3. - usaid

Soon there were ever increasing numbers of civilians in need of assistance.
. In October, 1967, the Nigerian Red Cross reported that it would need $140,000
ner month to care for the 100,000 persons made homeless. A relief plan was
prep~red and the Nigerian Red Cross was given authority by the FT4G to expand
its activities. The FPE also announced that an Ad Hoc National Relief
Committee had been formed to coodinate activities of participating voluntary
organizations such as the Oxford Comnittee for Famine Relief (OXFAM),
Catholic Relief Services, Christian Council of Nigeria, and others. The
Nigerian Red Cross expressed its willingness to work wherever need existed.
The NRC invited ICRC to visit already established relief camps and began
plans to establish more temporary camps in FrE areas. It also made a national
appeal for funds. ICRC chartered a plane to bring in donated medicines to
Port Harcourt in December of 1967 and indicated it would try to work in
Biafra as well as FMG, allocating money and personnel to both sides. ICRC
promptly issued an appeal to other countries for funds and medical supplies,
and later the Nigerian Red Cross appealed to sister Red Cross Societies for
cash and relief goods.
In March 1968, there were indications that the relief situation on both
sides was becoming crucial. The number of victims needing food and medical
aid was rapidly increasing and movement of supplies into the war-torn areas
on both sides became more and more difficult.
01 April 10, 1968, with the approval of the FMG, the Nigerian Red Cross
called on the ICRC to assm mjor responsibility for relief operations.
During May and June, ICRC/NRC formulated emergency plans for large scale
relief operations.
At the same time the mushrooming relief needs in the Biafran enclave called
for direct and prompt action by ICRC. In order to extend its humanitarian
aid to both sides, ICRC pulled toether a fleet of planes, boats and
vehicles to deliver supplies. It located medical personnel, organized and
staffed medical and relief teams. I~'FE areas it coordinated the relief
activities of other voluntary agencies. ICRC engaged in f'und raising and
obtained donated services, things and supplies *om governments and Red
Cross Societies around the world. In order for ICRC to handle this massive
program, the USG and other governments urged it to develop a budget and to
plan for months ahead on food and other requirements. With high purpose
and dedication, ICRC operated above most of the divisive forces that it
encountered. It succeeded in establishing an impartial relief program and
provided foods, services and medical care wherever needed and under very
difficult circumstances. It conducted its relief operations in a neutral,
non-political manner. It earned financial support f'rom the U. S. and
other governments. While it began with the f'ull acceptance of the Nigerian
Red Cross and the FIG, political pressures caused the FMC; to advise ICRC on
June 30 that it was transferring the relief operation responsibility to its
National Relief and Rehabilitation Corrunission. The complete story of ICRC's
many services and its compassion and the complexity of the herculean relief
program may never be written, but the results in terms of lives saved and
suff'erhg relieved are plainly evident.