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

70. Telegram 5026 From the Embassy in Nigeria to the Department of State¹ ²

Lagos, June 4, 1969, 1540Z

Subj:

• Ferguson Discussion With Gen. Gowon re Interdiction Relief Flights

Ref:

• Lagos 5018 (Notal)

1. In course discussion with Gen. Gowon on surface routes, Ferguson used occasion to inquire whether any basis in fact reports FMG adopting new policy relative to relief flights which might lead to their interdiction by military aircraft. Gowon after delivering lecture to effect security of Nigeria paramount and that if necessary all relief flights or other activities would be halted, went on to restate his consistent position that all night flights “illegal” and that those flying them do so at own risk. He also said that permission for daylight flights would be dependent on security considerations at any given time. He then added that there had been no change in policy and volunteered that should there be a change he would give appropriate notice to all concerned.

2. Brig. Katsina COS Nigerian Army on June 2 gave Consul Stokes same assurance that policy re flights unchanged.

Olson

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–9 Biafra-Nigeria. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Geneva, London, Addis Ababa, Cotonou, Lisbon, Kaduna, and Ibadan.
2. The Embassy reported that Special Coordinator Clyde Ferguson had asked major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, if there was any change in policy toward relief flights. Gowon stated that the policy had not changed—all night flights were “illegal” and those flying did so at their own risk.