October 15, 1968
Observer Team Claims No Evidence
of Genocide
A team of foreign observers
reported today that there was not evidence supporting the allegations of
genocide in the region of Eastern Nigeria, where secessionist Biafrans are
making a last stand against federal troops. The team published its report following
a visit to the southern sector of the fighting front, where Nigerian troops are
tightening a noose around Umuahia, the last major town in Biafran hands. The team
was headed by Maj. Gen. Henry Alexander of the British army and included
officers from Sweden, Canada and Poland. They also reported that refugees
behind the fighting lines were mostly in good condition.
The report made two main
recommendations: that “white belts” should be declared 10 miles behind the
federal lines where civilians should be resettled and that the fighting zones
should be declared “red belts” and all civilians excluded. That since the
observer teams could not be present permanently or in all sectors at the same
time, these teams should be enlarged immediately. (UPI - United Press
International)
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