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

29. Telegram 16759 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria¹ ²

Washington, February 3, 1969, 1511Z

Subject:

• Nigeria: Ambassador Iyalla Calls on Secretary

1. Nigerian Ambassador lyalla called on Secretary January 31 at latterʼs request, Secretary received him cordially and assured him of our continued high regard for Nigeria, emphasizing that our principal interest in present difficult situation is to see that people are fed. He said USG under severest pressures from American public to do our utmost to see that need met.

2. At Secretaryʼs request Mr. Palmer then told the Ambassador that although we and Joint Church Aid committed to working out inspection procedures for C–97 flights, these arrangements not yet completed. They should be completed soon but in light serious relief situation, flights cannot meanwhile be delayed. lyalla appeared distressed but resigned, emphasizing once more FMGʼs concern that there be some control over private relief agency operations. He indicated FMG realizes it cannot participate in inspection but wishes be sure USG satisfied re relief nature of cargos.

3. During further discussion of relief problem, lyalla said FMG sending unpublicized delegation to Equatorial Guinea, While he did not specify purpose of mission he implied that it was intended to register favorable FMG attitude toward resumption ICRC flights from Santa Isabel. He noted that ICRC neglected inform FMG of agreement with Dahomey for relief flights from Cotonou until January 29. He indicated that this was typical of reason why ICRC constantly in difficulties with African governments.

4. In response to urging by Secretary that FMG do its best to maximize quantity relief supplies getting into Biafra, Iyalla said FMG would like to see similar pressure exrted by US on Ojukwu to accept overland corridor and daylight flights; to both of which FMG has long since agreed. These observations not made with rancor but in tone of wearied patience.

5. Under Secretary, who was present, then urged on lyalla need for FMG to be forthcoming in issuing visas promptly to needed relief experts as extensive delays would be construed as obstructionism. He noted that as reoccupied area increases in size, more and more relief people will be required. It was agreed there would be further working level discussion of visa question.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–9 Biafra-Nigeria. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Addis Ababa, Geneva, London, USUN, Lome, and Yaounde. Drafted by G.B. Sherry (AF/W), cleared in S/S and S; and approved by Palmer.
2. The Department reported on Secretary William Rogersʼ and Assistant Secretary Joseph Palmerʼs meeting with Nigerian Ambassador Iyalla, during which they assured him that the United Statesʼs main interest in Biafra was feeding people. Palmer indicated that inspection procedures were not yet completed with Joint Church Aid U.S.A., Inc. (JCA) for the C–97 flights. There also was discussion of ICRC flights and visas for relief experts.