178. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Belgium1
1536. Léopoldville Pass Elizabethville. Ref: Embtel 1107; Deptel 1479.2 For Ambassador from Acting Secretary. Convey to Spaak at earliest opportunity our full appreciation for his restrained and statesmanlike position in face aroused Belgian parliamentary and public feelings during recent difficult events in Congo. Express to him also our appreciation for his remarks regarding US efforts to bring about Adoula-Tshombe talks, result of which efforts is UN announcement that its forces in Katanga will hold fire unless fired upon and Tshombe’s declaration emerging from Kitona talks. Anything GOB can do to ensure that Tshombe’s extremist associates do not undermine progress already made or block implementation agreement would be greatly in Western interests.
Above should be supplemented by following presentation to Spaak:
In response Tshombe’s appeal, President has been instrumental in bringing about Adoula-Tshombe talks. Goes without saying important reason for this extraordinary US effort is strong desire avoid further hostilities in Katanga. Kitona agreement offers promise for resolution Katanga problem and achievement objective our two governments have supported and worked for: peaceful restoration integrity of Congo.
US concerned, however, that Tshombe may still not be convinced absolute necessity for implementing Kitona agreement and that on his return Elizabethville he may submit to pressure by his extremist advisers to renege. His apparent intention pretend Kitona agreement requires ratification by Katanga regime is further cause for concern. Thus, present precarious truce between UN and Katangan forces could break down and readily lead to resumption fighting. Therefore, while we will continue press Adoula to be conciliatory and realistic regarding further negotiations with Tshombe, we believe it imperative Tshombe be made understand that present UN stance Katanga, backed by majority world opinion, leaves him no alternative but to see negotiations through to successful conclusion. Specifically, Tshombe must realize UN now in [Page 341] position effectively isolate Katanga economically from rest of world, and that if he stalls on negotiations with Adoula, his economic and financial position will only deteriorate.
Belgium is key to getting this message across to Tshombe. US therefore hopes GOB will give serious consideration to developing convincing program strengthen economic position GOC which includes measures having effect of exercising strong economic pressures against Katanga if Tshombe or his advisers refuse implement basic Kitona agreement. US experts are working out program which involves UN, GOC and other countries, particularly Belgium and UK, and will transmit it when completed to GOB with earnest hope it will be given urgent and positive consideration. This program developed after useful talks with Spaak’s advisers during Washington visit. US experts in Embassy intend consult with GOB experts on this matter.
An important element this program is regularization GOC–GOB financial and diplomatic relations. On basis Kitona results, US suggesting to Adoula he should move quickly to regularize GOC relations with Belgium and initiate long-delayed financial negotiations. US hopes, if Adoula willing to enter into the negotiations in near future and to reestablish diplomatic relations, GOB will respond favorably with over-riding political objective in mind rather than from purely financial point of view. Public GOC–GOB announcement of opening these negotiations should have important immediate psychological impact on Tshombe.
In making this presentation to Spaak, you should stress US conviction that this type planning will be key to preventing recurrence hostilities; therefore it must be worked out urgently and GOB must be prepared implement it urgently if necessary.
For London: Dept [will] transmit copies US study to you when completed. On their receipt, you should discuss urgently with UK Government at senior level, drawing on above presentations as appropriate.
FYI. We are mindful of risk Tshombe learning such program being worked out, thus permitting him adopt posture of being victim of US- or UN-inspired financial machinations and economic warfare. Believe, however, US objective integration of Katanga would not be hampered and might be furthered by his learning of unspecified plans strengthening economy of Congo. For your background, program includes measures secure that tax obligations and foreign exchange earnings arising from Katanga become available strengthen financial position whole Congo, and steps to transfer to GOC appropriate powers to control economic institutions. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–2161. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Miller; cleared in draft by Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Richard H. Davis and by Wallner, Vance, and Williams; and approved by Ball. Repeated to Léopoldville, Paris, London, USUN, and Bermuda for the Secretary.↩
- Telegram 1107 from Brussels is dated December 19. (Ibid., 770G.00/12–1961)↩