Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / NewStats: 3,194,796 members, 7,956,042 topics. Date: Sunday, 22 September 2024 at 10:12 PM |
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / United States Government Memo On Biafra (3586 Views)
United States Government Yet To Give Buhari Oil Thieves’ List / United States Government Calls For Cancellation Of Anambra Guber Election / Yar'adua Repudiates NIA Memo On El Rufai And Ribadu, Fires Dg Imohe ! (2) (3) (4)
United States Government Memo On Biafra by maxsiollun: 1:31pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
www.state.gov/documents/organization/53889.pdf 5 August 1969 MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Nigeria: The Federal Military Government's War Aims vis-a-vis the Ibos I . The Federal Government's War Aims 1. The federal government's immediate war aim is to establish federal control over Biafra. The federal authori- ties are willing to negotiate an end to the war, but we see no indications that Lagos would be satisfied with anything but a settlement on its own terms, including a renunciation of secession by the Biafrans and the establishment of federal authority--probably in the form of federal occupation forces-- over the whole of the former Eastern Region. The federal government almost certainly would not accept General Ojukwu in any leadership position, and many Nigerians might well demand his death or imprisonment. There are no indications that Lagos would consider granting the East-Central State any special status in the federation. There is a remote possibility that the Nigerians would consider adjusting the East-Central State boundaries--possibly even to include a seaport at the expense of the Rivers State. 2. Probably the most important long-range goal of those now in control of the federal military government is that of ensuring that no single tribe ever again dominates poli- tics at the federal level. [/b]Since the military coup of July 1966, power has been held by minority tribal elements from the "middlebelt" area--the southern part of the former Northern Region. At the time of the July coup, [b]the middle- belters had the support of the Hausa-Fulanis but this was primarily because the coup was directed against the then Ibo regime. The present aims of the middlebelters and the Hausa-Fulanis coincide, but the minority tribesmen remain determined to prevent domination of the government by the Hausa-Fulanis. In our view, an end to the Ibo problem would almost certainly mark the beginning of serious poli- tical differences between the minority tribesmen and the Hausa-Fulanis. 3. The minority tribesmen now in control of the federal government are not bent on genocide against the Ibos, and the top leaders, like General Gowon, will probably take great pains to prevent the massacre of Ibos if the federal forces ever do overrun the Biafran enclave. It is almost certain, however, that a federal victory would result in anti-Ibo atrocities by front-line troops. [/b]The extent of these would probably depend on the manner in which the federal victory was achieved. [b]The war has already gone on for so long and so much bitterness has built up on both sides, however, that during the first few days after the "liberation" there would probably be a fair amount of retribution particularly against Ibo soldiers and probably also against civilians. After this, Gowon and his senior officers would probably be able to contain the atrocities. II. Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba Intentions Toward the Ibos 4. There is of course no love lost between the Hausa- Fulanis and the Ibos, and even before the first military coup in January 1966 there was much pent-up anti-Ibo senti- ment in the north. Over a million Ibos lived in the former Northern Region, and because of their education and ambition, they held the best jobs. The Hausa-Fulanis regarded the Ibos as pushy, arrogant, treacherous, greedy, and of course pagan. The depth of the anti-Ibo sentiment was demonstrated during the September-October 1966 riots in the Northern Region during which at least 7,000 and possibly twice that many Ibos were killed. 5. These anti-Ibo feelings have probably become more intense since the war, and especially as it has become more and more difficult to explain the federal government's inability to win a military victory. [b]Left to themselves, many, perhaps most, Hausa-Fulanis would probably punish the Ibos severely for the secession, and given the means, many northerners might well undertake a bloodbath of major proportions. [/b]Senior Hausa-Fulani officers would probably try to avoid this, however, and Gowon and the army leaders from the minority tribes would probably be able to contain the northern troops who would come into contact with the Ibos in the event of a federal victory. It is probably worthwhile to note that thus far in the war there have been no examples of what would happen if northern troops gained control of areas of heavy Ibo population, because the Ibos have evacuated their towns in the face of advancing federal troops. 6. The Yorubas are also basically anti-Ibo. The Westerners see the Ibos as rivals for the better jobs and as cultural inferiors. Most Yorubas, however, probably feel much closer to the Ibos in education and background than to their northern brothers, and probably quite a few Yorubas sympathize with the Ibo attempt at self-determina- tion. We do not believe the Yorubas would engage in any significant amount of atrocities against the Ibos. III. The Ibo Elite 7. We do not believe that the military leaders intend to eradicate the Ibo elite, but neither do we believe the Ibos will be permitted to play any meaningful role in the federal government for the foreseeable future. T[b]he federal leaders almost certainly would not entrust any responsible federal positions to the Ibos. [/b]All the Lagos government has so far promised is that Ibos would control the East- Central State and that Ibos would be represented on the Federal Executive Council. We believe representation in the latter would probably be at best token, and that although Ibo civilians might be permitted to hold posi- tions in the state government, the federal government would probably insist on federal occupation forces in Biafra. 8. It is difficult to see any peaceful resolution of the problem of the Ibo elite if the federal government regains control of Biafra. Federal leaders appear firmly committed to the division of the former Eastern Region into three states--a factor which has won considerable support for Lagos among the Eastern minority tribes. If the Eastern Region is so divided, the Ibo elite would be confined to a very small, essentially rural area. These Ibos would not be accepted with ease in the other two eastern states or the Midwest State, and they would probably be afraid to move to the northern states. The Western and Lagos States already have a relative abundance of trained manpower among the Yorubas. Under the best of circumstances the confinement of the majority of the Ibo elite would provide significant problems for neighboring states, and under the circumstances which would prevail after the war, this situation would probably be a continuing source of serious trouble. http://maxsiollun./my-book/ |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Ibime(m): 1:36pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Max Siollun, Nairalands resident historian. . . . keep it coming!. . . . |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Bialegend(m): 1:48pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Over a million Ibos lived in the former Northern Region, and because of their education and ambition, This should be the order of today if nigeria is to be any better. When illiterates hold on to most sensitive posts in any country, such country is bound to be a failed one. The Hausa-Fulanis regarded the Ibos as pushy, arrogant, treacherous, greedy, and of course pagan. Of course, that is same everywhere by all the lazy people against the educated and hardworking class. Arab hatred against the Americans comes to mind. The depth of the anti-Ibo sentiment was demonstrated during the September-October 1966 riots in the Northern Region during which at least 7,000 and possibly twice that many Ibos were killed.And this have continued till lthis date and some moronic people still ask why the Igbos wanted out of that silly luggard's cage called nigeria. ONE nigeria my foot. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Bialegend(m): 5:28pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
The Yorubas are also basically anti-Ibo. The Westerners see the Ibos as rivals for the better jobs.Exactely the reason why the Yorubas are arrslicking the awusas who happens to be the illiterate dummies chosen by the british to help in containing the Igbos. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Nobody: 5:41pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Interesting piece. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Litmus: 6:17pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Irrelevant in its own sake, useful only as a historic reminder of mistakes to avoid in future--- Otherwise why remind us of the obvious, I mean if things had been rosy, there would not have been a war in the first place would there? |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by russellino: 6:28pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Wow. Its amazing, this report could have been written as recent as last week. Its all come to pass except the idea in paragraph 2 where it said "the Federal Govt would never let any one tribe dominate the country''. The middle belters did indeed rule most of the time but we know it was the Hausa/Fulani clique that ran the show and decided who would represent them. Unlike Britain and the decrepit USSR the U.S was the only world power that didnt join hands with the F.G against Biafra and her people even though they didnt speak out against the genocide. @litmus its not irrelevant because that 40 year old report is spot-on accurate about whats going on now and guess what? the U.S has published a few more about us and i'll be crushed not to pay attention. Nice one Max Siollun you do know your onions!! |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by blacksta(m): 6:34pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
PLease abeg -- what nonsense |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Litmus: 6:45pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
@russellino Just can’t see the relevance outside of the warning of history, as I mentioned, and perhaps as mischief, especially as most of us are already familiar with the information. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by russellino: 7:03pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
@litmus fine we cant change history but arent you a bit interested to note how accurate the report was and what the future holds based on the universally acknowledged facet that history is the greatest teacher and always repeats itself at least in varying ways |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Tudor6(f): 7:16pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
Looking at that report, i can help but feel sad. . . Our diversity which is meant to be a blessing is now OUR CURSE. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by ikeyman00(m): 7:24pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
hmmm gbatti any suprise there? eh |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by bawomolo(m): 7:49pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
good job max. i plan to get your book soon. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by russellino: 8:03pm On Jun 30, 2009 |
i remember when it was popular gist that just after the annulment of june 12, MKO met with Ojukwu to sound him out on what he thought of the matter. As legend has it , Ojukwu said "Moshood my friend, goodmorning and welcome to Nigeria". Nigeria has been on the wrong footing since 1966 and all the crap going on now in the niger delta is not new, especially not to the people of the south-east. God dey |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by shotster50(m): 6:44am On Jul 01, 2009 |
Reading the report, one would almost think it was written yesterday. Its a shame that the sentiments felt in the 60s still haunt us today. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Nobody: 6:55am On Jul 01, 2009 |
The domination is about coming to an end. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Afam(m): 8:42am On Jul 01, 2009 |
russellino: The content in bold refers, you may want to confirm the identity of the good morning response. I think he told that to Saro Wiwa and not MKO. Just check to be sure sha. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by dnex(m): 9:16am On Jul 01, 2009 |
That report has not taught me anything new. Except of course I find the mention of a Sea Port in the East very absurd. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by SamMilla1(m): 11:39am On Jul 01, 2009 |
Like i always say : its only a matterof time before the educated and more haedworking people returns to lead the country. it wont matter where they come from but the balance of power is inevitable |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by naijaking1: 4:30pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
dnex: Another Ijaw ethnic jingoism 1960s: the East had a sea port-- Port Harcourt. Of course you can argue all you want that PH is not an eastern city, but that's besides the reality. The World knows better |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by naijaking1: 4:33pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
Litmus:Can't see the relevance of history, the truth, and honesty No wonder Nigeria is never going to improve unde rthe present ideology |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Ibime(m): 4:34pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
naijaking1: You are a clown. . . . always looking for trouble anytime Ijaw is mentioned. . . . Dnex is a barbarian who hates Igbo and Ijaw equally. . . . . I dont even think the idiot is a bini man sef. . . . |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by naijaking1: 4:40pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
With or without love for the Igbos and Ijaws, why would anybody have a problem with historical facts? |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by Nobody: 5:24pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
some day the US prediction that Nigeria will soon be a failed state in 15years will come to reality and some will wonder if the report was written yesterday. I think we just need to be honest about our future. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by RichyBlacK(m): 5:53pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
That the Igbos still maintain a very strong presence in all facets of the Nigerian experience, both within and beyond the boarders of Nigeria, is something that must have come as a rude shock to all the surviving elements within the Nigerian establishment bent on genocide against them. All those who are against tyranny and oppression should commend the Igbos for standing strong even against all the atrocities meted against them by a misguided Nigerian government. The failed genocide started because the January 15 1966 coup led by mainly Igbo officers was tagged "an Igbo coup". And the logic of the lazy mind, the logic of the inept soul, the logic of the crude barbarian - guilt by association; collective punishment - was used to target Igbos in many parts of Nigeria. After 40 years of deliberate marginalization of Igbos in almost all sectors of governance in Nigeria, the Nigerian government is even worse off. how so? Uselessness! |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by dnex(m): 5:59pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
People, what are all these insults for? The US report said there'll be a seaport in the East Central and I really don't think it makes sense. If it did, maybe we'd have it by now. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by RichyBlacK(m): 5:59pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
II. Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba Intentions Toward the Ibos 4. There is of course no love lost between the Hausa- Fulanis and the Ibos, and even before the first military coup in January 1966 there was much pent-up anti-Ibo senti- ment in the north. Over a million Ibos lived in the former Northern Region, and because of their education and ambition, they held the best jobs. The Hausa-Fulanis regarded the Ibos as pushy, arrogant, treacherous, greedy, and of course pagan. The depth of the anti-Ibo sentiment was demonstrated during the September-October 1966 riots in the Northern Region during which at least 7,000 and possibly twice that many Ibos were killed. The useless Nigerian government stood by, and probably gave logistical support, to the massacre of Igbos in 1966. What a shame! We must never allow this kind of madness happen again. But the Nigerian government is probably more useless today than in any other time in Nigeria's history. So, it may very well happen again. |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by naijaking1: 6:37pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
RichyBlacK: Easy, Ricky easy Man no go pop an artery for these people-o |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by RichyBlacK(m): 7:42pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
naijaking1: @naijaking1, I'm just tired of the way the government behaves. They never get anything right, whether in the past or present. The future? I ain't holding my breadth. Check this out: I was watching a Nigerian home video with a Cameroonian friend some days ago and she asked "why do the houses always have those tanks beside them?". So, I explained to her that most houses have them to store water. She was like "why should they need it?". Then I went into the details: pumping machines are used to pull water from the ground (bore hole or well) and pushed up to the tanks; the tanks are elevated so that gravity can be relied on to push the water to the taps, toilet cisterns, showers, etc. Then she asked the killer question: "can't they just get water from the public supply?". I was speechless! |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by ezeagu(m): 7:52pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
AMERICA must have developed a time machine in 1969. . . . . . . |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by naijaking1: 9:02pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
@Rickyblack Anybody that comes up with a meaningful solution to water scarcity will not see the light of day, that's how negative the Nigerian environment is. Soon, we go dey travel to Cameroon for "oversea" trip. We started going to Britain, US, Russia, France; now we make do with Ghana, and Angola. Soon, Cameroonians will come tell us how to wipe our behind |
Re: United States Government Memo On Biafra by maxsiollun: 11:31pm On Jul 01, 2009 |
Thanks Bawomolo. Do let me have your thoughts on it too after you have read it. I want reader feedback. bawomolo: |
How Does Aso Rock Look Like? / Lagos:2015 Oba Of Lagos - I Have Asked God To Bless Apc Oba Tells Jonathan / Viewers Discretion: A Lovely Family Of Six Perished On Lagos-ibadan Way.( Photo)
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 61 |