382. Telegram From Department of State to the Embassy in Ghana1

177827. 1. Coup attempt in Ghana may upset plans for meeting there of Nigerian SMC in second Aburi conference under Ankrah auspices. On other hand Ankrah may be spurred to keep meeting on early schedule to use it as clear evidence of stability of NLC. In order to keep momentum of Nigerian mediation efforts, however, request views of Embassies Lagos and London on utility of seeking more active intervention by Emperor of Ethiopia in Nigerian picture.

2. For Addis Ababa. Appreciate in light of Addis 6397 Notal2 that this may not be most appropriate time seek Emperor’s intervention. Realize moreover that only few days remain (April 22) before his trip Bermuda, US, Canada and West Germany. Nevertheless, in light Ghana developments, Emperor may be only African figure who can still make significant contribution toward prevention disintegration Nigeria. However we would not wish undercut Ghana efforts if there still possibility of success.

3. Embassy Lagos requested discuss possible role of Emperor with UK HICOM and Embassy London with CO re validity of suggested actions by Emperor:

a.
Emperor would address communication to Ankrah encouraging him to proceed with projected second Aburi meeting.
b.
In above message to Ankrah he would ask if there were any way he could be helpful during Aburi Two and affirm his willingness to assist mediation in any way possible at beginning of or following his return from trip.
c.
Send separate message to Nigerian SMC. In this he could state that recent instances of instability in Africa have been damaging to its reputation and future prospects for development and progress. It would be tragedy for entire continent if Nigeria, a key country with bright potential for itself and rest of Africa, should be shattered or if Ghana should fail in this major reconciliation effort. Accordingly he would urge Nigeria’s leaders make major urgent effort resolve their differences in spirit of reason and accommodation at Accra or elsewhere.

4. Embassy Accra’s comments requested on prospects for early meeting there and possible reaction to suggested HIM initiatives. However [Page 651] our possible intervention with Emperor should not be mentioned to GOG.

5. If reactions favorable, Ambassador Korry would seek immediate appointment with HIM or FonMin in order solicit views as to what they or we might do to preserve Nigeria. In such interview talking points would include context suggested message from Emperor to Ankrah, supplemented by our fears of delay in second Aburi meeting. They would be told we recognize Gowon’s sensitivities if he and Ojukwu were singled out as sole disputants. If Ojukwu given equal status with Gowon, latter might well be cool to any initiatives. Among various moves which we think might occur to Ethiopians, three points of Para. 3 above would be raised. Substantive action would be urged as having salutary effect on relationships between Nigerian regions. Hence US making this approach to HIM as a recognized leader of Africa and peacemaker.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15 NIGERIA. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Melbourne and Country Director for Ethiopia Matthew J. Looram, cleared by Trimble, and approved by Palmer. Also sent to Addis Ababa, Lagos, and London.
  2. Reference is presumably to telegram 3697 from Addis Ababa, April 18. (Ibid., POL 15–1 ETHIOPIA)