182. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations 1
480. Urtel 773, rptd Leopoldville 113.2 Dept agrees in principle it desirable seat Bomboko as Congo Delegate as soon as possible. Rapid decision would take advantage absence rival del, permit Bomboko [Page 347]return to Congo to assume new position, help solidify positions Kasavubu, Mobutu and Bomboko, and deny time for opposition lobby effectively against him.
However, there are two good reasons delay of at least few days in meeting Credentials Committee. First, meeting should not be called until GA has adopted moratorium on Chinese credentials, Secondly, careful sounding GA opinion required assume favorable vote.
Dept believes ideal course would be for Africans themselves support and take initiative in seating of Bomboko. We hope African caucus to be held Monday will clarify prospects for such African initiative. In preparation for meeting, USUN should discuss discreetly with selected Africans as well as Morocco, and with states likely have influence with Africans (Israel, France, Japan, Haiti and others). Following Monday meeting, Dept would appreciate most careful reading parliamentary situation in Credentials Committee as well as in plenary.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–2260. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Tron; initialed by Sisco; cleared in draft with Penfield, Coote, and Sullivan; and approved by Wallner who signed for Dillon. Repeated priority to Leopoldville.↩
- See Document 177.↩