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

379. Telegram From the Embassy in the Congo to the Department of State¹

Léopoldville, December 21, 1962, 5 p.m.

1495. Saw Adoula to find out what he was prepared to do to prevent liberation of Gizenga or to cope with consequences. Adoula’s only positive statement was that government would ignore order of Parliament (this was before it was known that vote was unanimous with even GOC Ministers in favor).²

I asked Adoula if he would not see fit to take action before Gizenga was released. He would only say that Kasavubu was not ready and seemed unconscious of the situation. “We”, he said, “were entirely ready.” He then said musingly that there would probably be armed conflict here in Léopoldville.

Adoula said he would like to ask USG for advice as to what he should do if he were not able to restore working majority. I replied foreign government could hardly give him advice on such questions as proroguing Parliament. He said he realized that but what he intended to ask about was his own resignation. I asked whether there was anyone to whom he could conscientiously turn over government at this point. Adoula said there was no reliable person but nevertheless there was no lack of candidates. I remarked that we seemed to be reverting to post-independence period with military takeover best of several bad solutions. Adoula answered that military takeover might take place but said no one could foresee where such a development might lead. I said this was so, but it was only too clear where the present course was leading.³

Adoula then reiterated that his government was “prepared to take action”. Adoula’s attitude was neither despairing nor determined; merely detached.

Gullion

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.2/12–2162. Secret; Niact. Received at 1:25 p.m. and repeated to USUN and Brussels.
2. The Chamber of Deputies passed a motion on December 21 calling for Gizenga’s release.
3. Gullion commented in telegram 1498 from Léopoldville, December 21, “I believe that unless government takes action to prorogue Parliament, it will go down the drain along with Congo unification, U Thant plan, anti-communist front and U.S. aid committed thus far.” (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–2162)