This is the News Analysis segment of the Voice of
For
You have heard the news; now, the analysis…
Our people, in their prolific wisdom, always use meaningful and appropriate parables to deliver the most effective communication. So, today, we take you to the 1960’s: why? Because, our people say that if you cannot tell when it started raining on your parade, you will never be able to tell when it stopped raining. We are going to remind you of when it started raining on your party, and when you got soaked wet, so that you can decide when to get out from under the rain and dry out.
We are going to tell you this through the eyes and words of the
We continue from where we stopped last week
Telegram 55599 to
The
Almost 1 year following its last evaluation of
“…
The present crisis began to take shape shortly after
At this time, even the immediate further evolution of the crisis is most uncertain. In general, however, the country has appeared in recent months, especially since a second army coup last July, to be moving at an accelerating rate along a downward slope with a consequent diminution of its prospects for unity and stability. Unless present army leaders and contending tribal elements soon reach agreement on a new basis for association and take some effective measures to halt a seriously deteriorating security situation, there will be increasing internal turmoil, possibly including civil war.
So, we see again that the CIA had accurate representation of what was going on in Nigeria in 1966, down to the root cause of the problems in Nigeria being “…a highly complex internal crisis rooted in its artificial origin as a British dependency containing over 250 diverse and often antagonistic tribal groups…” Is this not what we have always stated? Hello! Is anybody listening out there? Was anybody listening then, in the
Today, with the 20/20 of hindsight, many people, including a few misinformed and misguided Biafrans, have blamed Ojukwu for rushing
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
confederation. East willing preserve "name of
The
4645. Secto 23. For Acting Secretary From Secretary. Regarding Mathews' recommendations summarized in Special Summary 18, I think we should be very careful about nominating ourselves as the supervisor of Nigerian federal unity. I do not object to full persuasion in presenting to the East the great advantages to them of remaining in the federation. I would not, however, start applying threats or sanctions of US initiatives as a means of pressure. The proposed West Indian Federation and East African Federation did not come off. French-speaking
This was sound advice and would have made a civilized and well-balanced
Telegram 3120 from
Special Summary No. 18, October 26, reported Mathews' recommendations and his belief that political and economic sanctions could be effective in thwarting any secession attempt.
Telegram 73734 to
Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in
82010.
1. USG seeks maintain Nigerian unity because it realizes East's defection would cause grave problems for rest of country as well as for East and because prospects for further fragmentation would be high. Obviously our continuing efforts must depend upon full appreciation by influential Nigerian elements.
What a misguided direction by the
2. Department has been giving much thought to
been discussed at IRG meeting in preliminary way.
A lesson to us today: only when you persevere and liberate your own nation can you expect recognition from the other countries. Other countries may and will fight against you, but don’t expect any to advance your cause for you. Only you can liberate yourself!
The discussions in the
More intensive discussion scheduled for November 17 and will revolve around following general contingency situations and their variants:
a.
b. East intensifies its drift into de facto independence without UDI and is coupled with disturbances and breakdowns in law and order in various sections of country. Lack of adequate military capabilities prevents FMG from invading East, but it mounts general effective political and economic blockade.
c. There is prolonged period of continuing drift and uncertainty during which negotiations between East and other regions take place but without any definitive solution being reached.
3. Current approach here to problem may be summarized in these terms. If unity no longer possible despite US-UK efforts, in such environment US must move to protect its own interests, strive for as much stability in area as possible, and seek to maintain its presence in all regions of
4. It should be emphasized that outlined contingency approach and brief resume above are tentative pending serious examination. Prior to this on November 17 it would be most helpful if you could give us your views within such a context.
Telegram 3675 from
Of course, what would you expect from the US Ambassador’s office? He and his office minimized the true situation in
We present this to you for your information. There are all kinds of people out there today, including even some misguided Biafrans, who would love nothing more than to revise history. Even General Obasanjo has tried; that, of course, was understood and predictable. Now, you can make up your own mind. You can be the judge as to whether much has changed with the circumstances and fortunes of
That’s all the news analysis for this week.
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God bless and keep Biafra and you, until next week. VOBI broadcast continues. (Audio version part of weekly VOBI broadcast posted on Biafraland website, www.biafraland.com, follow the "Voice of Biafra" Link)