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His Majesty's speech at the League of Nations continue:
Ever since December 1935 I had noted with much distress that the governments were regarding as entirely valueless the obligations under which they had entered into the League covenant. The relationship which they had with Italy made them unwilling to accept anything to stop the work of aggression which Italy had undertaken.
Moreover, it was the position of some governments that made me very dejected. These governments, while unceasingly delaring the faith which they reposed in the League of Nations, were equally unceasingly striving to prevent the law of the League being carried out. Some governments, when some sound proposals was tabled that would at once arrest the work of the aggressor, were causing delay with many pretexts, so that the matters should not come up for discussion-let alone be carried out. The secret aggreements made in the month of January 1935, were they intended to presage this work of obstruction?
The Ethiopian Government did not expect other governments, whose direct interests were not involved, to shed their soldiers blood for the defence of the League's covenant. What the warriors of Ethiopia did expect was merely the means they required for their defence. I had therefore asked many times to obtain the funds necessary for the purchase of arms. I was denied this assistance. What then is the explanation of the wording of article 16 in the League's covenant or, indeed, of the solemn promoses made that the nations would stand together and, by mutual assistance, prevent the extinction of security?
Many difficulties have been brought up to prevent the transport of arms intended for Ethiopia by the Jibuti-Addis Ababa railway and, equally, to stop the entry by that route of equipment, at the required time, that would be of service to the Ethiopian Government. Yet, for the present this is the principal route of transportation of supplies and arms for the Italian army which has entered Ethiopia illicitly. Even the rules of neutrality should prohibit the loading of equipment of this kind to reach the Italian forces at the places where they are at present. This being so, under the wording of article 16 of the covenant of League of Nations, it is improper for the neutrality clauses to be waived in this case, for all governments who are league members have to suspend their neutrality if one government attacts another, as it is incumbent upon them to offer help, not to the aggressor but to the victim of the attact. In this manner, has the covenant been observed in the past? And is it possible to say it is being respected today?
His Majesty's speech at the League of Nations is to be continued.
The journey of life continues. Take the best care of yourself and your people.
Again Isend many oceans of blessings and self determination to African people everywhere.
ONE BLACK HEART ONE BLACK LOVE.
Baba Ras Marcus.
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