263. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
223. Congo: Reference: Department’s telegram 164.2 Yost had one-hour preliminary mtg with U Thant this AM to get general idea his thinking on Congo after three weeks absence from NY.
SYG, who had not seen Spaak during trip, first asked Yost about current Belgian attitude and thinking which he seems to feel is key to satisfactory solution. Yost reassured him that Spaak still vigorously seeking push ahead toward solution though most effective tactics not yet decided.
Thant then reviewed his own views on constitutional approach. He did not believe UN had authority or right to interfere in internal affairs any country. This would apply specifically to public efforts with respect revision Congo Constitution, although Gardiner had of course expressed [Page 516] his views privately in Congo. SYG said he seeking Stavropoulos’ opinion this point but still strongly inclined believe this not proper field for UN. It would set “bad, or rather, important precedent.”
Lord Home had communicated to him in Dublin UK’s views on certain points he had raised in London. UK still unwilling support measures requiring use of force in Congo but attitude seemed have improved somewhat. Home had suggested Wachuku be employed in constitutional question under guise UN technical assistance to Congo. (Wachuku had also offered his services to SYG when last in New York.) In addition his reluctance for UN become involved, SYG objected strongly to Wachuku, saying he is “highly controversial figure and other African states would take serious exception to his being named by UN for this important task. Balewa would be all right but he was PriMin and probably would be unavailable.”
De Gaulle had been cordial (see separate tel)3 but had in no way changed attitude of two years ago toward Congo. He wanted liquidation UN effort in Congo, congratulated SYG on beginning “disengagement,” and expressed complete lack concern over probability GOC turn to bilateral military assistance in that event. He opposed even economic measures against Katanga, leading SYG to fear French veto in SC, though Couve seemed more flexible on this point.
SYG expressed to Yost his determination bring about end of UN involvement in Congo by Jan. He based this date on fact that 175 million dollars he expected from bond issue would carry him only that far, since he believed it should be used to repay loans from other UN funds. British and Irish however were inclined let Congo operation continue indefinitely. Lord Home had told him not to worry about money, that it would always be forthcoming. Yost interjected at this point that he didn’t agree and wondered where funds would come from.
SYG said he had everywhere in his consultations in Europe stressed his belief UN should not initiate use of force in Congo. He believes most Eur states would withdraw bond pledges if it did so. However he obviously still believes that effective measures will require willingness use force in reaction to force and that he must have new authority for this. He still thinking both of UNOC blockade Katanga Railway and of UN protection UMHK properties if it stops payments to Tshombe. He said that his present plan was to consult “Big Five, less China” on draft SC res, hoping formula could be found on which UK and France could agree to abstain. If this could not be done, SC mtg would be counter-productive.
[Page 517]Thant said Gardiner due NY 4:30 PM today. After consulting with him, SYG said he would go before CAC. (Said he would call Yost in for discussion once more before that but did not set time.) He would not tell CAC everything he had on mind now but would give general report on impressions from his European visit. He set 11:30 AM Wed July 25 for mtg here with Cleveland.
Bunche told us earlier that 2 or 3 mtgs with CAC would probably be required. He also said SYG had returned last week determined to push forward with SC mtg but Bunche had cooled him off considerably by convincing him he might come out worse off than he now is.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–2362. Confidential; Priority. Received at 9:39 p.m. and repeated to Léopoldville, Brussels, London, and Paris.↩
- Document 261.↩
- Telegram 224 from USUN, July 23. (Department of State, Central Files, 751.11/7–2362)↩