(2 of 4)
Yet all in silence
As is befitting
My wish and my longing
Can none forbid:
One thing is sure:
Thoughts are free.
Though they shut me up
In a dungeon dark
All this is vain
Availing them nothing;
For them my thoughts
Shiver the bolts
And shatter the walls:
Thoughts are free.
FRED A. KAHN Washington, D.C.
Defiance in Biafra
Sir: Your article "Biafra's Agony" [Aug. 23] testifies that journalism still accepts the role that justifies its existence—that of being a spokesman for the conscience of mankind. How many realize that the arms that kill Biafrans are of the same provenance as those that clatter through the streets of newly enslaved Czechoslovakia? Dubcek and Ojukwu may go into ruin, but free men will treasure the memory of their defiant spirit of freedom.
CHARLES B. ASHANIN Indianapolis
Sir: The cover story is brilliant, heartbreaking, concise, comprehensive. What we are witnessing in Biafra today is the emergence of a new form of indigenous African nationalism, with a large number of tribes joining in a common cause. Ibos, indeed, are in the majority, yet there are millions of Ijaws, Ibibios, Efiks, Ekois, Annangs and others living in the former Eastern Region. The holders of five out of eleven portfolios in the Biafran government are minorities men, exactly reflecting the composition of the population of the whole of Biafra. Colonel Ojukwu has time and again called for a plebiscite in disputed areas in and outside Biafra to establish beyond doubt the will of all the minorities. This call is unique in modern Africa and, of course, is being rejected by the Lagos military government, as it knows full well that the vote would go overwhelmingly in favor of Biafra.
MICHAEL WOLF London
Sir: The Ibos are regarded as the Irish of Africa—ready-witted, strongwilled, carefree and gay, with a burning sense of patriotism for their own. The federal Nigerian government should remember Ireland. England tried to subdue us for more than 700 years and failed. Federal Nigeria will never conquer Biafra.
FINBARR SLATTERY Killarney, Ireland
Sir: Your Essay dealing with tribalism in Africa [Aug. 23] as the biggest obstacle to national unity was excellent. It is curious, however, that countries with great numbers of small tribes are making better headway in their attempt at unifying themselves than those with just a few big tribes. A big mistake was made in the beginning by forming Nigeria as one nation. The Ibos of Biafra should have been allowed to form their own country in 1960. Unfortunately, it is too late now. There won't be any of them left when the federalists get through with them. God help the Ibos. It seems no one else has the courage to do so.
(THE REV.) JOHN M. SCHIFF, M.M. Lima, Peru
Three Parts to the Pot