307. Telegram From the Consulate in Elisabethville to the Department of State1
554. Department for Secretary and Under Secretary from McGhee. Pass to White House. For Ambassadors from McGhee. For Stevenson from McGhee. Part two of two. In effort to overcome impasse created by constitution issue, I attempted at some length inspire Tshombe’s confidence in draft constitution, which he suspects is rewrite Loi Fondamentale. Although I have in fact studied constitution carefully I was handicapped by fact I could give him my impressions only as having [Page 609] been obtained from conversations with UN constitutional experts. He gave no evidence of having as yet obtained copy. Since experts had considered their task to produce constitution acceptable both him and Adoula, his written and known views had been taken fully into account. Experts had done their work for UN and had been no more influenced by Adoula than by him. Assured him he would have adequate opportunity for further expression his views when constitution submitted to Parliament and/or Provincial Assemblies—same chance as Adoula and other provinces.
Advised him that ratification process necessarily long and must be followed by implementing laws and interpretations that would in many respects be of more importance than constitution itself, which would be in rather general terms. It intolerable to expect plan implementation to await perfection of constitution on all points and promulgation before carrying out particular aspects plan which need not be delayed for other reasons. Made case for entering into implementation phase as act of faith, as in marriage, under assumption that all provisions, including constitution itself, would be worked out step by step in fair manner as they became possible. Adoula knew this necessary for any lasting agreement and US and other governments had assured it.
I continued that there appeared to be many steps which would further plan that he could take immediately and which would manifest his good faith without prejudicing his final position. As examples only and not exhaustive, suggested he: (1) agree immediate cease-fire and stand still and appointment tripartite commissions as proposed by Gardiner; (2) facilitate opening of Lubilash Bridge and get commerce moving both directions; (3) despatch shipment of copper via that route to Matadi; (4) pay 50 per cent of revenues on these shipments; (5) release UN goods held at Sakania and Dilolo terminals; (6) reestablish telecommunications with Léopoldville; (7) arrange oath-taking next week by senior gendarmerie officers, perhaps five as suggested by Gardiner; (8) assure commissions complete their work by next week.
I stressed that this in no way new proposal or intended supersede five questions, which I read to him, on which I understood Gardiner expecting definitive answer next Thursday. He claimed that he had not so understood Gardiner who had been specific only with respect to desire to discuss transport and other arrangements for implementing cease-fire and cessation of troop movements in north. Tshombe did indicate, however, his willingness cooperate wholeheartedly with tripartite observation group in key places (which now also approved GOC). He expressed particular interest aerial observation. He said commissions were normal places for discussion of other points on which we understood Gardiner expecting answers, i.e., plan for integration of gendarmerie, oath of senior officers, figures on revenue, et cetera. I stressed [Page 610] that above suggested concrete steps were illustrative and that Tshombe probably could think of others which could equally well demonstrate his good faith.
Tshombe’s preliminary replies to these proposals, on which he promised to elaborate in final meeting on Saturday, were: (1) He has always cooperated on rebuilding of Lubilash Bridge but in absence of detente it is not possible overcome gendarme fears of ANC, which augmented by 1,200 additional troops in nearby Bakwanga. Detente possible if cease-fire and cessation of troop movements effected by tripartite commissions. Tshombe prepared discuss Lubilash matter with Gardiner, particularly need for security for trains moving along line through Kasai. (2) He protested that it was Adoula, not he, who stood in way of reopening of telecommunications with Léopoldville. (3) He had to give thought to fact that blocked UN shipments contained perhaps 60 million liters of jet fuel, which could hardly be regarded as non-military. ANC troops at Kamina and hostile attitude of UN troops Elisabethville also complicated this matter. In event of detente he willing unblock all supplies except aviation gas.
I told Tshombe we were encouraged by his acceptance Kitona agreement but were disappointed by lack forward movement following it. We were also encouraged by his acceptance UN plan but again there is no forward movement. Impression has been created that Tshombe hesitates to come to final solution. I am here to try to judge whether Tshombe is willing follow through with plan. Am I to assume that since Tshombe has no confidence in Adoula’s sincerity to follow through that he, Tshombe, will use this as excuse to stall?
Tshombe protested that he earnestly wants national reconciliation. He gave at great length his version Kitona conference and political events which followed in attempt absolve himself from any blame that it was not carried out. He said plan not active because of promise of Federal Constitution. Other aspects, however, must also be negotiated, e.g., there cannot be agreement on even temporary division of revenues until experts take into consideration Katanga financial commitments and suggested [percentage?] that Katanga can spare. He promised abide by experts judgment. I repeated Dorr insistence that plan was not invitation to negotiate or basis for discussion but rather schedule to be carried out promptly with minor adjustments.
Told him we wished assure him of our particular concern for security himself and his associates under plan. We would use our best efforts assure amnesty and provincial police powers, inter alia, would provide adequate protection. He disclaimed any desire for protection not shared by all.
Tshombe had nothing but criticism for Ngalula, GOC Minister of Education and Head of Delegation, whom he described as propagandist [Page 611] and reflection of Adoula’s unwillingness to take plan seriously. Tshombe said he had invited Ngalula to come and discuss differences in form over a drink but Ngalula had not accepted invitation.
Tshombe, finally, was brought around to say that constitution can be discussed as separate problem and that he will not demand its acceptance or promulgation as a precondition for settlement of other issues, which can be dealt with simultaneously in separate commissions. He alluded to what he called malicious propaganda against him originating in Léopoldville and Elisabethville and said that if doubts re his integrity arose in Washington he hoped I would raise them directly with him. Tshombe said he wanted to convey to President Kennedy his gratitude for his friendly interest in sending me here. He wanted me also to report Tshombe’s desire to be regarded as honorable man. He did not want to embarrass me by going back on his word. He suggested that I, e.g., return in say two months to see for myself how things were progressing. Alternatively he prepared go anywhere anytime to meet with me. I made no comment. Our meeting was terminated, on a cordial note, to be resumed in final session Saturday.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/10–662. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Léopoldville, Brussels, USUN.↩