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Telegram 5401 From the Embassy in Nigeria to the Department of State, June 13, 1969, 1653Z
Abstract
June 13, 1969, 1653Z
Ambassador Mathews reported on his meeting with Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, and Arikpo, Nigerian Federal Commissioner for External Affairs. Gowon stated that the Federal Military Government (FMG) would do all possible to prevent shooting down genuine relief flights. Aircraft that did not comply with Nigerian Air Force instructions would be subject to attack. The FMG wanted to terminate or reduce the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) role in Nigeria.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27-9 Biafra-Nigeria. Secret; Immediate. Repeated priority to Addis Ababa. Also repeated to Cotonou, Geneva, Lisbon, and London. The Department replied in telegram 97185, June 13, that it agreed that Gowon's assurances were the most they could hope for at this stage and under the circumstances it was urgent that both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Joint Church Aid U.S.A., Inc. (JCA) carefully screen cargo on all future flights to ensure there was nothing aboard which the FMG might consider non-relief items. Ibid.
Ambassador Mathews reported on his meeting with Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, and Arikpo, Nigerian Federal Commissioner for External Affairs. Gowon stated that the Federal Military Government (FMG) would do all possible to prevent shooting down genuine relief flights. Aircraft that did not comply with Nigerian Air Force instructions would be subject to attack. The FMG wanted to terminate or reduce the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) role in Nigeria.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27-9 Biafra-Nigeria. Secret; Immediate. Repeated priority to Addis Ababa. Also repeated to Cotonou, Geneva, Lisbon, and London. The Department replied in telegram 97185, June 13, that it agreed that Gowon's assurances were the most they could hope for at this stage and under the circumstances it was urgent that both the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Joint Church Aid U.S.A., Inc. (JCA) carefully screen cargo on all future flights to ensure there was nothing aboard which the FMG might consider non-relief items. Ibid.
Biafran War Database.
Editor: Azuka Nzegwu.
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