'A war of nations'
Biafra: to perish?
(Editor's note: This is the last in a series of two articles on the Biafra-Nigeria conflict.)
By MICHAEL NAGEL Kansan Staff Writer
The Biafran-Nigerian conflict is a war between nations not a civil war said Emmanuel Odimgbe, Biafra junior, defiantly, during an interview yesterday. "Man's greatest beauty is fighting for his own rights."
Although the war is between nations, the Biafran who is also a member of the KU chapter of the Committee to Keep Biafra Alive does not want international intervention.
"Leave Africans to solve African problems," said Odimbe.
Odimbe expressed disapproval of military intervention on behalf of either party to the conflict claiming any intervention would only lead to a prolonged war and a complexity of issues.
At present the United States involvement has been limited to recognition of only the Nigerian government and financial aid of American citizens. Odimgbe suggested a reason for U.S. refusal to recognize Biafra is that the United States is waiting until Biafra proves itself; and that its refusal is only a temporary
measure. When asked the best policy the United States could take toward the war, Odimgbe offered two possible courses of action:
- If the United States is to maintain its neutrality it should guarantee the neutrality of other nations and use its influence to prevent intervention.
- Only if other nations persist in their intervention, should the United States intervene militarily in support of Biafra.
But the Biafran student added, "I actually don't think it's to anyone's advantage if the United States enters the war."
If the United States wants to police the world, let it check the
movements of foreign countries who might influence the war, Odimbe be said. "It should keep both sides from being exploited by the private material interests of foreign nations."
In answer to arguments that a successful Biafran secession would lead to eventual disruption of African unity, the Biafran asked for reason. He said it would be illogical for anyone to expect the African nations to follow blindly in the steps of Biafra by revolting and forsaking their own national interests. He explicitly cited the Congo rebellion asking if the Congo caused rebellion after rebellion in Africa.
In reference to criticisms that relief funds were being used to buy military equipment, Odimgbe asked how anyone could establish any arguments which would support such "random statements." Referring to the money which is collected at KU, the Biafran explained the money is transferred to the KU-Y which sends the money to the International Red Cross.
Among all the uncertainty, the Biafran is certain of one thing.
"The differences between the people of Nigeria are so highly entrenched that even if Biafra is conquered, bitterness will still exist."
Hashinger pipe breaks
The ground floor of Hashinger Hall was covered with an inch of water when a hot water pipe broke Sunday night.
J. J. Wilson, director of
14 KANSAN Mar. 11
1969
housing, said about 9:30 p.m. a water pipe in the second floor recreation room broke, sending water down to the ground floor.
A housing maintenance crew worked until midnight cleaning and repairing the damage, he said.
Wilson thought an open window in the recreation room damaged the thermostat, causing the pipe to freeze.
"The extent of the damage has not been determined," he said, "but in terms of dollars and cents, we believe it's minor."
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