Word: biafra
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...pictures of starving children, their eyes bulging, their bodies bloated or matchstick thin, most Americans ask indignantly: Why has the U.S. not done more to relieve such suffering? The answer, of course, is that starvation has been a calculated weapon in the civil war between federal Nigeria and secessionist Biafra. The Nigerians are fearful that arms will flow into Biafra under the cover of relief shipments and therefore insist that aid be shipped in under their supervision. The Biafrans reject such terms because they fear foul play by the federals. The U.S. has been distressed by the Biafrans' plight...
...recent weeks Washington's attitude has altered. Alarmed by the possibility of a vast famine that could kill thousands of Biafra's 7,000,000 people in the next three months, the Administration has decided on a more active role, one that may funnel $20 million more in relief into Biafra by the end of the fiscal year...
...that offer of the planes does not constitute a major change in policy, the move seems certain to increase U.S. pressure on the warring sides for a peaceful settlement. It will also be a spur to other nations to contribute more relief and reduce arms shipments to Nigeria and Biafra. The new U.S. initiative is based on the projection that, if mass famine is to be averted, Biafra should be receiving 40,000 to 50,000 tons of food a month. Only an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 tons now reach the territory via a clandestine nighttime airlift sponsored...
There are rumors that France may have decided to take over the entire mercenary show in Biafra. The Biafrans have expelled Colonel Rolf Steiner, the German ex-Legionnaire who had commanded their crack mercenary-led unit (TIME, Oct. 25). On arrival here in Gabon, Steiner refused to answer questions, but an aide admitted that the Steiner party had been escorted to the Biafran airport in handcuffs. The speculation is that Steiner was fired because the Biafran military had grown increasingly jealous of his privileged position with Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu and had done their best to see that Steiner...
...French do not want publicity on their role in Biafra. But why are they so intent on keeping the war alive? A businessman here says the reason is Biafran oil: "A million barrels of oil a day, or about one-third the production capacity of Kuwait. That kind of oil production is worth gambling for, even if the odds are against you." In addition, Charles de Gaulle relishes any chance he finds to annoy the British, who are backing the Nigerian government. A third reason may well be that a united and progressing Nigeria would be a threat...