Sir David Hunt
Sir: You can imagine my feelings on seeing the insulting remarks made by Mr Waugh about my husband in your issue of 31 December. I do not think it right to descend to his level of abuse; but why does the Spectator give him licence to drag up on all occasions his obsession with the Nigerian civil war?
Mr Waugh's pretext for his vituperation is that the Wilson government, advised by my husband, was guilty of 'implicating out country in the genocide of two million Ibo civilians, mostly children.' There was no genocide. That fact was proved by the reports of the international observers, representing Britain, Canada, Poland, the UN Secretary-General and the Organisation of African Unity, all honourable men and no propagandists. Their reports were all unanimous. And why does he stick to that absurd figure when even former Biafran propagandists of longer standing and once of equal passion have come down to one million and it is now known that the true figure is something like a tenth of that. Naturally he ignores Ojukwu's responsibility for using the relief programme to serve the needs of his propaganda and of his arms supply.
The war ended eight years ago in an atmosphere of conciliation and amity. All the leaders of 'Biafra' except Ojukwu are living and prospering in Nigeria, mainly in Lagos. Ibos are completely integrated into the national life, serving in government, in the Services and as heads of diplomatic missions. The Governor of Lagos State is an Ibo. There has never been an example of such complete integration and forgiveness coming so swiftly after a long civil war.
If you think your readers are still Interested in the subject you only have to send someone to Northumberland Avenue. The present Acting High Commissioner for Nigeria is also an Ibo. fro Hunt, Old Place, East Wing, Undfield, Sussex
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