61. Editorial Note

On June 30, 1960, the Republic of the Congo (capital at Léopoldville) became independent. For text of a message of that date from President Eisenhower to President Kasavubu, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960–61, page 544. Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Robert D. Murphy, who represented the President at the independence ceremonies, delivered the message. The Department of State announced on June 29 the elevation of the consulate general at Léopoldville to an embassy on June 30, with Consul General John D. Tomlinson as Chargé d’Affaires; see Department of State Bulletin, July 18, 1960, page 118. The first Ambassador to the Congo, Clare H. Timberlake, presented his credentials on July 25.

For documentation concerning the Congo, see Documents 90292.