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

167. Telegram From the Embassy in the Congo to the Department of State¹

Léopoldville, December 17, 1961, 10 p.m.

1556. Following just received from Hoffacker through CAS. My comments appended.

Begin text: Conveyed contents Léopoldville telegram 384² to Tshombe during UN aerial bombardment virtually in front his palace. He received message reasonably well but said he could not leave his people for Kitona while fighting going on. Replied that while UN not likely prepared agree to formal cease fire at this time, our conception is that with meeting in progress fighting would die down or possibly stop. He would like more precise assurances this score. Believe if we can assure him that de facto cease fire (i.e., hold fire and hold positions) would take place as he went to airport, he willing to go ahead. Because of this need to accommodate his extremist ministers and others, hope UN can agree to this position. Tshombe would like Ambassador come to Elisabethville see for himself what situation is. Replied Ambassador, who has all my reports, anxious get meeting underway and probably would not be able do more than meet Tshombe at airport and to talk during flight to Kitona. He seemed satisfied re security assurances. Tshombe said, in answer, he believes Ambassador should still hold to ETA 1000Z tomorrow if clarification on de facto cease fire can be given before then. End text.

1. Although Hoffacker is in better position to judge I am inclined believe that when Tshombe got fuller version of President’s message than hitherto he sniffed possibility of salvaging something. I note Hoffacker’s earlier report of last previous contact with Tshombe re meeting stated latter made no mention cease fire.

2. I am saying to Hoffacker “re your message on Tshombe and cease fire will try to send you suggestions following Adoula’s showdown with cabinet and my conferences with UNOC. In meantime, possibility occurs to me that Tshombe trying to salvage what he can. Doubt we can be much more precise but will try come up with formula. In any case do not think suspension possible until meeting assured. Department being informed. Your message seems indicate Elisabethville is confirmed as destination. If Ndola were chosen this might have advantage that Tshombe’s departure less noticeable by his people. What is your view?”

3. I anticipate Hoffacker and we will have to be responsible for formula in view time pressures but would nevertheless appreciate instruction most urgently since Tshombe may try last minute sit down blackmail after our plane arrives Elisabethville (or Ndola).

Gullion

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–1761. Secret; Niact. Repeated to USUN, Brussels, London, and Paris.
2. Sent to the Department as telegram 1551, December 17. It transmitted the text of the message to Tshombe as transmitted in telegram 1036 to Léopoldville and revised in telegram 1049 to Léopoldville (see footnote 1, Document 165). (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–1761) For text of the message as delivered, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1961, p. 864. Telegram 385 from Léopoldville to Elisabethville, sent to the Department as telegram 1559, December 18, instructed Hoffacker to deliver the message. (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–1861)