155. Telegram From the Embassy in the Congo to the Department of State0
282. Senate President Joseph Iléo has advised Embassy officer it is imperative Lumumba not be permitted return empty-handed to Congo from US. He stated at least some type of commitment or promise be made Lumumba for assistance to Congo in public or private sectors. According Ileo if Lumumba returns to Congo empty-handed he will state that although he tried obtain assistance in order care for the unemployed and for helping economy of country US turned him down. Ileo who claims to know Lumumba “a fond” is certain Prime Minister will then turn for assistance to Soviet and bloc countries.
Embassy officer pointed out to Ileo such agreement cannot be drawn up overnight, that Lumumba’s original intention was to go only to UN but that he has apparently converted visit into semi-official state visit to US. Embassy, however, is of opinion there is much truth to Ileo’s statement and while we do not wish build up Lumumba we should nonetheless do everything possible to ensure he does not return to Congo with sort of negative ammunition for approaches elsewhere that Ileo feared.1
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.5–MSP/7–2960. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Brussels.↩
- Telegram 301 to Léopoldville, July 29, suggested that Ileo be told what the Department had told Lumumba, and what he appeared to have understood, namely that all aid would be channeled through the United Nations. (Ibid., 770G.5–MSP/7–2960)↩