242. Editorial Note
On November 4, Central African Republic Representative Michel Gallin-Douathe was refused service at a diner near Baltimore, Maryland, while returning to New York City from Washington, where he had just presented his credentials to President Eisenhower. In reporting the incident to the Department of State on November 9, the Mission at the United Nations noted that another African representative had also experienced a racial incident, and suggested that Eisenhower send Gallin-Douathe a letter of apology. The Mission also suggested that the Department consider releasing the story so that it would not become a major news item if it leaked out. (Telegram 1332 from USUN; Department of State, Central Files, 304.70P/11–960)
The Mission reiterated its comments the following day. The “story of this incident is known amongst representatives all African countries this GA,” it argued, “and Guinea and Ghana in particular are making special point in conversations with African colleagues of citing this case as proof America is a nation of racists.” A Presidential apology was necessary lest the United States “lose favor and respect we presently enjoy with majority black African states.” (Telegram 1349 from USUN, November 10; ibid., 304.70P/11–1060)
On November 11, Secretary Herter sent Eisenhower a report on the incident and a draft letter of apology, recommending in his covering memorandum that the President send Gallin-Douathe a letter along the lines suggested. (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International Series, Central African Republic) Four days later, the Department of State notified the Mission at the United Nations that a letter from Eisenhower to Gallin-Douathe had been dispatched to the Mission. The Department wished no publicity about either incident or the [Page 439] letter, but instructed the Mission to inform it if Gallin-Douathe intended to publicize either. (Telegram 916 to USUN; Department of State, Central Files, 304.70P/11–1560)
Dated November 14, the letter termed Gallin-Douathe’s experience “a most unfortunate incident,” which Eisenhower had learned of “with deep regret.” “I want you to know how sincerely I deplore this incident,” it continued. “I assure you that this Government has endeavored to eliminate the causes of such occurrences in this country, and that our efforts will continue toward this end.” “The United States,” it concluded, “attaches great importance to the friendship of the African people. I hope you will judge this regrettable incident, which reflects the attitude of only a minority of the citizens of this country, in its proper perspective.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International Series, Central African Republic)
On November 16, the Mission reported that the letter had been delivered to Gallin-Douathe at 11:34 that morning. He did not mention any intention of publicizing it. (Telegram 1424 from USUN; Department of State, Central Files, 304.70P/11–1660)