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Memorandum From the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon, Washington, February 17, 1970
Abstract
Washington, February 17, 1970
Kissinger seconded a recommendation from Ambassador to Nigeria Trueheart and Under Secretary Richardson that Secretary of State Rogers, while seeing Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, the next day, deliver a personal letter from the President and extend an invitation to visit the United States. Both steps were calculated to improve strained relations. Kissinger expressed concern that if the United States did not express continuing interest in relief efforts, failure to do so might be taken as satisfaction with current measures.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 4, Memoranda to the President, Jan-Feb 1970, Feb 1970, folder 2. Secret; NODIS. The attachments are not published. Nixon approved both the letter and the invitation but wrote in regard to the latter, “but keep it very vague.” Kissinger noted on page one, “To Haig - Rush.” Attached, but not published, was a February 18 handwritten note from Haig to Kissinger stating, “I've implemented this with very vague' caveat. Note, Richardson cable sent w/out our clearance!”
Kissinger seconded a recommendation from Ambassador to Nigeria Trueheart and Under Secretary Richardson that Secretary of State Rogers, while seeing Major General Gowon, Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria, the next day, deliver a personal letter from the President and extend an invitation to visit the United States. Both steps were calculated to improve strained relations. Kissinger expressed concern that if the United States did not express continuing interest in relief efforts, failure to do so might be taken as satisfaction with current measures.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box 4, Memoranda to the President, Jan-Feb 1970, Feb 1970, folder 2. Secret; NODIS. The attachments are not published. Nixon approved both the letter and the invitation but wrote in regard to the latter, “but keep it very vague.” Kissinger noted on page one, “To Haig - Rush.” Attached, but not published, was a February 18 handwritten note from Haig to Kissinger stating, “I've implemented this with very vague' caveat. Note, Richardson cable sent w/out our clearance!”
Biafran War Database.
Editor: Azuka Nzegwu.
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