from Alec Acheson
Amnesty have issued the following appeals
“The case of Dr. V.L. Allen, who was arrested in Nigeria on June 17 and is now being tried there on charges of sedition, along with three Nigerians, has aroused considerable concern in this country - in the universities and trades unions and among M.P.s. Information reaching this country regarding the case has been scarce, contradictory and disturbing and there was sufficient anxiety for Amnesty International, which has much experience is cases of this kind, to advise sending a legal observer to the trial.
“This had to be done quickly as there was only a week between the preferring of the present charges and the opening of the trials; and with no publicity in order not to prejudice the chances of the observer being allowed entry into Nigeria. In order to ensure that the observer could go a loan of £250 was raised to cover the initial cost of fares and expenses through a local branch of Amesty,. ‘.2 are appealing for donations towards the repaying of this loan and would be grateful if you would collect and send such donations, marked “Allen Fund" to
Amnesty International,
1, Mitre Court Buildings,
Temple,
London E.C. 4.
"An explanation of the necessity for sending the obsever is attached together with brief details of the arrest, treatment and trial to date of Dr. Allen, which you may find useful for the purposes of collecting donate ions from private individuals and organisatios with which you are connected," N.B. Copies of this statement, which is for private circulation,can be obtained from the above address.