Ministry of External Affairs of the USSR

[Luc]

UNION OF THE SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Сою́з Сове́тских Социалисти́ческих Респу́блик

Workers of the world, Unite!

___________________________

The Soviet Ministry for External Affairs is now open for diplomatic talks.

[Flamelord]

The Nigerian government would like to thank the Soviet Union for the support that it has shown for the Federal Government during these trying times, as we fight to ensure the sanctity and unity of the Nigerian State against the Biafran Rebels. If possible we would like to strengthen our ties with the Soviet Union, both in the immediate future and after the conflict has been resolved in victory.

[Luc]

The Nigerian government would like to thank the Soviet Union for the support that it has shown for the Federal Government during these trying times, as we fight to ensure the sanctity and unity of the Nigerian State against the Biafran Rebels. If possible we would like to strengthen our ties with the Soviet Union, both in the immediate future and after the conflict has been resolved in victory.

The Soviet Government thanks the kind words of the Nigerian government, the cooperation between out two great nations has brought much wealth to our respective populaces in the past, may it continue this way. In regards to the civil war that is currently taking place within Nigeria, between the government and the secessionist state of Biafra, the government of the Soviet Union would like to take this oportunity to inquire in the procedings of the conflict. The Nigerian government is a good partner to the Soviet Union, and we would very much enjoy for this status to remain as it is, however the alarming reports of violence and even genocide against civilians living within the secessionist movement is extremely worrying. The Soviet Union recognises that military force will need to be used by the Nigerian Government to defeat the rebellious province, this however does not justify acts such as the food blockade, which is causing unmeasurable harm to the populace of Biafra. The Soviet government, as a constant partner of Nigeria, respectfully asks that such tactics be dropped by the Nigerian Government, in the name of the survival and the welfare of the Biafran Populace.

[Flamelord]

We are glad to hear that sentiment coming from Moscow. We are especially favorable towards increasing economic ties, either in trade or in aid to deal with the damage from this crisis.

Now, we are not sure where you may have obtained such reports, but let us reassure you that they are false and most likely intended to cast us in as negative a light as possible. Any violence that has taken place in the combat zone has been directed against armed rebel insurgents and those who are actively supporting their combat operations. Nonetheless rest assured that we are doing our utmost to end this war, and shall soon have supremacy in the conflict.

With regards to the blockade, we should hope that the Soviet Union understands the wiseness of a strategy geared towards cutting off the supplies that the Biafran rebels are currently receiving, which are propping up their war effort. In doing so we believe that it will bring this war to a swift end. Without it in place the Biafrans could receive additional weapons and supplies, extending the war for many years. We regret the civilian cost, but we were left with little choice in the matter when undoubtedly any aid that goes to Biafra will be seized by those who are still perpetuating this conflict. Ultimately we believe that there is greater wisdom in ending the conflict swiftly, above all else. We hope you understand

[Luc]

We are glad to hear that sentiment coming from Moscow. We are especially favorable towards increasing economic ties, either in trade or in aid to deal with the damage from this crisis.

Now, we are not sure where you may have obtained such reports, but let us reassure you that they are false and most likely intended to cast us in as negative a light as possible. Any violence that has taken place in the combat zone has been directed against armed rebel insurgents and those who are actively supporting their combat operations. Nonetheless rest assured that we are doing our utmost to end this war, and shall soon have supremacy in the conflict.

With regards to the blockade, we should hope that the Soviet Union understands the wiseness of a strategy geared towards cutting off the supplies that the Biafran rebels are currently receiving, which are propping up their war effort. In doing so we believe that it will bring this war to a swift end. Without it in place the Biafrans could receive additional weapons and supplies, extending the war for many years. We regret the civilian cost, but we were left with little choice in the matter when undoubtedly any aid that goes to Biafra will be seized by those who are still perpetuating this conflict. Ultimately we believe that there is greater wisdom in ending the conflict swiftly, above all else. We hope you understand

The Soviet Government understands the reasoning behind the use of such tactics, yet we deeply regret that the Nigerian Government will continue to carry them out. Since the main fear is in regards to the possible delivery of weapons to the Biafran's, would the Nigerian government be accepting of a possible UN-lead hummanitarian relief operation on Biafra, with the sole purpose of supporting the local populace? It is importnat to remark that if such action was to be carried out, it would be executed by the United Nations, with the sole intent of aiding the populace whilst remaining non-partisan in regards to the issues that sparked the civil war in the first place. Would such a operation be viewed favourably by the Nigerian Government?

[Gesar]

We condemn the Nigerian ambassador for their dishonest words as much as their horrible actions, and urge the Soviet Union to consider that the Federal Government has made no motion to limit the glibly-named "civilian cost" of their blockade, a horrendous famine that no true African would impose upon his brothers. Mr. Brezhnev has shown himself a friend of the Global South, and we urge him, in his wisdom, to remember that no admonition of strategic necessity will feed a starving people, or heal the wounds being inflicted on the repressed Igbo population of Biafra.

[Flamelord]

If humanitarian mission were approved by the United Nations, the Nigerian Federal Government would comply with that decision. Though we should add that we will not be held culpable if a tragedy were to befall the mission while in lands outside the control of Lagos. But we are not heartless monsters, and if suffering can be alleviated while not aiding the insurgency, we will not oppose it.

[Luc]

If humanitarian mission were approved by the United Nations, the Nigerian Federal Government would comply with that decision. Though we should add that we will not be held culpable if a tragedy were to befall the mission while in lands outside the control of Lagos. But we are not heartless monsters, and if suffering can be alleviated while not aiding the insurgency, we will not oppose it.

The Soviet Union thanks for the comprehension of the Republic of Nigeria in regards to the welfare of the Biafran populace. Yet, we must still say that, despite understanding the reasons through a political point of view, we still disagree with the sanctions imposed, most especially in regards to the food blockage. It is important for the Nigerian Government to realise that upon the end of the Civil war, the territory of Biafra and all those residing within it will once again be citizens of Nigeria, meaning that all the damage to property and deaths by starvation caused now will lead to more troubles down the road for the nation. The Soviet Government hopes for a swift ending to the conflict, and that peace may soon reign supreme over the nation of Nigeria.

[OYID]

The Republic of Cuba wishes to publicly express its gratitude to our brave friends in the Soviet Union for all the help they have provided to the people of Cuba over the years. Your shining example is still a beacon of hope for millions around the world. Even though this is a sad time, the people of Cuba know that they will always have friends in Moscow. Salud, camaradas!

[Huojin]

The Iraqi-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

Being firmly convinced that international problems in the contemporary world must be solved through co-operation and by seeking solutions acceptable to the parties concerned,

Being inspired by the ideals of struggle against imperialism, colonialism, Zionism and reaction, and for the freedom and independence and social progress of peoples,

Reaffirming their determination to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,

Desirous of expanding and consolidating the existing relations of friendship, co-operation and mutual confidence between them,

The Iraqi Republic on the one side, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the other side,

Have decided to conclude the present treaty and agreed on the following:

ARTICLE 1
The High Contracting Parties solemnly declare that a lasting and unbreakable friendship will always exist between them. They will continue to develop comprehensive co-operation between the two countries and their peoples on the basis of respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

ARTICLE 2
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as a socialist state, and the Iraqi Republic, which has set itself the aim of the socialist reconstruction of society, will cooperate closely and in all fields in ensuring conditions for preserving and further developing the social and economic gains of their peoples.

ARTICLE 3
The Iraqi Republic respects the peace-loving policy of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics aimed at strengthening friendship and co-operation with all nations. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics respects Iraq's policy of non-alignment and reaffirms that this policy constitutes an important factor in the maintenance of universal peace and international security and in the lessening of tensions in the world.

ARTICLE 4
Guided by the aspiration to promote in every way the maintenance of international peace and the security of peoples, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Iraqi Republic will continue with the utmost determination to exert efforts toward achieving and ensuring a lasting and just peace in the Middle East in accordance with the aims and principles of the United Nations Charter.

ARTICLE 5
Guided by the ideals of the freedom and equality of all peoples, the High Contracting Parties condemn imperialism and colonialism in all their forms and manifestations. They will continue to wage an unrelenting struggle against imperialism and for the complete and final liquidation of colonialism in pursuance of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to All Colonial Countries and Peoples, and will wage an unswerving struggle against racism and apartheid.

ARTICLE 6
The High Contracting Parties shall promote further development of ties and contacts between them in the fields of science, art, literature, education, public health, press, radio, television, cinema, tourism and sports.

ARTICLE 7
Deeply interested in ensuring universal peace and security, attaching great importance to their mutual co-operation in the international field for achieving these aims, the High Contracting Parties will maintain regular contacts with each other on major international problems affecting the interests of both the States by means of meetings, and exchanges of views between their leading statesmen, visits by official delegations and special envoys of the two Governments, and through diplomatic channels.

ARTICLE 8
In the interests of strengthening the defence capability of the Iraqi Republic, the High Contracting Parties will continue to develop cooperation in the military field on the basis of appropriate agreements between them. Such cooperation will provide, in particular, for assistance in the training of Iraqi military personnel and in mastering the armaments and equipment supplied to the Iraqi Republic for the purpose of strengthening its capability in the cause of eliminating the consequences of aggression as well as increasing its ability to stand up to aggression.

ARTICLE 9
In accordance with the traditional friendship established between the two countries, each of the High Contracting Parties solemnly declares that it shall not enter into or participate in any military alliance directed against the other Party. Each High Contracting Party undertakes to abstain from any aggression against the other Party and to prevent the use of its territory for the commission of any act which might inflict military damage on the other High Contracting Party.

ARTICLE 10
Each High Contracting Party undertakes to abstain from providing any assistance to any third country that engages in armed conflict with the other Party. In the event of either being subjected to an attack or a threat thereof, the High Contracting Parties shall immediately enter into mutual consultations in order to remove such threat and to take appropriate effective measures to ensure peace and the security of their countries.

ARTICLE 11
Each High Contracting Party solemnly declares that it shall not enter into any obligation, secret or public, with one or more States, which is incompatible with this Treaty. Each High Contracting Party further declares that no obligation be entered into, between itself and any other State or States, which might cause military damage to the other Party.

ARTICLE 12
This Treaty is concluded for the duration of fifteen years and will be automatically extended for each successive period of five years unless either High Contracting Party declares its desire to terminate it by giving notice to the other High Contracting Party twelve months prior to the expiration of the Treaty. The Treaty will be subject to ratification and will come into force on the date of the exchange of Instruments of Ratification which will take place in Moscow within one month of the signing of this Treaty.

ARTICLE 13
Any difference of interpretation of any Article or Articles of this Treaty which may arise between the High Contracting Parties will be settled bilaterally by peaceful means in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding.

Done in Baghdad.

[Luc]

The Iraqi-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

[[*snip*]]

[X] Andrei Gromyko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR