257. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1
45. Deptel 40.2 Your comments requested on following suggested approach to Adoula; which we would discuss with Spaak in order enlist his support:
As follow-up to Bomboko and Kamitatu visit here, as means avoiding misunderstanding in event Adoula hears about our recent approaches [Page 504] to UN and member govts, and as means break present impasse and hopefully obtain some immediate progress on reintegration Katanga, believe Ambassador should approach Adoula and attempt persuade him propose to Tshombe “package” acceptable within stated short-time limit (e.g., two to three weeks) that would clearly appear to be reasonable to American and world public opinion. In our view “package” should include (1) detailed outline constitutional division of powers that would result in truly federal form of govt (we awaiting your report on draft constitution); (2) immediate practical measures to be undertaken by both GOC and GOK (Ambassador should draw on measures outlined Deptel 7 to Brussels, repeated info 6 to Léopoldville,3 as appropriate); and (3) GOC willingness appoint its members to commissions and clear outline of its position on what mandate and time limit of commissions should be.
If Adoula willing propose to Tshombe “package” along foregoing lines and if package contained clearly reasonable solution to Katanga problem, it would greatly facilitate support for GOC by USG and other govts. If Tshombe refused accept, USG would support firm UN action to achieve solution along those lines even at risk incurring hostilities.
If Adoula takes suggested action Dept believes it might be desirable have DCM go Elisabethville see Tshombe. Adoula should of course be advised in advance of such visit. DCM should advise Tshombe he calling with Hoffacker at request Secretary to express USG’s deep concern present state of affairs and lack progress toward reintegration despite many months passed since Kitona. DCM would also point to Adoula proposal and express USG’s belief it is reasonable one and urge Tshombe accept it and thereby lay basis for permanent solution to Katanga problem. DCM should also point out that USG believes Tshombe should continue have role in Congolese politics but reassert USG’s firm belief that Congo unification inevitable and that substantial progress must be made toward reintegration Katanga in immediate future if Tshombe is not to lose present chance resolve problems by negotiation. Realize similar approaches have been made repeatedly by Hoffacker to Tshombe but new approach by DCM at request Secretary might have additional impact.
We would hope Spaak make similar approach to Tshombe and would if necessary use threat withdrawal technicians.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–1062. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Ford; cleared in draft by Fredericks, Wallner, Burdett, and McGhee; and approved and signed by Rusk. Also sent to Brussels and repeated to USUN, London, Paris, and Elisabethville.↩
- Telegram 40, July 7, instructed Gullion to stress with Adoula, as Rusk had stressed with Bomboko and Kamitatu, the need for the Congolese Government to improve its public posture on the Katanga issue and to urge the publication of Congolese proposals for settlement of the constitutional and Katangan issues, which would provide the basis for a settlement and make it easier for the Congo’s friends to help it. (Ibid., 770G.00/7–762)↩
- See footnote 1, Document 254.↩