1.
GV National Hall
0.05

2.
CU Guinea delegates enter ( 2 shots )
0.15

3.
SV Gen. Gowon arrives
0.22

4.
SV INT Delegates applaud as Gen. Gowon enters ( 2 shots )
0.32

5.
CU captured arms and ammunition on table are inspected by Gen. Gowon and Diallo Telli (white hat and nat. costume, 3 shots).
0.48

6.
SV INT Delegates from Mali Ghana and UAR seated
0.56

7.
SCU Gowon speaks
2.34

8.
GV delegates seated
2.35


TRANSCRIPT: GOWON: SEQ 7: "There are many people who are eagerly waiting to know the outcome of this meeting. First, there are the gallant people of Guinea, who want to know what the Organisation of African Unity can do to guarantee their independence and security as well as those of the other member states of our Organisation against foreign aggression. Secondly, these are our brothers and sisters still under the oppressive Portuguese regimes in Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Angola, who believe that the time has come to rid Africa of Portuguese colonialism. For without their freedom and independence they will be a continued threat to the peace and security of Africa. Thirdly, there are those, although not yet victims of foreign aggression, who fear that they are next on the list. And fourthly there are the Portuguese colonialists and their friends, who will be encouraged to commit other acts of aggression against independent African states should we fail here to act decisively and effectively, to check their acts of terrorism, intimidation and wanton violence."




Initials PAF/MR/MH/1726 PAF/MR/PS/1820



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Nigerian Head of State, Major-General Yakubu Gowon, called upon the emergency meeting of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Council of Ministers which opened in Lagos yesterday (December 9), to provide immediate and practical answers to threats of foreign aggression in Africa.

The OAU meeting opened less than 24 hours after the United Nations Security Council held Portugal fully responsible for the attacks on Guinea and demanded full compensation to the Conakry Government for extensive damage to life and property. Portugal has repeatedly denied involvement in the invasion.

Before opening the session, General Gowon and the OAU Secretary-General Diallo Telli inspected weapons captured in the fighting in Guinea last month.