Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XX, Congo Crisis

150. Telegram From the Consulate in Elisabethville to the Department of State¹

Elisabethville, December 6, 1961, 1 p.m.

739. British Consul Dunnett has just come from Kimba (12:30 p.m.) with following message which he was asked deliver to me. I called Kimba, who in violent state, repeated much same and said I should not try to communicate with him further.

“Because of American planes bringing UN reinforcements to Katanga and because of American planes bombing Kolwezi, American Consul will be arrested if he leaves his Consulate. Attitude of U.S. Government [garble—repugnant?] because it claims represent free world but practicing racial discrimination and racialism here. UN protection will not be adequate to protect American Consul.”

GOK mortar now being placed in front of Presidential Palace, which adjacent to Consulate.

Dunnett agreed send written message from me to Kimba immediately along following lines:

1. I looking urgently into matter of American bombing Kolwezi, first I have heard of this.

2. I have not considered asking for UN guard, relying as always on expectation that GOK will render me, my staff, Consulate, and subjects normal protection.

3. In interests of clarity and precision, believe written GOK statement to be transmitted to Washington would be helpful. (Kimba has already refused such message to me saying he too busy.)

4. I would be pleased send any other message, as always, to Washington or to Senator Dodd.

5. Would be happy call on him or any of his Ministers any time anywhere.

Dunnett asks that this message be transmitted to UK sources London, New York, and Washington.

Dunnett says Kibwe said last night to Frenkiel (Rector of [garble—University]) that Tshombe, who would probably agree to cease fire with UN, is being prevented return here by military and other [garble] who want keep on fighting to bloody end. Believe Tshombe must be induced, despite this report, return immediately to attempt restore some sort of order, which diminishing hourly.

Shall see what Consular Corps may be able do regarding my personal case.²

Hoffacker

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–661. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to Brussels, Léopoldville, London, Paris, Salisbury, and USUN.
2. Telegram 742 from Elisabethville, December 6, reported that the Consuls had agreed the best course was to await Tshombe’s return. (Ibid., 770G.00/12–661) Telegram 444 to Elisabethville, December 6, stated that the Department had asked the British Foreign Office to contact Tshombe through Salisbury if possible, inform him of the threat to Hoffacker, urge its repudiation, and stress the possibility of serious consequences if it was not revoked. Concerning Kimba’s allegations, the telegram stated that U.N., not U.S., planes had strafed, not bombed, Kolwezi after a Katangan plane based there had bombed Elisabethville. (Ibid., 770G.00/12–661)