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

256. Telegram From the Embassy in the Congo to the Department of State⁰

Léopoldville, November 5, 1960, 3 p.m.

1116. Deptel 1295,¹USUN 145.² I called on Kasavubu this morning and informed him we believed his presence at debate UNGA which is to begin Monday³ afternoon would be most useful. He agreed immediately with this point of view and declared he planned leave immediately. First possible plane is Air France leaving Brazzaville 1140 tomorrow arriving Paris 2100 on which reservations firm. Chief of State is to be accompanied by Justin Bomboko, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Philibert Luyeye and Martin Ipoto, personal secretaries.

I made following suggestions to Kasavubu: (1) He should prepare full thought out statement to be given press upon landing New York which should be based on broad principles. He should not let himself be drawn out by newspapermen into discussing details situation in Congo. If necessary, he should inform press that he will discuss these problems at the GA.

(2) He should try to remain as natural as possible and to let his good nature, patience, maturity, warmth and sense of balance shine through. For many months world press has been picturing various Congolese leaders as being irresponsible, impulsive, petulant and puerile. Kasavubu’s attributes should produce a refreshing welcome and could do much to increase his prestige.

(3) He should be thoroughly prepared discuss various aspects fundamental law in GA. His presence and arguments should tip scales in his favor regarding seating his delegation and recognition his government.

(4) He should work closely with our delegation which knows ins and outs of UN working and which will be at his disposal.

(5) Communist, anti-US and anti-Kasavubu press have been trying give impression Kasavubu and his associates are in pocket of US. For these reasons, I pointed out it would be unwise for him to proceed to Washington. Such a visit might easily be distorted or wrongly interpreted and might give our adversaries ammunition. In any event, he would be working with US representatives in New York who could relay any message he might desire to send. I also stated Presidential elections to be held Tuesday was not conducive to satisfactory visit Washington.

Kasavubu readily agreed with all the points I made, particularly regarding his not proceeding to Washington now. He stated he wished to work closely with our delegation in New York and thanked me for the suggestions I had made. He wished to make sure that Cyrille Adoula remained in New York until his arrival (USUN requested convey that message to Adoula).

Timberlake

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.11/11–560. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to Paris, Brussels, Elisabethville, and USUN.
1. Dated November 4, telegram 1295 to Léopoldville stated that it would be useful if Kasavubu were present from the outset of the U.N. debate on the Congo, since he was the only Congolese political leader whose position was recognized by everyone. (Ibid., 770G.11/11–460)
2. Telegram 145 from USUN, November 2, commented that Kasavubu’s representatives at the United Nations appeared to be gaining some respect and sympathy for their cause. (Ibid., 770G.00/11–160)
3. November 7.