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

367. Telegram From the Consulate in Enugu to the Department of State¹

Enugu, October 18, 1966, 0755Z.

107. Limdis from Ambassador.

1. In long private talk last night Ojukwu stated flatly that East would not participate in resumed constitutional conference Oct 24 or later unless all northern troops removed from Lagos and various other conditions met. Ojukwu also said that in view recent atrocities against Ibos, East firmly determined to accept nothing more than loose confederation. East willing preserve “name of Nigeria” but on own terms. Ojukwu obviously considers chances of continued association East with rest of Nigeria very poor and seems more than reconciled to secession.

2. Shall report in more detail upon return to Lagos this afternoon.²

Mathews

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15 NIGERIA. Secret; Immediate. Also sent to Lagos and London and repeated to CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, DIA, Ibadan, and Kaduna. Passed to the White House, DOD, CIA, USIA, and NSA.
2. Telegram 2907 from Lagos, October 18, reported details of Mathews’ conversation with Ojukwu. It concluded: “I regret am unable at this time suggest any way in which USG can help in preventing seemingly inexorable course of events.” (Ibid., POL 23–9 NIGERIA)