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

211. Letter From President Nixon to Major General Gowon¹ ²

Washington, October 29, 1971

Dear General Gowon:

Thank you for your kind letter of September 18 explaining the urgent concerns in Nigeria and Africa which rule out for the present your undertaking a journey to the United States. I have looked forward to our meeting and genuinely regret its postponement. At the same time, however, I am encouraged by the ongoing success of your Governmentʼs policies at home and the broadening scope of your personal involvement in decisions affecting peace and prosperity in Africa. In these endeavors, you have my continuin support and my warmest wishes for success. I want to assure you that my invitation remains open, and I hope that, as our respective commitments for next year become clearer, it will be possible to find a mutually convenient time for our meeting.

Sincerely,

Richard M. Nixon

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–1974, Nigeria-Gen. Gowon. No classification marking.
2. Nixon responded to Gowonʼs September 18 letter, regretting that a visit was not possible, but holding the invitation open for 1972.