745F.00/12–853: Telegram
The Consul at Accra ( Cole ) to the Department of State
48. Reference my despatch 99, November 20.1 Seventh conference of West African nationalists took place as scheduled December 5 and 6.
[Page 69]According local press accounts, it was attended by delegates from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gold Coast and Nigeria, including Azikiwe. Liberian Assistant Secretary State Padmore, attended as observer. Conference proposed formation “West African Congress” with membership consisting political parties and organizations in West Africa and objective of establishing “a federal state”.
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Not printed; it transmitted some recent information on the proposed conference of West African nationalists. (745F.00/11–2053) Subsequent to the despatch, Consul Cole sent telegram 46, Nov. 27, which read as follows:
↩“Nkrumah convening conference West African nationalists at Kumasi, December 5 and 6. This evidently an abridged version of proposed meeting mentioned my despatch 151, May 22. About 30 persons believed invited from 4 British colonies and Liberia. Amongst invitees are Awolowo and Azikiwe, although their attendance doubtful. Agenda in very general terms covers education, social political matters.
“Saloway states British here regard conference as innocuous. While not enthusiastic, Nkrumah evidently considers move necessary his prestige.” (745G.00/11–2753)