January 1st, 1948 – Addis Ababa

Speaking before a crowd at Guenete Leul Palace, the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, His Imperial Majessty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Elect of God announced to his people his Imperial agenda for the year 1948. He promised great changes for the country, including industrialization and the industrialization of agriculture. He promised increased voting privileges to the people, and a plan to make Addis Ababa into a capital for the entire continent. “If Cairo is Berlin, then Addis Ababa will be Paris” he said. All of these promises weren’t quite elaborated on, though Selassie assured those gathered that his administration would announce more detail in the coming months. He also stresses the importance of international connections, and Ethiopia’s important role on the international stage. To accommodate, he announced that he will be partaking in a Grand Tour of Diplomacy, traveling across the world and meeting with leaders. He made his agenda public, though flight dates remained confidential. The tour will begin in July.

• Egypt - His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to discuss with the most powerful African state a future of increased cooperation and increased pan-Africanism
• Yugoslavia – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with Marshal Tito

• France – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with the French to discuss investment and development, as well as French colonial policy

• Sweden - His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with the Swedes to discuss cooperation, investment, development, and neutrality

• United Kingdom – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with the British to discuss investment and development, British colonial policy, and the situation of Ogaden occupation as well as Eritrea

• United States – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with the Americans to discuss investment and development as well as US African policy

• India – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with the Indians to discuss closer ties.

• Balochistan – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I has always wanted to visit Balochistan

• Iran – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I wishes to meet with His Majesty the Shah of Iran