§ 28. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the damage to British property in areas of Nigeria formerly controlled by the forces of Colonel Ojukwu; and what offers have been made to recompense the owners for damage to such property.
§ Mr. FoleyBritish property in Eastern Nigeria has suffered considerable damage, but an accurate assessment is not yet available. The Nigerian Government have announced that a Claims Commission will be set up when the civil war ends.
§ 29. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further help he is giving to the Federal Government of Nigeria with a view to ending the civil strife in the former Eastern Region.
§ Mr. FoleyThe Federal Government have reaffirmed their readiness to negotiate without pre-conditions for a peaceful settlement. It is open to the secessionists to respond, and that would be the quickest way to bring an end to this strife. Our willingness to assist the two sides to reach agreement in any way we can is well known, although we believe that Africa's own leaders are the best placed to help.