Peace Efforts of Outsiders Like Britain, Zambia Held Unlikely to Bar Civil War - A few outsiders like Britain and Zambia are trying to prevent civil war in Nigeria by diplomatic persuasion and maneuvering, but the odds seem against them. The federal military government of Nigeria seems determined to crush the secession of Eastern Nigeria by force if need be. But this does not stop the talk about peace. Almost a month has gone by since the Eastern Region seceded on May 30 and proclaimed itself the independent Republic of Biafra. Without war, there is always hope of peace. So the outsiders try - in a hesitant, uncertain way. Britain, for example, has sent Eric Norris, assistant secretary of state in the commonwealth office, to Nigeria this week, hoping he might discover some way to end the crisis without bloodshed...

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