Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

365. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria¹

Washington, September 28, 1966, 10:57 a.m.

55552. Ref: Lagos’ 2150, 2246 and 2278.² Assistant Secretary Palmer received Sanusi Sept. 27,³ who presented letter of introduction from Gowon to President and offered following orally:

1. He on good will mission to bring personal greetings from Gowon and to express appreciation for USG stand in Nigeria and for understanding of American people and government.

2. Described current situation as difficult but not impossible, expressed conviction that time on side Nigerian unity. Said loose talk re secession had annoyed and upset Gowon. Referred to useful talk with Ambassador, subsequent diplomatic activity, and said denial by Ojukwu of any thought of secession “most encouraging.”

3. Declared Gowon had no intention to impose government on Nigeria. This up to people, and until they decide, he had duty to protect country, including minorities. During this “transitional period,” Gowon hoped for understanding of old friends like US while time permitted Nigerians to forget and forgive.

Assistant Secretary Palmer in response: (1) Reiterated our deep belief in Nigeria and its unity, expressed sympathy and understanding re current difficulties and said we convinced Nigeria’s problems, while difficult, not insurmountable with good will and understanding on all sides. Said we had tried be helpful and would continue efforts to support Nigeria and its unity.

(2) Noted we too concerned at talk of secession and were relieved at denial. We also concerned, however, at other reports of possible “forceful solution.” We convinced peaceful solution only viable one in long run and believe it important that all peaceful means continue to be explored. In last analysis, Nigeria must solve problems itself.

(3) Said speaking both officially and personally, Nigeria’s problems cannot be so overwhelming as to obscure great potential and prospects it has as nation. He expressed hope and conviction that Nigeria would succeed in coping with its problems.

Ambassador Martins, who accompanied Sanusi, raised problem of minorities and asked Sanusi comment. Latter said in addition to rumors of East’s secession, FMG had reports of possible “UDI within UDI” by Eastern minorities. He added that FMG concerned about possible communist infiltration in East, since it found most fertile ground among “labor unions and intellectuals.” He added quickly that this fear largely buried by Ojukwu’s denial. Palmer reminded Sanusi of ULC’s history of resistance to commie infiltration, and ended conversation with expression of hope that dialogue now under way will continue and that consensus will be reached.

Comment: Sanusi made no reference to possible recognition of independent Eastern regime as reported done in Bonn. Presentation very low-key as if going through motions. He mentioned bomb explosion by Easterners on eve Lagos conference but made no attempt link them directly with Ojukwu. In response question re security situation and specific examples thereof,⁴ he downplayed it, asserting it much improved and in any case alleged it greatly exaggerated by rumors.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 NIGERIA. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Robert P. Smith, cleared by Roy M. Melbourne, and approved by Palmer. Repeated to London, Bonn, The Hague, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, Paris, Enugu, Ibadan, and Kaduna.
2. Telegram 2278 from Lagos, September 27; telegram 2246 from Lagos, September 26; and telegram 2150 from Lagos, September 22, all concerned approaches by Nigerian special envoys to Washington and European capitals. (Ibid.)
3. Alhaji M. A. Sanusi of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Telegram 55599 to Lagos, September 28, reported that Palmer talked again that morning to Nigerian Ambassador Martins, emphasizing U.S. concern at a deteriorating security situation in the North and reports of reprisals against Ibos. He stressed the need to correct this situation or events might be set in motion that could force the East into secession. Martins told Palmer that he would inform Sanusi in New York prior to the latter’s return to Lagos. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 NIGERIA)