Biafra and the left
Sir- Richard West's article (16 May) on Biafra and the left seems to me unfair on the left. Of course, it depends what he means by the left. If he means merely the editor of the New Statesman, well and good.
But. if he means the numerous members and supporters of the Labour party, who have no newspaper in which to express our opinions, it is not true to say that we are 'largely indif- ferent or hostile' to Biafra.
At the last Labour party conference. I was among many tlelegates from constituency parties and trade unions who supported and canvassed for a resolution from Knutsford al.' 'This Conference calls upon the Govern- ment to stop the -sale of arms to the Nigerian Federal Republic. Conference urges the Government to intensify its efforts to bring the two sides together to end the conflict and con-
siders that these efforts will be compromised by the sale of arms to one side. Conference further asks that the Government replace the policy of selling arms by one of providing food and medical supplies to both sides.'
Replying for the executive, John Chalmers said: 'Finally I want to say that if there is a possibility of ending the civil war by stopping the supply of arms to Nigeria, then we call upon our Government to stop the supply now. That is the decision of your National Executive Committee.' The chairman. Jennie Lee, said: 'I can see your wishes by your acclaim,' and declared the motion carried.
What more is the left supposed to do? We cannot support the alternative party, since the Conservatives are equally committed to the support of Nigeria against Biafra. Perhaps we should take to the streets and demonstrate against the unnamed 'oil companies and other big business interests' which (according to Richard West) are on the side of Nigeria against Biafra.
D. A. N. Jones 19 Endymion Road. London SW2
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