384. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Nigeria1
Washington, May 5, 1967, 4:01 p.m.
188570. Following is FYI noforn based on uncleared memcon subject to revision on review:
- 1.
- Ambassador Martins accompanied by his Counselor met with Secretary for 40-minute talk immediately prior to his departure for Lagos on consultation. AFW Director Melbourne also present. Ambassador presented under instructions aide-memoire outlining events since January 1966 from FMG perspective. Martins in lengthy exposition covered ground of aide-memoire whose main theme dwelt on relations between FMG and East, and outlined program adopted April 22 by [Page 653] Supreme Military Council. Document concluded, “in order to successfully implement this program, FMG would appreciate moral support, sympathy and understanding of all friendly governments particularly Government of USA.” Text being pouched.
- 2.
- Ambassador explained he returning Nigeria under instructions to talk with Gowon and key SMC officials and that he intends travel in all regions on personal mission to speak in behalf single Nigeria. He knew Ojukwu well and felt he should make every effort with him. Before his return he thus wished get Secretary’s views on Nigeria.
- 3.
- Secretary responded that because of great trials in US history it could understand tensions arising from maintenance of unity in diversity. US had no prescription for Nigerians, who would have to settle problem themselves. However, he wanted to emphasize great importance of finding their way to unity. Perhaps their representatives should stay in conference until they found agreement in manner analogous to Catholic Cardinals’ selection of Pope. He cited great loss to Nigerian people if their experiment should fail including their national safety, decline in world confidence, and loss of their leadership in Africa. Nigeria had real responsibility, for what happens in Africa if Nigeria fails? This great responsibility ramifies externally into deep realities. Therefore, it desperately important Nigerian problems be solved.
- 4.
- Martins, gratified at Secretary’s remarks, said he could go to Nigeria with every assurance of US interest. To this Secretary replied we were following situation with interest mixed with affection since we felt very close to Nigeria. Historical importance of crossroads for country could not be over-estimated. Nigerians should understand that it takes much time and effort to make constitution work.
- 5.
- On new tack, Martins stated that Department had behaved impeccably and responsibly during course of Nigerian troubles. He did wish to raise on personal basis suggestion for US public statement. In view great US world responsibilities, he suggested US say it believes united Nigeria would be best for Nigerian people and for all of Africa. To Secretary’s query as to effect of such statement in Nigeria, Ambassador asserted he had met no Nigerian from any region who thought a break-up would be beneficial. Secretary simply replied that suggestion would be studied with aide-memoire and he hoped comments would be available to US Embassy Lagos while Martins in Nigeria.
- 6.
- In final observation, Secretary emphasized that no Nigerian solution by violence is conceivable. Consequences of such action could be tragic. He only hoped those in Nigeria with responsibility would rise above their short-term differences and in behalf their country’s future let their dreams take over.
Rusk
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL NIGERIA–US. Confidential; Priority. Drafted and approved by Melbourne and cleared by Trimble.↩