Nigeria

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31801, 4 October 1968, Page 10

Nigeria

Sir, —Your timely editorial, “Biafran Twilight,” brings me to ask why there is a conspiracy of silence from all parties in Parliament on the tragic Biafra situation. This is Human Rights Year, and Article 3 of the declaration clearly states: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security.” The right to live is the fundamental of all other rights. To live means more than to exist. Yet, while our Parliamentarians manage to find time to discuss such things as crayfish tails, largemouthed bass, imported catapults, toilets on the Haast, and increasing the size of the oyster minimum, they do not find it in their conscience to raise the Biafran matter. Does international law say, “No, you cannot intervene”? Is it because of our ties with Britain we keep quiet? “To be silent in the face of injustice is to be a partner to it."— Yours, etc., M. O’NEILL. October 2, 1968.

Sir, —In reply to P.J.A., the fact that 10,000 Biafrans are dying each day does not necessarily mean they are being exterminated. This word implies a deliberate act by Federal Nigeria, and this has not been proved, although any war involves extermination of the enemy, and here Biafra is also guilty. The contention that without British arms Federal Nigeria would not be winning is also without foundation. In manpower alone Federal Nigeria is much larger than Biafra. Because people “go about their daily duties as if all was well,” this does not necessarily mean that they think all is well. They may know it is not, but what can they do? Fifty cents to a “Help Biafra” appeal will

merely keep alive thousands of children who will grow up mentally or physically retarded. or possibly both, through malnutrition—and this in the name of humanitarianism!—Yours, etc., J.H. October 1, 1968.