'BRITAIN MUST INTERVENE IN NIGERIA,' SAYS PRIEST

BY A STAFF REPORTER
THE Nigerian war does have religious connotations, claimed a missionary priest just back in London from Nigeria. General Gowan has denied he has any religious motivations, but he is not in control. "Gowon is just a figure-head in his Government," said the priest who for fear of reprisals against his friends in Nigeria would not allow his name to be revealed. "General Gowon is ruled by a very strong group of political opportunists, militarist factions, tribal rivalries and Muslim extremists who are determined not to negotiate with the Biafran General Ojukwu. "Also the Russians are deeply involved in this war. Day after day I've seen Mig fighters attack our hospitals, schools and churches in Umuahia, Port Harcourt, Abab, Orlu, Awgu Iko Tekpene, Uyo, Hu and Onitsha. "While these attacks go on, Britain has no moral right to stand aside and say it can't take sides. "It was responsible for the birth of Nigeria and must realise that the people it left there should be given some form of protection. "The Biafrans are daily becoming more suspicious about whose side the British are really on.
"The situation has deteriorated so much in Biafra now that the sick won't go near a hospital because of fears of being machine-gunned or bombed. "There could be a severe food shortage later this year and in the meantime thousands will be deprived of proper medical treatment."
However, said the missionary priest, the war could be ended in a rnatter of months if Britain used its influence.
"Britain should stop the supply of arms to General Gowon, as suggested by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and it could use more persuasion in bringing the parties to the conference table.
"General Ojukwu is ready, at least ready to sit down at a negotiating table. General Gowon, on the other hand, won't even do this.
"The Biafrans are determined to fight to the last man, and thus the only alternatives are a negotiated peace or mass annihilation.
"The Federal Air Force,
which is Russian and Czechoslovak supplied and mercenary operated, invariably makes its first target hospitals and market places. "Gowan and his boss generals have failed to secure a military victory and are now trying to instil fear into the civilian population. They have caused no loss of morale, only suffering among defenceless women, children, and old people. "In desperation the Federal Government has been trying to prevent medical supplies and emergency food (especially dried milk) from being flown into the war-torn area by the Red Cross and Church charities.
"The U.S. Catholic Relief Service plane which relieved a desperate situation in late January had to fly into Port Harcourt by stealth.
"Arriving under cover of darkness it crash-landed but fortunately no one was injured. "Although this shipment relieved the position, the plight of Biafra grows worse. Several hundred thousand refugees are now being crammed into schools and emergency compounds.
"The Biafrans are justified in fearing they will be massacred. In Calabar three thousand civilians were shot down in the streets.
''There were mass murders in Benin, Agbor and Asaba."