The Walwal conflict which occurred in December 1934 was felt by me like a sudden flash of lightning descended from the sky. But it was obvious that Italy wished this quarrel to take place. I did not delay informing the League of Nations of this incident. I requested, therefore, that the matter be look at according to the text laid down in the 1928 treaty, on the basis of the Leagues agreements in accord with the arbitration provisions, and all these various procedures.
But it was Ethiopia's misfortune that it appeared
absolutely essential to some governments, to obtain Italy's friendship by whatever means on the grounds of the situation in Europe. The price paid for the Italian Government's coercive demands was to hand over Ethiopia's independence.
This secretly contrived agreement, rather than the obligations into which the nations of the world had entered under the League covenant, became an awful burden for all the affairs of Ethiopia that arose at that time. On these grounds Ethiopia and the whole world have experienced great difficulties over this calamity; and to this day these problems persist.
The setting aside of the covenant of the League, then occuring for the first time, has not remained a unique occasion. The Rome Government, feeling reinforced in the policy adopted against Ethiopia, initiated preparations for war, just in case the pressure that began to be exerted upon Ethiopia, turned out to be insufficient to induce the Ethiopian people to accept Italian rule. Hence it was to Italy's advantage to delay matters. Things were dragged out by many kinds of statagems and in various ways, so that the arbitrators who have been chosen for conciliation
were unable to start their work. All sorts of obstacles were devised to prevent the work of the arbitrators being completed. Some governments sought to prohibit the selection of arbitrators from among their nationals. Once the arbitration procedure had been set up, the arbitrators were subjected to pressure to bring in a verdict favorable to Italy. However, all this effort was in vain. The arbitrators, two of whom were Italians, issued a unanimous judgement to the effect that neither in the Walwal incident nor in any subsequent one was there anything to make Ethiopia responsible before the comity of nations.
After this verdict had been given, the Ethiopian Goverment was truly confident in supposing that this would usher in a new era of friendship with Italy. I streched out my hand to the Rome Government in all sincerity.
The Committee of thirteen nations informed the General Assembly, in the report rendered at its meeting on the 6th October 1935 of the details of the entire story in its various stages, beginning with December 1934 until 4th of October 1935.
From the conclusion reached in this report I will now only remind you of the text in paragraphs 24, 25, and 26.
Another segment of this speech will follow in due time. The journey of life continues. Take the best care of yourself and your people.
Again I send many oceans of blessings and self determination tom African people everywhere.
ONE BLACK HEART ONE BLACK LOVE.
Baba Ras Marcus.
