61. Telegram 3636 From the Embassy in Nigeria to the Department of State1 2

Subj:

  • New Organization for Biafran Relief

Ref:

  • Stateʼs 064196
1.
It occurs to us “Americans for Biafran Relief” might present opportunity bring pressure to bear on Ojukwu in interest facilitating relief effort in rebel-held areas. At present, the major factor inhibiting the delivery of relief supplies to rebel-held areas in this critical period is fact Ojukwu will accept delivery only by air and at night. Only realistic possibility increasing relief to this area is by initiating daylight flights which FMG have agreed to. Would it be possible for Representative Lowenstein and Senator Pearson to inject into efforts of new organization a plea from that organization to rebels to accept daylight flights? This would be step in direction Lowenstein promised FMG he would take.
2.
Difficult to see at this junction when alternative relief routes seem ruled out by [garble] stand how new organization can make effective relief use of funds unless relief airlift can be substantially increased through use airstrips by day. Would hope, of course, that new organization would set up control over use its funds so that they will in fact be spent on relief and not inadvertantly diverted other purposes.
3.
Since above proposal would seem to us indirect means support Ferguson efforts persuade Ojukwu make some concessions, Ferguson may wish himself raise possibility with Lowenstein and Pearson. Furthermore, if new organization were to call on OjukwU to permit daylight flights, would help put onus for blocking relief effort on Ojukwu where it in fact lies.
Mathews
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–9, Biafra-Nigeria. Confidential.
  2. The Embassy suggested that “Americans for Biafran Relief” might present an opportunity to put pressure on Lieutenant Colonel Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, to facilitate relief efforts. The Embassy wanted the onus for blocking relief put on Ojukwu.