231. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
3716. Congo. SYG informed Yost this afternoon that he had just learned from telex with Gardiner that Tshombe, who had expected to leave for Leoville May 13, is still ill and will not be able to depart until 16th or 17th. Moreover Thant said that Tshombe’s reply to Adoula’s constitutional proposals had been substantially unyielding and that Adoula, when shown reply by Gardiner, had exploded. SYG therefore sees little likelihood of early progress in negots even if Tshombe comes to Leoville and, in view possibility stormy breakdown, has instructed Gardiner seek new assurances from Adoula there, will be no interference with Tshombe’s departure from Leoville. Thant remarked, however, that assurances from Adoula may not be binding on some of his colleagues.
Thant himself is at present concentrating on his scheme for replacing Belgian with UN guards at Jadotville, Kolwezi and Kipushi in order be able to ensure that Union Miniere and Tanganyika Concessions can, without fear of reprisal, comply with arrangements made at time of independence for distribution of tax revenues between central and provincial govts. SYG is seeking British and Belgian Govt support for stationing UN guards at these places and Linner is presently in London for this purpose. Thant indicated awareness that US, UK and Belgium will shortly be conferring in London on these matters and gave impression that Linner’s presence there was not unconnected with this arrangement.
In response to Yost’s query SYG said that, if UK and Belgian agreement could be obtained, he felt that UN movement to Jadotville, Kolwezi and Kipushi could be accomplished, not without any hostilities whatsoever but at least with relatively minor hostilities.
In response to further query SYG indicated intention to bring Congo problem before SC at end this month. While he feels present mandate broadly interpreted authorizes UN forces move to three Congo towns and assumption guard duties there, he nevertheless believes that his inability bring about solution Katanga problem in line earlier SC res obligates him report to SC and seek further guidance. He realizes, however, that SC may be unable to agree on any further res or guidance.
[Page 449]Comment: SYG’s conviction that he must shortly bring Congo problem back to SC obviously reenforces urgency of rapid and effective decisions at forthcoming tripartite London mtg.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/5–1162. Confidential; Priority. Received at 10 p.m. and repeated to London, Brussels, and Léopoldville.↩