November 1956 - December 1956
Ethiopia Emperor in Rangoon
room Myanmar
people U Ba U Emperor Haile Selassie
The Emperor Haile Selassie I (Conquering Lion of Judah,k descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, Elect of God) reigned Ethiopia from 1930-1974 and was revered by many Rastafarians as the Messiah. He is perhaps best known around the world for leading Ethiopia's resistance to the Italian invasion of 1935-36 and his impassioned appeal to the League of Nations. Few in Myanmar today would remember anything of the Emperor's historic visit over November-December 1956, though he was the only African head of state to have visited Burma. This photograph was taken during a dinner held in his honour at Government House (the President's House), Rangoon, hosted by President U Ba U, after meetings with the Burmese cabinet and a speech to Parliament. Photo credit : Mrs. U Ba Swe