Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–5, Part 1, Documents on Sub-Saharan Africa, 1969–1972

144. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Haig) to the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)¹ ²

Washington, December 5, 1969

SUBJECT:

• Items to discuss with Elliot Richardson on Friday December 5, 1969, 1:00 p.m. - Luncheon

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Nigeria.]

10. Appeal for Christmas Humanitarian Truce in Biafra. I (Roger Morris) propose we put before the President the choice of issuing a major appeal for a week or so of truce around Christmas to fly in emergency relief to the increasingly desperate Biafrans:

—It should be a joint appeal, enlisting the Pope, Trudeau, Heads of State of the major European donors, and any Africans who will come along, especially Haile Selassie.

—It would be strictly for relief, with no political demands on the parties.

—Even if it fails, the Presidentʼs position would be visibly strengthened for the further tragedy that lies ahead, whatever the course of the war.

—Clyde Ferguson is very enthusiastic about this idea and thinks we could get everyone to sign on. The African Bureau can be expected to drag its feet for the usual reasons of Nigerian and general African sensitivities. I recommend you ask Richardson to consider the idea from all sides and give us their recommendation early next week.

I have discussed this with Richardson: Yes [checkmark here] No

Comments:

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Subject Files, Henry A. Kissinger/Richardson Meetings, 11/12-69. Top Secret; Sensitive. Kissinger indicated on the memorandum that he had discussed the concept with Richardson and wrote “appealing idea—will make proposal.”
2. Haig, at National Security Council staffer Roger Morrisʼs suggestion, proposed to Kissinger placing before the President the choice of appealing for a Christmas Humanitarian Truce in Biafra. He expected the African Bureau at the Department of State to drag its feet on the idea. Special Coordinator Clyde Ferguson, however, approved of the idea, which would strengthen the Presidentʼs position for the coming tragedy.