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

74. Telegram 1835 From the Mission to the European Office of the United Nations to the Department of State¹ ²

Geneva, June 9, 1969, 1534Z

Subject:

• ICRC and Nigerian Relief for Ferguson/U

1. Freymond, Acting President ICRC, asked me to call on him this morning for review critical situation ICRC relief operations. Expressed grave concern re problems dealing both FMG and Ojukwu. Noted “profound changes attitude” some governments and publics who been strong supporters ICRC operations, problem getting adequate funds to carry on. Said view shooting down DC–7 ICRC pilots understandably unwilling carry on “unless get clear-cut statement from FMG that there be no repetition such incident.” Said some members of committee considering advisability ICRC getting out of Nigerian operation, unless improvement situation.

2. “Moderate” note verbale been drafted for delivery FMG, Freymond said, which asks assurances measures be taken to guard against attack on another ICRC plane. Georges Hoffman, ICRC delegate for 30 years with many years African service, will leave tonight to present note verbale. It refers to long efforts ICRC has made to get land or water access into rebel area, its continued desire move supplies through such corridors and/or via day flights. Note recognizes ICRC night flights carried on “at own risk” but with FMG assurances (April ʼ68 and Feb. ʼ69, Freymond said) that FMG would take necessary measures safeguard against misunderstandings. Gutman of Ferguson staff who accompanied me showed Freymond text tought FMG press statement (Lagos 5147) re downed plane. We expressed doubt FMG give new assurances. Said though ICRC note verbale, moderate as it is, not likely improve FMG–ICRC relations. Might be better ask for statement that previous assurances stand. Freymond said felt obliged for sake pilots try get new assurances from FMG.

3. In recognition FMG hostile attitude towards Lindt, Freymond said ICRC considering sending another rep to Lagos. Stressed ICRC continues have full confidence in Lindt who will remain overall charge relief operations, which Lindt strongly wants continued. Hoffman role should not repeat not be construed as replacement of Lindt. Speculated Lindt probably operate mostly from Geneva.

4. Jaeggi has been instructed see Ojukwu, ask for clear-cut answer in writing re day flights, and water shipments when can commence, under what conditions. “I think Ojukwu has been playing games with us and with Ferguson,” Freymond said, and expressed irritation way ICRC been treated re Italian oil workers. Noted survivors sent out “through Libreville, the most provocative channel.” AID need much greater pressure on Ojukwu to agree to day flights and river channel: “He should accept these if he wishes the world to continue humanitarian help; otherwise he should take full responsibility for the death of millions of his own people.” Freymond said relief effort should not be exploited cynically. Asked that U.S. pressure Ojukwu to agree to day flights, river corridor. We suggested might be more helpful try get states recognizing rebel regime to make the major effort pressure Ojukwu, as Italian episode demonstrated limited leverage other. Freymond thought excellent idea, that he might try Portuguese and French. Would U.S. try Ivory Coast, UK try Zambia? (Presumably French would try Gabon and it might be preferable have them do Ivory Coast. Emperor might try Tanzania. JCA could also be helpful with several of countries.)

5. Freymond, “speaking as professor, not as official ICRC,” suggested one way solve problems might be through big 4. Thought be helpful if they issued public statement calling for “concerted disengagement,” for end arms shipments to either side. Said recognized U.S. not involved in arms supply but thought our joining in such statement be useful. “Only way to force Nigeria-Biafra compromise,” he said, “is to cut off arms supply.”

6. Freymond said if definite and protracted break in ICRC airlift, its teams in rebel area would have be pulled out. While churches might continue with their flights, they would not be sufficient to support population.

7. Re ICRC funding problem and fall-off of support, Freymond said at last consultation level meeting “scans and even Dutch told us more difficult raise money. Beer, Exec Sec Licross, confirmed. The Diabra day drive in France was a failure.” And all this, he said, before the murder of the Italians, the overnight jailing of Lindt, the shooting down of the ICRC plane, the increasingly difficult attitude of Ojukwu who did not respond to single ICRC note re Italians. In view deterioration attitude both sides Freymond felt could not again, as he had 20 days ago, make public appeal for support ICRC operations on present basis. Next appeal should be for phasing into rehabilitation effort. Difficult get relief support indefinitely if war seems endless. Says has money sufficient end of August for scheduled problems. After August he concerned be hard maintain governmental and private contributions not only from Europe but from U.S.

8. Comment: Freymond, who normally assured and optimistic, clearly alarmed and shaken by situation. He and committee naturally want get on with relief and rehabilitation program and anxious everything possible be done make this possible.

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27–9 Biafra-Nigeria. Confidential; Immediate. Repated immediate to Lagos. Also repeated to London.
2. Ambassador Roger Tubby reported on a meeting with James Freymond, Acting President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who expressed grave concern regarding problems dealing with both the Federal Military Government (FMG) and Lieutenant Colonel Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. Tubby also noted profound changes in the attitude of some governments and public groups who had been strong supporters of the ICRC.