113. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon 1 2
SUBJECT:
- Norman Cousinsʼ Trip to Nigeria/Biafra
As you authorized, I told Norman Cousins today by telephone that there is no objection to his proceeding on his own to explore Gowonʼs and Ojukwuʼs positions. He is leaving for Nigeria in the next few days,
Cousins intends to ask each of them for his views on what role the U.S. might play in advancing the possibilities for meaningful negotiations. His approach to Ojukwu will be the more specific, asking what kind of proposals the U.S. might make and whether the U.S., or any other nation or nations, should have a role in the talks themselves. He will also make disclaimers to both to the effect that the U.S. has no desire to interfere where it is not wanted.
Cousins will say that he is asking his questions on his own, but has reason to believe that they would find encouragement by the U.S. Government in efforts to negotiate a settlement.
If Gowon and Ojukwu respond positively, we can then give confirmation.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 52, Country Files, Africa, “Cousins, Norman” Biafra. Secret; Nodis. Sent for information. This copy of the memorandum is not initialed.↩
- Kissinger confirmed the unofficial trip by Saturday Review editor Norman Cousins with no U.S. involvement unless Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, and Lieutenant Colonel Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, responded positively.↩