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

227. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations⁰

September 23, 1960, 7:49 p.m.

488. Leopoldville’s 783 (rpt. Niact 145).¹ It has unfortunately become clear Guinea, Ghana and UAR deliberately intervening in internal affairs of Congo in violation repeated SC and GA resolutions. Interference now taking form of refusal permit arrest of Lumumba and attempts convince Kasavubu, Ileo and Bomboko bring Lumumba back into Government.

USUN should make clear orally to SYG at first opportunity Department’s concern this course of events. We do not wish complicate his task but we believe intervention practiced by Africans is just as contrary to UN resolutions as would be interference from any other source. You should solicit his views on general situation and particularly how he intends play it. If appropriate you may make following points. We believe SYG should take steps now to secure token forces from other countries, including newly-independent African states. Inclusion moderate African elements would serve to neutralize Ghana–Guinea–UAR axis supporting Lumumba. We believe also UN Command should take all necessary measures ensure obedience and discipline troops placed at its disposal. You should make clear our attitude towards Lumumba, drawing upon reftel as necessary.

You should also make clear to SYG, if you not already done so, our support for Bomboko as only Congolese Delegate entitled to speak for his government. We acknowledge that situation in Congo remains unclear, but Bomboko clearly speaks for legally-established authority (Kasavubu) as well as individual in de facto control (Mobutu).

Mission should also discuss foregoing informally with Africans, including Ghana, Guinea and UAR. We recognize that this position will be unpopular with countries so indicated, but it will not be first time we have opposed them successfully on African matter. If we had not done so on Cameroun, there is strong possibility it would be controlled by Communist Government under Dr. Felix Moumie. With Nigerians, you should take the position that we stand for strict non-intervention from whatever sources as the only alternative to chaos and civil war. We worked as closely with Lumumba as we were able when he was in power and we will now work with present government.

Inform Department when foregoing steps taken.

Dillon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/9–2260. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Tron, cleared by Penfield and Deputy Director of the Office of West African Affairs Wendell B. Coote, and approved by Wallner. Repeated to Léopoldville as telegram 887, to Accra, Cairo, and Conakry.
1. Document 226.