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

259. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State¹

London, July 17, 1962, 8 p.m.

243. Williams’ consultations on Africa:² In course of luncheon given by Lord Home, where he was most cordial and gracious, and in previous general review African policy problems with Crawford (acting as successor to Sir Roger Stevens), there was some discussion also of Congo situation with British talking along usual lines but perhaps with some new nuances.

Home and others saw “package” essentially consisting only three elements of constitutional reform, equitable division of foreign exchange income, and UN economic assistance including adequate controls. In each case Williams expressed agreement with principles but stressed that taxing powers and control of Katanga gendarmerie by Central Government should constitute integral element of package. British said they putting every possible pressure on Tshombe to participate in Congo Government and as usual said more pressure must now be brought on Adoula.

Conversation then turned to question how pressure can best be put on both sides to come to terms, with British agreeing on urgency but as usual warning against UN use of force. Furthest they went with regard to pressure on Tshombe was to say they are warning him that SC meeting likely result in resolution dangerous to him.

Only new element in these conversations, other than evidence growing British alarm at prospect SC session, concerned origin of idea that Wachuku might play mediating role. According to British (whose Ambassador, as reported Brussels 92 to Department,³ was present at lunch with Wachuku), it was Spaak who proposed mediation role. Wachuku responded favorably on condition that Adoula, Tshombe and U Thant agree.

Home was intrigued but somewhat dubious about mediation idea. [2 lines of source text not declassified] and he agreed that among dangers that must in any case be avoided are impairment of Gardiner’s status and impression that mediation implies placing Adoula and Tshombe on equal footing.

Bruce

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–1762. Confidential. Repeated to Brussels, Paris, USUN, Léopoldville, Elisabethville, and Lagos.
2. Williams visited Paris, Bonn, London, Brussels, and Rome July 9–22 for consultations on various aspects of U.S. policy toward Africa.
3. Telegram 92 from Brussels, July 14, reported that Spaak had told MacArthur about a luncheon meeting the previous day with Wachuku and the U.K. Ambassador, at which they discussed the possibility of mediation by Wachuku. (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–1462)