85. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1
100. For Charge.2 Now that parliamentarians have withdrawn to Lovanium without adequate organization in advance among moderate leaders and in absence Conakats, Dept wishes you be authorized in advance in your discretion to urge following action on Kasavubu should in your judgment pre-parliamentary palaver or parliamentary consideration of composition new government appear imminently to be headed for government with Gizenga as Prime Minister or to threaten position of Kasavubu. If you have time to consult with Dept, this would be preferable but may not prove feasible.
Unless you have other suggestions, which we would welcome, believe you should at that time urge Kasavubu and other moderates to consider devices which would gain time and yet not place upon Léopoldville leaders public blame for sabotaging parliament. Have in mind (1) arranging for challenge of those parliamentarians whose credentials are dubious; and (2) asking that parliament suspend consideration of new government for a few days while Kasavubu makes [Page 170] additional attempt induce Tshombe send his Conakats so that all the President’s “family” may be present. He should be pressed not to suspend parliament but rather to ask them to turn for the few days necessary to consideration of some other problem such as new constitution.
We continue to regard as basic the stance of Léopoldville leaders vis-a-vis UN and Afro-Asian nations. Any dilatory tactics adopted should avoid those which would place Léopoldville moderates in position of opposing parliament. We wish to avoid being faced with a choice between Léopoldville moderates opposing parliamentary solution and a government with Gizenga as Prime Minister.
Foregoing points up importance you being able follow developments day to day at Lovanium and keep in close touch with both Linner and Kasavubu. Also important you endeavor keep Mobutu calm and inactive for time being.
Linner’s views on Gizenga prospects would be valuable.
Your comments on foregoing requested urgently.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–2261. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Vance; cleared by Fredericks, Tasca, and Cleveland; and approved by Johnson. Repeated to USUN.↩
- This line originally read “For Charge from Secretary,” but the words “from Secretary” were crossed out. Rusk’s name was also originally typed in the space for the approval signature, but Johnson’s name was substituted, and he initialed. This suggests that Rusk authorized the message but did not see the final text.↩