280. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1
293. For Ambassador from Secretary. Embtel 412 and 413.2 After reading UNOC contingency plan wish to make sure there is complete understanding on objectives between Department and Embassy. Our purpose in supporting the UN in the Congo is to bring about a stable and peaceful Congo free from the chaos that creates Communist opportunities. To this end we seek reintegration of Katanga through peaceful means. We recognize that continuing presence of UNOC in Congo may under certain circumstances provoke conflict with Kataganese elements resulting either from Kataganese inspired incidents or more ambiguous causes. As in the case of any armed force UNOC must be prepared to defend itself. Therefore contingency planning appropriate and justified, if limited to quelling any such incident or protecting civilian population in area concerned.
But we should be clear in our own minds that the resumption of military action between UNOC and Katanganese would have disastrous [Page 557] consequences both for UN and for US policy and we should be careful not to give it encouragement.
It is not the purpose of the UN to reintegrate Katanga by military force or to wage a Carthaginian effort to destroy Tshombe. If present attempt to bring about reintegration by economic persuasion does not succeed we must be prepared for reexamination of situation with a view to developing new tactical possibilities of securing peace in Congo and withdrawal of UNOC without creating chaos or seriously disturbing relations with our allies or with Afro-Asian Bloc. Would greatly appreciate your own thoughts on this matter since time does not appear to be working on our side.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/8–1862. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Ball, cleared by Williams and Cutler, and approved by Rusk. A copy sent to the President bears the following note in Bundy’s handwriting: “Mr. President: Ball begins to take charge.” (Kennedy Library, President’s Office Files, Congo-Security, 1962 (A))↩
- Telegram 412, August 18, reported that the U.N. military command and Gardiner had agreed on a draft contingency plan in case of renewed hostilities in Katanga. It provided for the concentration of U.N. forces at Elisabethville, which would be used as the base for subsequent operations. A U.S. airlift was “held to be absolutely essential to this plan.” Telegram 413, also August 18, provided further details concerning the contingency plan. (Both in Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/8–1862)↩