244. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1
1987. With Kasavubu now in New York, Congo question entering crucial stage. His request for seating his delegation has been referred to Credentials Committee where it likely be approved, but Committee report will be sharply challenged in Plenary by Morocco, Guinea, Ghana, UAR and other pro-Lumumba delegates. Positions taken by new African dels likely determine outcome. Debate on committee report starts probably Thursday.
[Page 441]Pro-Kasavubu delegations reportedly impressed by vigorous opposition offered by Guinea and others and seem to be flagging in their support for Kasavubu. Department suggesting by separate niact telegrams that Tchichelle (Congo Brazzaville) and Okala (Cameroun), who had previously spoken forcefully for Kasavubu and against Lumumba, return to UN for this critical debate.2
Consider it exceedingly desirable that Houphouet-Boigny personally come to New York to rally Conseil de l’Entente delegations and exert leadership among other dels from former French African dependencies. After consultation with French government, suggest you urgently approach Houphouet and suggest he come to New York to throw his prestige and ability into scales and follow through on decision of Abidjan conference.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/11–960. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Herz, cleared by McBride and in substance with Satterthwaite, and approved by Wallner who signed for Herter. Repeated to Abidjan and USUN.↩
- Reference is to telegram 163 to Brazzaville, November 9, also sent to Yaounde as 179. (Ibid.)↩