§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether a statement could be made on the present position of the civil war in Nigeria and of progress made in alleviating the suffering of Ibo and other peoples through lack of food and medical supplies.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD SHEPHERD)My Lords, I have been asked to make a statement, and I apologise for the fact that it may be a little longer than usual.
After hearing in September that some leading Ibos wanted to enter into early negotiations with the Federal Government on the basis of the continued unity of Nigeria, I visited Lagos to discuss the position with the Federal Government. To our very great regret, Colonel Ojukwu announced on September 26 his decision to fight on. The Federal Government assured me that they were still prepared for peace talks on the basis of one Nigeria in which the Ibos would have full rights.
This attitude accords with the terms of the resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority of African leaders at the O.A.U. Heads of State meeting in Algiers in September. The O.A.U. Heads of State Committee are, in accordance with the resolution, continuing their efforts for peace. The team of international observers have seen no evidence to support Colonel Ojukwu's claim that 116 the Federal Government intend or are practising genocide against the Ibo people.
The effectiveness of the relief operation in Federal territory has considerably improved, which is much to the credit of the Federal Government and the International Red Cross. But in the areas still under Colonel Ojukwu's control his decision to fight on can only have increased the difficulties of relieving the suffering of Ibo civilians. The International Red Cross have succeeded in flying in relief supplies to these areas at an increased rate, but the problem of relief flights is greatly complicated by the use of the same air route for arms supplies to the rebel régime.
The House will be pleased to know that we have just agreed to a proposal by the International Committee of the Red Cross that the balance of the sum of a quarter of a million pounds allocated for Nigerian relief should be spent on the purchase of about thirty additional British vehicles for use in distributing relief supplies.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that very informative reply, might I ask whether there is any indication at present, particularly in view of the report by the observers, that those in the Ibo area who support the Biafran Republic (as it is called) are now satisfied that there is no intention on the part of the Federal Government to commit genocide? Further, in regard to the distribution of foodstuffs, may we take it that, outside the area held by Colonel Ojukwu, supplies are getting through to relieve the suffering and hunger of the people?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I wish we could get to the Ibo people the reports that have been made available by the observers, and particularly the recent report of Mr. Gussing, the representative of U Thant. I will see whether further steps can be taken in this matter. In reply to the second part of the question, in the Nigeria area, although I think there is a weakness in the field of medical supplies, they are getting through.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while appreciating my noble friend's reply, may I ask him to confirm from his knowledge of the background that the relief authorities agree that if this war continues until 117 the end of this year 2 million people may die? In those circumstances, is it not desirable that Her Majesty's Government, despite the difficulties, should seek a truce and an end of the fighting? Should not that truce be found by some restriction of the rigid terms—absolute union, absolute secession—on both sides? Cannot Her Majesty's Government seek a solution on the grounds of association with common services?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, as I am sure my noble friend will agree, Her Majesty's Government have done all they can to bring this tragic war to an end. I feel that at the present moment the responsibility lies with the O.A.U. Heads of State Committee, who have been very active and probably, in practice, have a greater chance than any of bringing this war to an end. We have had many opportunities to negotiate, and it is a matter of regret that one side still refuses to come to the conference table—for that is the thing that matters.
§ LORD WADEMy Lords, following the last reply of the noble Lord, can he say what steps will be taken to try to reduce or stop the escalation of the supplies of arms to both sides?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I think there is a Question on this subject later in the week. I should prefer to answer that supplementary question then.
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, am I to understand my noble friend to state that the Government are anxious now to bring this war to an end? Does that mean that the supply of arms has ceased?—for that would be consistent with the wish to bring it to an end.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am glad that I have been able to impress on my noble friend that Her Majesty's Government have always sought, first of all, to prevent the war starting, and afterwards to bring to an end. Our supply of arms to the Federal Government has been made because Nigeria is a member of the Commonwealth. That is the stand that we must still take.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, might I further ask whether, in the reply that is likely to be given to another Question later this week, the noble Lord will give 118 information as to the volume and extent of the arms supplied by France and other countries to Colonel Ojukwu?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I have not yet seen the Answer.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, does my noble friend not appreciate that the situation in Nigeria is one that concerns not only the relations of Biafra with the rest of Nigeria, but also the relationship of all tribes? In that situation, is it not desirable not only to bring about some union between Biafra and Nigeria, but also that there should be a constitutional conference which should enable some solution of these difficulties to be reached?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the Federal Government have stated from time to time that, if the Biafran authorities would agree to a united Nigeria they would then consider in the most friendly way what should be the political structure of Nigeria.