Department of State Atomic Energy Flies
Memorandum by the Commanding General, Manhattan Engineer District (Groves), to the Secretary of State
Because of the importance of the Congo to the atomic energy program of the United States, it is essential to maintain as friendly relations as possible and to keep developments in the Congo and Belgium under close observation. The situation in these areas, as it affects the atomic energy program, has been the subject of numerous dispatches from Ambassador Kirk to the Department of State.
Such dispatches have indicated attempts by Communist-inspired elements to infiltrate and to “organize” workers in the Congo. They have also indicated certain economic and social unrest in the area which might be deterred through positive action by this country. To date, in cooperation with the Belgians, we have been able to operate to our mutual benefit and satisfaction and generally any developments adverse to our interests have been forestalled.
In view of the foregoing, as well as the planned expansion of our activities in the Conge, it appears that our interests would be further served by stationing additional trained observers in the Congo. The situation in Belgium is thoroughly and accurately covered. As for the Congo, however, we are at present relying on reports from Union Minière in conjunction with reports from occasional visitors from this country.
Direct “on-the-spot” reports from the Congo by one or two consular officials who are apprised of the importance of the area in the atomic energy program and who while devoting a major portion of their time to normal State Department activities, would yet serve as a source of information for atomic energy matters, would be of measurable value in assuring the success of the program. Specifically, the staff at Leopoldville might be increased to permit the office there to devote a portion of its time to surveys and reports of particular interest to our affairs. Of even greater importance would be a consular office at Elisabethville, operated by an officer who, preferably, speaks French and who has a working knowledge of mining or geology. Such a consul could provide the badly needed surveillance of activities in the Jadotville area and would enable us to be kept as well informed as the British are through their consul at Elisabethville. In addition, we should have consular representation at all points in the Belgian Congo at which British or Russians representatives are stationed.
I suggest, therefore, that, if practicable, consideration be given to augmenting the consular staff in the Congo.