Office of the Historian

174. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1

Washington, June 2, 1964, 7:55 p.m.

1376. In view imminent departure all UN troops from Congo and deteriorating situation involving ANC in Kivu which could have important repercussions on other potential trouble areas in Congo, we believe GOC should now move rapidly to make bilateral arrangements with one or more friendly African countries to permit stationing of troops in Congo.

We recognize of course that strenuous efforts in support this thesis have already been made with various GOC officials and we aware of problems which presence other African troops might pose for Congolese. [Page 249] We encouraged however by Nendaka’s remarks re Adoula’s thinking reported Embtel 24382 and believe conclusion of bilateral offers quickest means of introducing stabilizing force into Congo at this time.

Since time appears be ripe, Embassy accordingly requested raise matter again with GOC at earliest appropriate time and urge GOC take necessary action quickly. Nigeria of course comes to mind as well as Tunisia and Ethiopia as possible bilateral partners. We suggest you may wish discuss with both Adoula and Kasavubu, although we leave choice to your discretion. We would in any case appreciate rundown on Kasavubu’s views on general situation.3

Ball
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Tienken; cleared by Dorros in AF/W, Polk, Buffum, Galanto, and Colonel Junkerman in DOD; and approved by O’Sullivan. Repeated to USUN, Brussels, CINCMEAFSA, Addis Ababa, Lagos, and Tunis.↩
  2. Telegram 2438 from Leopoldville, June 2, reported that Nendaka told an Embassy officer that Mobutu was finally prepared to seek assistance for a program to recruit 10 new battalions and provide them with 12 months of intensive training. (Ibid.)↩
  3. In telegram 2460 from Leopoldville, June 3, Godley suggested that discussions with Africans concerning assistance to the Congolese be discreet and limited to high-level, general discussions until they could see the results of Adoula’s approach to the Nigerians. (Ibid.)↩