306. Telegram From the Consulate in Elisabethville to the Department of State1
553. For Secretary and Under Secretary from McGhee. Pass to White House. For Ambassadors from McGhee. USUN for Stevenson. Reference: Consulate telegram 547.2 Part one of two. There follows resume of series of virtually continuous conversations with Tshombe at his palace in Elisabethville and farm near Kipushi from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday3 and including only Hoffacker and Tshombe’s secretary. It is planned that we will have final session 5 p.m. Saturday, when I have asked him give his final views on certain concrete steps which I have suggested and when I hope summarize for him what I require in order be able make favorable report to President and Secretary. I will advise Tshombe that this will to considerable extent be based on Gardiner’s evaluation performance on specific points agreed by Tshombe with me when Gardiner meets with Tshombe on October 11 and that I am remaining in Léopoldville to obtain report from Gardiner on these points.
At opening talks Tshombe repeated that he accepted UN plan “with great enthusiasm”, particularly since it contained provision for [Page 607] federal constitution which he had always strongly advocated. He under great handicap in not having copy of draft constitution and had, after Gardiner had admitted his inability have Adoula yield on this score, requested SYG to intervene with Adoula in order obtain copy for Katanga Government. He remarked that US and other governments also apparently uninfluential with Adoula in same sense. He wondered if this true how these same governments might in future circumstances be able carry out their assurances to him that plan would be equitably applied. I explained that US Government stood by its assurances but that Tshombe should not expect US or other governments to intervene on every issue between two parties concerned, particularly with respect to clearly internal matters and not involving violation of plan.
Tshombe dwelt at length on theme that contrary to our evaluation as I had presented it Adoula could not be considered moderate. Tshombe said he confident that Adoula would follow Western or non-Communist orientation only as long as he received adequate support from West, but that if he became disappointed with West, he would turn to East. He gave many examples from his own experience with Adoula which he believes demonstrate not only lack of moderation but pure and dangerous opportunism.
Tshombe also accused Adoula of giving only impression wanting reconciliation and not really working for peaceful integration with Katanga. Adoula, according to Tshombe, wants to provoke Katanga into apparent non-cooperation with plan so US and UN will impose on Katanga solution favorable to Adoula. Tshombe charged Adoula with having systematically worked to eliminate all political rivals in Congo because of his own insecurity based on personal limitations and lack of political following. Adoula feared his displacement by Tshombe should latter be given free political rein in framework of new federation. He accused Kasavubu of same insincerity and fear of political competition. Tshombe indicated confidence that he, as most experienced and potentially powerful leader in Congo, could win out in such competition if cards not stacked against him. He referred to warmth of his reception in other provinces and depth of political support for him which he could call into being whenever he chose.
I indicated to Tshombe our own favorable evaluation his political abilities as indicated in Katanga and that we would welcome whatever success he achieved on national level. I rebutted his evaluation of intentions Adoula government and his misjudgment that US would support either government, GOC or GOK, which we did not believe to be sincere in acceptance of plan.
Tshombe expressed resentment over what he regarded as UN partiality in Congo–Katanga affair and over alleged UN conspiracy in build-up and movement of ANC in north. Told him we satisfied that [Page 608] UN continued impartial role in plan implementation, that ANC troop movements had ceased, and that we do not believe that UN has conspired against him. He praised Ethiopian and Tunisian troops but held Indian troops and “Sikhish perhaps—Communist civilians” in UN responsible for incidents and other misunderstandings in Elisabethville area. He credited Ethiopians and Tunisians with having “prevented third round”.
Tshombe insisted that there is not as yet any GOC law which can oblige Katanga or Union Miniere pay revenues as yet to Central Government. He claimed Belgian draft law for this purpose never submitted to Parliament. He said Bomboko has acknowledged this lacuna. He said new constitution might contain necessary provision this respect.
Tshombe repeatedly referred to urgency for adequate amnesty. He said his jurists have been working on amnesty draft which may be available early next week. This would help make oath-taking of gendarme officers possible since they fearful of repeating fate of other gendarmes imprisoned Stanleyville, Léopoldville and elsewhere. He did not intend, however, make amnesty precondition to oath-taking. (End part one of two.)
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/10–662. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Léopoldville, Brussels, and USUN.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 305.↩
- October 5.↩