Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Africa, Volume XIV

129. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate at Elisabethville⁰

July 16, 1960, 1:40 p.m.

17. You should inform Tshombe Dept has received his message transmitted through you¹ but regrets it still does not find itself in position consider question Katanga independence. You may also wish express to Tshombe personal view he might be well advised concentrate on maintenance law and order which fortunately now has been restored in Katanga. Moreover, adoption public posture by Tshombe against cooperation with UN will not serve his interests, and in fact could aggravate an already serious situation. You should also tell him we hope he will feel free continue discuss problems with you on frank and friendly basis and that inability recognize does not constitute any hostility toward Tshombe or his Government.

FYI. While Dept fully appreciative arguments from strictly local point of view favoring US recognition Katanga, situation must be considered in over-all African context. Recognition Government which would be widely regarded as artificial creation by vested Belgian interests would put US in most invidious position vis-à-vis other African states many of whom are principal contributors UN Forces now arriving in Congo. Furthermore recognition in absence any sort of plebiscite to determine wishes of all the people of Katanga would be hazardous undertaking. Should other states recognize Katanga it is possible that US might reconsider its position but under no circumstances will we take the lead. End FYI.

For Brussels: Department would appreciate your expressing sense first paragraph to GOB. Department informing Belgian Embassy Washington likewise.

Herter

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.02/7–1660. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Ferguson; cleared by Satterthwaite, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Horace E. Henderson, and McBride; and approved by Herter. Repeated to Brussels, Léopoldville, Salisbury, and USUN.
1. Telegram 10 from Elisabethville, July 15, transmitted a message from Tshombe formally requesting U.S. recognition and reported that Tshombe told Canup his government was opposed to U.N. intervention in Katanga and would refuse any U.N. force permission to enter Katanga. Canup commented that while he realized the Department was weighing many factors, he had no hesitation in recommending recognition “from point of view of well-being Katanga”. (Ibid., 770G.02/7–1560)