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

148. Telegram 10757 From the Embassy in Nigeria to the Department of State¹ ²

Lagos, December 17, 1969, 1108Z

Ref:

• State 208132

S/S Pass Addis Ababa, London, Paris and USUN for Under Secretary

1. Arikpo received me at 10:00 a.m. this morning just prior his departure for Executive Council meeting at Dodan barracks. He read your message with care and asked that you be informed that he understood and appreciated the points you made and would bring it to the attention of General Gowon. He proceeded immediately to say with great firmness that he was personally convinced that Ojukwu did not intend to carry on serious negotiations. The time had come to put an end to “propaganda exercises.” The FMG had asked for clarification of the Emperor’s intentions. “If he replies that the talks are under the auspices of the OAU, we will go; if not, we wonʼt. It is as simple as that. We will not capitulate to Ojukwu.” I said that we did not see it as a question of capitulation but rather one of maintaining a public stance which would not be misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the fine points. Arikpo said he understood that this was our view but that the FMG had a duty to itself and to its friends in the OAU to uphold the position of that organization.

2. With Arikpo making obvious signs of collecting his papers to head for the Executive Council meeting, there is no opportunity to pursue the discussion, but I very much doubt it would have been profitable to do so in any case. In parting Arikpo confirmed that there had been no reply from Addis to their request for clarification. He promised to let me know if there were any further developments.

3. We are of course coordinating closely with British High Commission. Glass was seeing Gowon with Lord Carrington at about the same time as I called on Arikpo. This was a farewell call by Carrington and Glass had no new instructions, though he did intend to use any opportunity presented to seek clarification of the FMG position. I will be comparing notes with him later today.

Trueheart

Note: Not passed Addis Ababa, London, Paris, USUN by OC/T.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–14 Biafra-Nigeria. Secret; Exdis; Immediate.
2. Ambassador Trueheart reported on Nigerian Federal Commissioner for External Affairs Arikpoʼs reaction to receiving Under Secretary of State Elliot Richardsonʼs message. Arikpo appreciated the points made, but believed it was time to end the “propaganda exercises.”