207. Telegram 74799 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria1 2
SUBJ:
- FMS Program
REF:
- Lagos 3804
1. You are authorized to inform FMG of Presidential Determination finding Nigeria eligible to purchase defense articles and defense services under FMS Act.
2. While PD also authorizes sale of military equipment to Nigeria, we believe the FMG should be encouraged to focus primarily on purchase of training. Legislative restrictions regarding the supply of defense articles to Africa, the current $40 million ceiling on USG provision approaching of arms to Africa (which we are already for FY 71), and general Congressional wariness on the matter of arms for Nigeria as aftermath of the civil war experience dictate that we move cautiously on any prospective military materiel sales program for Nigeria.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, DEF 12–5 Nigeria. Confidential. Also sent to Lagos. Repeated to CINCSTRIKE. Drafted by Kormann (AF/I) and Critz (AF/I); cleared in AF/NI, DOD/ISA, Joint Staff, DOD/ISA/MA&S, AF/I and PM/MAS; and approved in AF/I.↩
- This joint Department of State-Department of Defense telegram informed the Embassy that it was authorized to inform the Federal Military Government (FMG) that Nigeria was eligible to purchase defense articles and services under the Foreign Military Sales Act, but the FMG should be encouraged to focus primarily on the purchase of training.↩