90 years ago: Emperor Haile Selassie’s landmark appeal to the League of Nations

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Ninety years ago, Emperor Haile Selassie delivered a landmark speech to the League of Nations condemning Fascist Italy's invasion of Ethiopia. The address called for collective security and upholding international law, highlighting the dangers of unchecked aggression threatening all nations.

Ninety years ago today, on June 30, 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie delivered one of the most memorable speeches in modern diplomatic history, addressing the League of Nations after Fascist Italy, under Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia. The address was also historic because Haile Selassie became one of the first Black African heads of state—and the first reigning Ethiopian emperor—to personally address an international assembly of nations. In an emotional appeal, the emperor urged the international community to uphold collective security and international law, warning that aggression left unchecked would threaten every nation. His most enduring message was: “It is us today.… The post 90 years ago: Emperor Haile Selassie’s landmark appeal to the League of Nations appeared first on Ethiopia Observer.