The time has now come when
each and everyone of us should protect and serve Our beloved
country, Ethiopia, with more zeal and vigour.
The Almighty God has been merciful to all of us. Therefore,
we have given mercy to those of you who, willingly or unwillingly,
betrayed your country and your Emperor while here or abroad,
and we urge you, wherever you may be, to raise your arms against
the enemy who has come, determined to destroy your race, confiscate
your property and spoil your name. Now you must throw him
out of Ethiopia.
Italy is now in great despair, pressured by Great Britain's
air, sea and land forces and those Italian soldiers remaining
in Our country will not be beyond the challenge of Our reliable
patriotic forces. We express Our gratitude to the government
and people of Great Britain, for all the world to hear, on
behalf of you and Ourselves, for the warm, generous and cordial
reception and welcome they accorded us during Our most trying
period.
Long live independent Ethiopia! Long live Great Britain!
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