Fruit of the lipsof

Haile Selassie I.,Emperor of Ethiopia

prewar time1916 - 1935

The title “Fruit of the lips of Haile Selassie I., Emperor of Ethiopia” (Fre kanafer za-Qedamawi Hayle Selase, Negusa Nagast za-Ityopia) was the original title for the large collection of HIM's speeches, published in 1952.

Proclamation after the Battle of Segale

If a campaigning soldier because of the recent battle entered your house and plundered your property, destroyed your crops, then all of you should notify Ligaba Beyyene and we have arranged that you shall receive the estimated [loss]. And do not grieve over your looted property, your destroyed crops and yours laughtered oxen. Take courage: Do not leave your work and roam here and there. And the merchant trade and the farmer plough!

November 3, 1916

Address to the students of Menelik II. School

Children in this school: Do not be sorry saying that (because) you were not born of noble parents and that you are not rich, that you are not many. A person who completes his education without bitterness will (can) get both these positions. Take not of what Solomon says: 'Wisdom is better than a jewel'.(Proverbs 8:11)It is knowledge and love that eradicate lack of love of freedom of (one's) country - (which is) due to lack of knowledge, (and which is also) a shame due to ignorance; and (therefore you should) work hard until you can get knowledge and love.

December 19, 1922

Letter to Abuna Timotewos

To His Holiness Abuna Timotewos, Archbishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. My greetings to Your Holiness:It was my desire to talk to you in Jerusalem and share my intentions with you. Unfortunately, I learned of your sickness and your departure to Egypt, and I was very sorry. I am happy and thankful for the letter you wrote me upon my safe arrival in Jerusalem.Now that we could not meet here and talk, I though I should write this letter to inform you of my intentions which I hope you will read and consider so that we will talk about it when I come to Egypt. When the rest of the world was in constant conflict regarding faith and order, Egypt and Ethiopia always had along history behind their closeness and friendship.Wherever other nations have been able to come close in friendly relations only to go into conflict later on, Ethiopia an Egypt never had in their history such disparities as might endanger their relationship.However, as of late, a conflict has developed between us on the question of patrimonial rights in Jerusalem; and this has only served as a source of disappointment for the people and our government. Earlier attempts were made by Emperor Menelik to settle the matter, but his efforts were short lived by his death. And now, with the same intention of settling the matter amicably, we sent our representatives to Patriarch Abuna Kerilos and King Fa’ud, but nothing materialized.Now, too, it is our wish that the matter be settled peacefully, for if it be that we should take the matter before justice and you or us win the case, the disputes thereof will only leave a scar and we will be sowing enmity between us. What is more, there is a rumour that the Ethiopians and the Egyptians who have co-existed faithful to each other, as Fathers and Sons, are now in serious conflict, and the Churches are closed to services and

Mass-saying. This rumour, if it made its way into our non-Christian adversaries, would only serve as a source of happiness for them. What would we benefit from fighting over the material when we happen to be one and united in the eternal Faith? So, we hope and we are as much sure that you will make all the efforts to find easier solutions to the matter.If you could help remove the block which the curse of the devil has managed to put between you and us, the long friendship between Ethiopia and Egypt will grow ever stronger and remain ever intact, and we assure you that your name pass down into our history. As a matter of fact, my primary purpose in coming to Jerusalem was to discuss the matter with you and bring about favourable solutions. I would be most grateful if you could help in bringing about the desired solutions. Thus, I would be honoured, and the friendship between us two would certainly be a source of happiness for the Ethiopian people.

April 1924

Giving advice to the notables

1.Now, starting from today, respect each other and call each other “my brother”. If you who are tied together by one faith, by one government, by one flag do not respect each other, how can foreigners respect you? And the Gospel says: “Love each other!” You should write to each other respectfully, using “you” [the polite form of address] not only for old age but also to him we have appointed after having taken his ability into consideration; but do not address each other “thou”, saying that “he is my mate, he is a child of yesterday”.2. When it comes to work, everyone has got different gifts. Without despising each other, it is proper – if one man’s work is spoilt – that the second one should correct the one who has

spoilt by advice. But to backbite and to say, “It is not my work. It does not concern me”, will destroy your unity.3. All work that is brought to completion is accomplished by love and cooperation. If there is no love and cooperation – however well the work is done, it looks bad and love is best of all. Write love in your hearts!4. Educate your children, both the girls and the boys. The person who does not educate his child counts as a murderer.

1924

Receiving a throne from the British Government

Honourable Minister, On this day we receive with pleasure this throne given by the British government to the Ethiopian government.Also Your honourable Minister know that Her Majesty the Queen, sitting on her father’s throne, loves that the love of the British and the Ethiopian government should be strengthened and she begs you that you will bring them her happiness with her gratitude.And because this memorial from His Majesty George V. and the British government and people of my visit to England, because this monument of friendship is planted on account of me – revealing a sign of unforgettable love-ties between the two governments – my happiness is boundless. And this explains that the two governments have the imperial crown in their hands and this throne which we receive –having the rose carved on it – this rose, which does not dry, shows us the blooming love, which does not fall, between the to governments, countries and peoples; and it is our wish to explain to you that this memorial will be of unending pleasure before our government and our people.

And you, since you came recently, have been fortunate to have been twice a bringer of happiness and we must express our gratitude to you.And now, on this occasion, we pray that God will give long life and good health to His Majesty King George V and to all his family.

10 October 1925

Telegram to the President of Portugal

To His Excellency Mr. Teixeira, the President of the Republic of Portugal, Lisbon.Your Excellency the President. I have received the telegram you sent to me in the name of the government of the Republic about the award of the Order of the Grand Cross of the Tour of Epée, with the medal. And while accepting this with pleasure – and also because of friendship between the Ethiopian and Portuguese governments, which is of long standing, is well known in Ethiopian history; and because I understand that the long-standing friendship is now by this award renewed and strengthened – I express my gratitude. And I hope that also in the future Ethiopia and Portugal will be tied together in love and that their friendship will be strong forever.

1925

Salary increment of the works of customs office

This salary increment which we have given you is like the farmer who saw the seed he had sown sprouting. But, after the seed which the farmer had sown sprouted, he sees the

seedlings. He roots up the weeds and when the time of harvesting comes, he is very satisfied. So also you, when you see all your work well done; and when you find as a result of your efforts great praise and honour, you will no doubt be very pleased.

October 22, 1925

Telegram to the Italian Minister Conti Colli

To His Excellency Mr. Conti Colli, the Italian government's Minister pleniopotentiary. I have read with pleasure the letter you kindly sent me on 3 Sene 1918 (10 June 1926), informing me of the telegram that came from the Italian government's Prime Minister, from His Excellency Mr. Mussolini.I thank you very much for informing me that His Excellency Mr. Mussolini – in the name of the Italian government – says that there are no evil plans towards Ethiopia, but that – following completely their friendly intentions – the policy they pursue is one of love ad mutual, and that it is to respect my country's freedom and whatever is necessary for her (my country).And concerning his plans, I had no misgivings; and I beg you to kindly inform the Italian government's Prime Minister Mr. Mussolini, that I have full confidence in his good intentions (love) and that I hope that (also) in the future they will always be constant and become stronger.

June 16, 1926

Message of principle to the League of Nations

Our government has received identical letters from both the British and Italian governments. And these two letters show that these two governments are in (full) agreement with each other. That means that in this agreement they have decided to help each other. The first (point of the agreement) is to work at Lake Tana. The second point is to stretch out (build) a railway across the country. We are exceedingly surprised that the two governments have risen (conspired) against us and united without our knowledge and made an agreement (concerning Ethiopia) in secret, without informing us (beforehand).When we previously joined the League of Nations, it was said that all people are equal and that freedom will be respected. This idea of the League (of Nations) is just as God has commanded us, (which is) to strengthen and to make peace among people. Of the nations that joined this League, some of them made a separate agreement to rise against others; but it was never agreed that they should be able to force them to accept the plans that were (seen to be) to their (exclusive) advantage. Especially as it is found that such a plan is not useful and not agreeable to the country (Ethiopia) and her people, it gives us pleasure to say that the government of Ethiopia will oppose this plan and action of oppression and the way of injustice with real justice in every given way; and by all means she (Ethiopia) will rise up with great vigour against zealous ones that have conspired to oppose her (Ethiopia's) freedom with nice and flattering words. It is true that tame the waters of the blue and to irrigate (the land of) Sudan is a work of progress (civilization).Furthermore, if it is not problematic to join quickly (the territories of) Somaliland and Eritrea, this plan is not

disagreeable (to us). But in general, when the matter is considered today, these two territories are found to be in a difficult position. But anyhow, if this is in any way an acceptable idea, to plan to do this right away. Like an owner (of the land), on the territory of another government, without the permission and good will – this is not a proper procedure. But whether it is done openly or secretly; because they plan to enter Ethiopia and seize her territory, the government if Ethiopia vigorously opposes everything they do. The Ethiopian government rejects political relations and in promoting commerce and industry but are in reality false friends.The Ethiopian government should not be blamed for opposing zealous people – who say they want to expand the way of civilization – from entering her territory. This (opposition) is because it is well known that the real intention of these people is to destroy her (Ethiopia's) freedom.

September 3, 1926

Proclamation about confirmation of ownership to land

Any inhabitant of this country who up to now has had the use of land shall not be evicted, but his ownership to the land shall be firm and certain.From this day on, anyone found guilty will be punished physically and economically according to his offence after he has surrendered; but he will not be evicted from his land for any crime whatsoever. However, in case any man commits a serious crime against the King and the government and if he surrenders, his land shall pass to his child if he has a child and if he has no child, it shall pass to a relative who has rights of inheritance up to the third generation; but he shall not be

evicted.And to the criminal who has been arrested, the child or relative who has taken over his land shall give sustenance in the amount decided by government. And if the offender gets a child after he has been sentenced for his offence, the relatives who have been given his land shall keep the land, but so that they keep half of the land on which they pay tax and give half to his child.And if the offender feels rankled and resentful and accepts a child which he has not borne as his illegitimate child –unless it is his legitimate child born from his wife, the land shall not be given to anyone other which he says he begot, so that there latives who have inherited shall not be troubled.

October 21, 1928

Proclamation about education

Everyone who has a child and does not educate the child to read and write so that it can find knowledge to distinguish between bad and good and to fear the King and the Creator shall be fined 50 birr each; and the money fines shall be given to the Church to be for food and clothes for the poor.And all you who are Father Confessors advise your [spiritual] children to educate their children. After you have advised them two or three times to educate their children and if they do not accept your advice, they disobey this proclamation and then notify the governor. And you who are rural song leaders (= merigeta), combine it with your other duties in each church to teach the children of the people in your parish (= sebeka) to read and to write. And all you who are heads of main churches, preach spiritual knowledge – useful to know the Creator – to the faithful in your main churches in a way they can

understand.But if you remain without teaching, you will be degraded to a lower position. And all you who have children, after your child has learned to read and write, make it learn any one of the manual skills that you like of the handicrafts that are in your country, so that it shall not have problems in finding money needed for his life and livelihood. But if you have remained without teaching it any manual skill before marriage, you shall pay a fine of 50 birr as a compensation for disability, half of which shall go to a school for the poor.And the child who is told to learn the education numbered [above] is between 7 and 21 years old; and if the father is said not to have educated his child over the age mentioned above, shall not be fined.

October 21, 1928

Five Proclamations

1) About abolishment of forced labour, landlords and peasants, land inheritance. Because the tillers who plough the soil are the feeders of the people, they shall be exempted from forced labour for the government from now on. And you who are landlords, if the peasant wants to work on the land you have received from the government, he can plough three days in a year for you. But if he does not want to, he should only give you three qunna [c. 30kg] of the standardized qunna [c. 10kg], but do not go to the door of the peasant who ploughs by his hand to order him: Bring a donkey load, plough, set up the fence, carry the load, bring provisions, be my carrier! Concerning making stores for the tithes and working for the church, let him work as usual

from Yekkatit [~ February] to Miyazya [~ March], when no ploughing is done and when no harvest is gathered. But let him not be ordered during the other ten months when work is done with ploughing and harvesting.And you who are landlords and landowners, do not order the peasants to cultivate or do work beyond the usual five days of ploughing per year. And you landlords and you peasants – the benefit of your land is both for you and for the government, and cultivate your land or cause it to be cultivated. And unless the harvest fails or you get problems – if you do not cultivate your land or cause it to be cultivated due to laziness, if you are not able to pay the tithes, you will be required to pay the full tithes from the produce of other similar land cultivated with diligence and in the proper way. And cultivate with energy.And you landlords, the tenants [= chisenya: a tenant who his own house on the landlords land] you have assigned to work on your land – except for working on your land according to the law – shall do house-work for you and build your fences outside the harvesting time. But if you order them during ploughing time and when the harvest is gathered in, you shall give grain [lit. “the ox’s shoulder] to the peasants and pay tithes to the government if you destroy his harvest.But the money-rich tenant who does not cultivate himself but hires other peasants to cultivate shall pay tribute to the government and to the landlord as formerly. And the governor shall give a stamped slip of paper saying, “He [the peasant] shall not be touched”, to the peasant-tiller. By this their number – that they live by farming and are exempted from forced labour – can be known. And he shall be exempted.Everyone who has inherited uncultivated land which has not previously been cultivated or developed, let him in the future cultivate and develop it; if the land is lowland (= qolla) – which gives no income [not even] the price of grass, for the owner – and if he develops uncultivated land on which wild animals

(=tebay) live, he shall not pay tribute or tithes the first year. The second year he shall pay one fourth of the tribute and one thirtieth of the tithes. The third year shall he pay half of the tribute and one twentieth of the tithes. But the fourth year he shall pay the tribute in full and one tenth of the tithes.If the land is highland or in temperate zone and if it is completely uncultivated land without wild animals, the one who develops it shall pay half of the tribute and one twentieth of the tithes the first year. The second year he shall pay two thirds of the tribute in full and one tenth of the tithes.And if a man who has inherited uncultivated land which was previously uncultivated and undeveloped says that he has been exempted from tribute and tithes but he neglects his land without developing it due to laziness – when his oxen are not dead and he is not sick – he shall pay a third of the tribute to first year, half of the tribute the second year, all the tribute the third year to each landlord and tithes shall be paid according to an estimate, if he is seen never to have started. Even if it is said that his land is still uncultivated, he shall be shown no leniency.But who has land previously cultivated and developed shall pay the tribute and the tithes as it was previously by law.

2) About cattle-breeding

Until we get agricultural machinery sufficient for out country, no man who has a fertile cow or an ox which can pull the plough shall slaughter the cow or the ox on the occasion of a saint’s day or a memorial feast for a dead relative. But if the cow is barren and the ox is lazy or old or skittish, it is not forbidden to slaughter it if the local governor is notified and the neighbour testifies. If cattle-breeding is known, no man is allowed to export surplus cattle from the area without permission from the government.

3)About creating employment for the unemployed

Except for priests and those who serve God by spiritual services and peasants who cultivate and trading merchants, soldiers carrying guns to protect the country, craftsman who pay taxes for their handicrafts and younger children of nobles [= baletur: children of nobles who have not inherited a title and property] who are respected because of their status and except for those who are troubled by a disease or old age: - all who are able to work and are in good health and are unemployed and live in the rural areas – so as not to become vagabonds [= weslatta: vagabond, lazy, idle] because of their unemployment – shall be ordered [to work] and they shall receive only food for the work done for the peasant-farmer who hired them. And according to this present regulation, instead of the [forced labour] which has been abolished, these shall be carriers of loads, house-builders, fence-makers, weeders and reapers for the local governor.Even urban dwellers shall in the same way be ordered to work – for their food only – making town roads. But they shall not stay unemployed like vagabonds.

4) Church regulations

As a sure sign of a Christian up to now is to fast, to honour religious holidays and to pray, all who are Christians shall not dare to violate the rule about fasting decreed by the Church. Let no one dare to violate the rule of fasting decreed by law. And let prayer also not be missed. And let no Sabbath or religious holiday ordered by law be neglected. Anyone who violates this rule shall be fined according to his fault. And of the money fine, one third shall go to his accuser and the judge who fines him and two thirds shall be income for a religious school.

5) About payment to craftsmen

Anyone who knows a manual craft and its value, let him work as he wants [after] having agreed about the price, except that he must pay as tax what he has been specified by law that he shall pay from his products each year. But you who are village headman, district officer or mayor in a town or any local official: - do not compel him to do work of any kind for the government, the church or yourself without paying him. If you violate this word and order him to work and if the worker defeats you in court, you shall pay the double price for what he has made. And all you who know a manual craft or other work: - if a official informs you that any job beneficial to the government or the people and the country needs to be done urgently, do the job for the proper pay. But do not refuse. If you refuse you will be punished. And after you have agreed about the price, do the job. And all you who employ people, give four hours’ rest to the worker in a [twelve hour] day and make him work only for eight hours but do not force him to work from morning till evening.

1928

Letter to Abune Yohannes

To Your Holiness Abune Yohannes.I have received your telegram. We have seen the message by telegram announcing that you have allowed the appointment of one Archbishop of good character and two Egyptian bishops to help him, and from us, that the rank of bishop be given to one person, the Icchege. But this idea is not in line with our idea, to facilitate the problem of education. And the two Egyptians

added do not even know our language, and may it be your will that the scholars we select and send you together with our messengers whom we need today – for the present – to teach in our language. Even if there is found to be a law forbidding this procedure in the church, you must inform [the Egyptian Christians] why we need [Ethiopian bishops]; and as you have informed them about the canon law forbidding this procedure and if the Archbishop who is coming has been told that he cannot appoint here, let those we select and send to you be appointed there and let them come to us together with the Archbishop.We do not say this in opposition to your will and to reduce the trust between father and child; however, I beg you to understand that the wish of our people is identical with that message which we sent you previously.

December 1928

Address to German Ambassador

We have been very pleased by your speech for two reasons. First, it is proper that Blattengeta Hiruy should receive this honour (rank) and fame (name). Second, because it inspires Ethiopia's future youth to be diligent for education and knowledge so that they can attain such distinction. And we beg your Excellence to express our gratitude to the learned society for having considered giving this certificate to Blattengeta Hiruy.

May 29, 1929

To the Spiritual Council about the sees of the new bishops

Our country Ethiopia is large and her people and churches is large, and those who want to become priests or deacons face many difficulties due to the long way to Addis Abeba; realizing this and in order to ease the difficulties and in order to spread spiritual education, we have corresponded with the Patriarch of Alexandria, Abune Yohannes, to appoint many bishops for us; and because he allowed us this, one Archbishop and five Ethiopian bishops have been appointed for the time being by the generosity of God, and they have come to us. Previously, Emperor John had a similar idea, he brought four Egyptian bishops. But in those days, the remote areas had not been subdued and not extended as today; and the first bishop was assigned to Tigray, the second bishop to Shewa, the third bishop to Gojjam. But because the fourth died as soon as he arrived in Ethiopia, he was not assigned to any area.But now, since Ethiopia is developing and expanding, we have thought of dividing and assigning specific sees to the one Archbishop and the five bishops that have now been appointed; therefore, inform us about your thoughts concerning the division of the country so as to include areas to be assigned.

1929

Telegram to French Republican Government

To His Excellency, Mr. Doumergue, the President of the French republic government.As the aeroplane which Ethiopia imported from France, from the Company of Potez, (and which) arrived in Addis at 9 a.m., was flown from Djibouti by a French citizien, Mr. Maillet, and

also because an aeroplane came to Ethiopia for the first time during Your Excellency's and our (life-)tine, we (wish to) share our joy with you.

August 19, 1929

Enthronement Proclamation

Proclamation in the name of the Heir Prince and Regent Plenipotentiary of the Ethiopian Kingdom, His Majesty King Tafari Makonnen in occasion of His ascending the Imperial Throne with the name of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I., King of Kings of Ethiopia.

In accordance with the Proclamation which our Creator abiding in His people, and electing us, did cause to be made, we have lived without breach of our Covenant as mother and son.Now, in that by the law and commandment of God, none that is human may avoid return to earth, Her Majesty the Empress, after a few days of sickness, has departed this life. The passing of Her Majesty the Empress is grievous for myself and for the whole of the empire. Since it is the long-standing custom that when a King, the Shepherd of his people, shall die, a King replaces him, I being upon the seat of David to which I was betrothed, will, by God's charity, watch over you. Trader, trade! Farmer, plough! I shall govern you by the law and ordinance that has come, handed down from my fathers.

April 3, 1930

Proclamation Governor Begemdir and Sayyint

The Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Haile Selassie I., Elect of God, King of Kings of Ethiopia.

I have made Ras Kasa governor over the area of Begemdir and Sayyint above the River Ribb and supervisor of the area below Ribb; and you people of Begemdir: Ras Gugsa had earlier begged me to transfer him to Yejju, and we told him that it was harvest time and that he should leave the soldiers of Begemdir; but when we ordered him to take with him the married men and servants from the area above Ribb and come to Well and fight the Galla/Oromo who had rebelled some time ago, he called up even you – without our permission, and he troubled you during the long rainy season, and in the end he spread lies about things that had not been done; I have investigated all this damage which you caused by your ignorance and Ras Gugsa's malice, and because I have discovered the truth – that blood was spilt; but still I have had mercy on your bodies which should be punished; and now both wrongdoers who fought against the government and you who supported them but without fighting; let me find you at Debre Tabor before the judge. But unless you show your willingness by coming by the Sunday one week after Easter, you will be considered guilty.

April 12, 1930

Proclamation about Church buildings

To provincial governors and district governors:You who are arranging you own house and neglecting the peasantry, who cry: “We have been harmed” and do not build churches – which are for the welfare of the soul and for a peaceful life where one prays for peace – in the areas we have given you to govern: because churches which have collapsed are not restored after they have fallen in ruins as there is no sympathizer, it has caused harm to the soul and pain to the flesh; and therefore rebuild any planted church in your area that has collapsed! Restore the old! The sign of Christianity and the foundation of the faith is to build churches.And for this reason, do not harm the poor by ordering without propriety! And after the area have contributed money and strength and restored, i shall help them with the additional work and money; and let me know through Dejjazmach Desta Damtew about any problems.But if the churches are left unrestored one year after this proclamation and if we hear that the collapsed have not been rebuilt, he shall pay a fine double the amount that the work of the church is estimated to cost. And this money will be given for the building of the church and various other matters.

July 1930

Proclamation about mourning

Everyone knows of the death of my daughter, and it brings sorrow not only to me, her father, but to all of us who knew her. Her death was triply sorrowful since she was young, and did not live her life; since she was newly married and had not

lived to enjoy her marriage; since she died with her child unborn, never knowing motherhood. But, though we sorrow, sorrow will not bring her back. If we weep it shows we do not believe our bible, here it is written 'we will arise again.' If we believe that, we must hope and not cry, and trust that we will see those who have dies, nor hurt ourselves sorrowing that they have left this life. Our customs are wrong in many things, and we must break them where they are wrong. If I had advised you how to follow funeral laws, you might say in your hearts that he says for us to do this, but if occasion arose for him, he would do differently. Now my daughter is dead and you have seen how I behaved. I cried as much as was necessary to relieve my human heart. I wore the cloths that were necessary to show my sorrow. I stayed in my palace three days to receive those who came to see me and sorrow with me. These things were done, for human politeness is a virtue. For wearing cloths that were all black, no, I wore the white of happiness that she is in heaven. For myself I want not even a little black worn. Show your sorrow for me by prayer instead of blackening all your cloths, by shaving your hair, by jumping into the grave and weeping, and by scratching your skin on your burnooses. As I have done at the death of my daughter, from today must it be done by the people. A black ribbon may be sewn around the shamma. Three days you may sorrow in your houses. After that, though death is bitter in your mouth, go out and do your work. Who stays in his house more than three days does not follow my advice. He makes himself greater than me to sorrow more than me, and his display will not mean sorrow but mockery to me. I understand that in the country this custom will be slower to spread, but hope you will make it known to all my people, so that from here to the borders of my kingdom, the old things will be forgotten and you sill sorrow as I have said and shown. If the seed does not grow, the planter gets no further grain to plant. We have sown in heaven, and if we

believe not that our seed will grow in heaven, then we may mourn as we had accustomed to mourn, as animals mourn; but if we know the seed will grow, then let us sorrow the three days to ease our human hearts and then resume our daily work, knowing the seed will grow.

March 1933

The speeches were taken from "የሕደወት፡ማስታወ፡አቤቶ፡ኢያሱ፡እቲጊ፡ዘውዲቱ", written by Gebre-Igziabher Elyas (1945), translated by R.K. Molvaer.Only the speech 'Letter to Timotewos' was taken from “Know Jerusalem” by His Holiness Abuna Philippos (Ethiopian Archbishop) Addis Ababa, Berhanena Salam Haile Selassie I Print Press, 1964

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