Office of the Historian

125. Telegram From the Consulate General at Accra to the Department of State1

Accra, February 12, 1957—2 p.m.

121. Re Deptel 112.2 Question invitation GRC discussed with Chapman3 secretary to Prime Minister and with Nkrumah himself on February 11. I emphasized dangers of Ghana appearing favor Communists over free world. Prime Minister and Chapman convinced serious nature situation. Difficulty lies in fact that foreign affairs still controlled by British. In addition to GRC no invitations sent to Egypt; Syria, Saudi Arabia. PM plans send letters these countries after March 6 explaining and expressing personal regret. However Nkrumah realizes GRC presents different problem, he asked me present case to governor4 as seriously as to him and notify him that conversation completed. He then plans to see governor himself. Additional problem is inquiry by Communist China if GRC invited, to which government said no.

I discussed matter in same vein with governor. … He was apparently not fully aware seriousness American viewpoint or that Ghana and not British will have to bear onus. He is cabling UK Government reporting my representations and agreed present matter “from Ghana point of view.” In view adamant position British I consider it unlikely that GRC will receive invitation.

Lamm
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 745k.02/2–1257. Confidential; Priority. Also sent to London.↩
  2. Telegram 112, January 30, urged Lamm to continue his efforts to obtain an invitation for the GRC. (Ibid., 745k.02/1–2857) On February 8, Lamm was urged to take up the case with Nkrumah if possible. (Telegram 134; ibid., 745k.02/2–857)↩
  3. Daniel Chapman.↩
  4. Sir Charles Arden Clarke.↩