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

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

Elisabethville, December 15, 1961, 8 p.m.

834. In accordance with Léopoldville telegram 380,² saw Tshombe 6 P.M. and delivered message contained last paragraph Deptel 461.³ Said I may have something further later this evening. He replied he may not be in palace “because Gurkhas may wish kidnap me” but that I could reach him indirectly through his office.

Subsequently received British Consul who had this to say: Three Ministers (US, UK, France) agreed Paris try for Kitona meeting, which might be attended also by leading international figure. US would work primarily on Adoula and cease-fire aspects. Lambroschini, French ConGen (whom I have not been able contact), is said by Dunnett to have seen Tshombe last night and is now again with Tshombe. Understood Lambroschini had discussed at length with Tshombe possibility of Senghor’s joining in talks, which might even be proposed for Senegal. During first interview Tshombe expressed fear of security at Kitona. Tshombe, during Dunnett’s call today, asked for British security guarantee and Dunnett trying work out something satisfactory in lieu formal guarantee.

Optimistic that proposed message and assurance from President Kennedy may also help Tshombe overcome his fear for such safety. Also optimistic Tshombe willing negotiate seriously if Adoula conditions not humiliating in Katangan eyes.

Somewhat concerned that British and French diplomacy seems be ahead of US in Elisabethville. If Adoula position could be known soonest, we would probably be able take advantage of Tshombe’s apparently favorable frame of mind and see him take that long-awaited last step to negotiating table.

Have foreseen also difficulty of Elisabethville airport, but know from British Consul that there would probably be no difficulty re Tshombe’s catching plane at Ndola. Hope that Ambassador Gullion can be escort because this would be additional opportunity for US and Ambassador have good influence on Tshombe.

Re paragraph seven of Léopoldville telegram 381.⁴ UN had not taken underpass and has not been firing in city since around 5 p.m.

Hoffacker

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–1561. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to Léopoldville, Brussels, Paris, Salisbury, London, and USUN.
2. Not sent to Washington.
3. See Document 162 and footnote 1 thereto.
4. Sent to the Department as telegram 1517 from Léopoldville, December 15; paragraph 7 concerned U.N. operations in Elisabethville. The telegram contained Gullion’s report of conversations with Bomboko and with Bunche and Linner. Bomboko insisted that no talks could take place if a cease-fire preceded them but agreed to ask Adoula to return to Léopoldville from Kivu. Bunche also emphasized that Adoula would not negotiate if the talks were preceded by a formal cease-fire but said that U.N. forces would hold fire if Tshombe actually left for negotiations at Kitona. Gullion stressed that the U.S. role “should be played down and limited to good offices” and that his role should be described as “facilitating arrangements.” (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–1561)