U.K.-Nigerian Defence Agreement To End

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29728, 23 January 1962, Page 13

U.K.-Nigerian Defence Agreement To End

(N. Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright)

LAGOS, January 21.

The British and Nigerian Governments have decided to end their joint defence agreement, it was officially announced today. Among the provisions of the agreement was Britain’s training of Nigerian personnel for all three armed services and Nigerian facilities for testing British aircraft under tropical conditions.

The announcement said the two Governmeiits had noted “with concern" the scope mid purpose at the agreement had been “widely misunder stood."

to the other at all times, suc.i assistance and facilities in defence matters as are appropriate between parties in '.he Commonwealth." The decision to end the year-old agreement >s believed in London political quarters to have been caused by criticism in West Africa - both within the Nigeran Federation itself and from neighbouring African States Nigeria was the only Conmonwealth country in Africa which had a formal defence agreement of this kind ano it was seen by its critics as something incompatible with the Federation's inde-eo dence This was believed to nave caused concern to responsible political leaders in Nigeria not least to the Federal (Prime Minister (Sir Abubakag, Tafawa Balewa).

The agreement gave Britain overflying and staging rights and the right to hold tropical trials of aircraft in Nigeria. In return Nigeria was promised help with training equipment and supplies. The nature of the new facilities will probably depend on the particular circumstances, tut political quarters thought such things as training, supply of equipment, military visits and transit rights were generally in mind.

“In paritcular tears nave arisen that m consequence of the agreement, Nigeria's freedom of action might be impaired and that she might even be drawn into hostilities against her wishes,’ it said. "The text of the agreement shows that these and other anxieties which have been expressed are 'vholly without foundation “Nevertheless, tn order to end misunderstandings, ‘he two Governments have thought it wise to reconside: the need tor a formal agreement.

Throughout past consults tions the Nigerian Govern ment made it clear that there was no question of unilateral abrogation of the defence agreement on their part. It is understood that the formal ending is not expected to create any practical difficulties for Britain.

“Each Government will, however, endeavour to afford