Office of the Historian

384. Telegram From the Army Attache in the Congo to the Joint Chiefs of Staff1

Léopoldville, December 24, 1962, 2:35 p.m.

C–412–62. For Admiral Riley2 from Lt General Truman.

1.
General Truman and mission accompanied by Ambassador met with Adoula, Anany and Mobutu morning 23 December. Despite Adoula irritation with reporters, who attempted to cover meeting, party extremely well received and warmly welcomed by Adoula, who repeatedly stressed his appreciation for support given by USG to UN and GOC.
2.
Truman explained purpose of his mission, noting that modernizing of ANC not within his terms of reference as this question separate and distinct from equipment needs of UNOC. Truman reviewed itinerary of mission to date, including meeting with UN officials in New York prior to departure, and expressed desire to visit Kamina and Elisabethville in furtherance of his mission. He inquired whether GOC would permit him to stop at Albertville in order to meet ANC officers there. Although Mobutu attempted demur, Adoula subsequently approved this visit.
3.
Adoula stated goal of mission coincided with his objectives and that GOC should assist and further mission. He noted that there had been a great deal of political agitation on subject on General Truman’s mission, but that he considered visit indispensable. Visit was a visible demonstration of USA desire to help resolve Congo problems. “Certain countries” and “some” Congolese interpreting mission as U.S. takeover of Congo, but he was most grateful to U.S. for help in Congo’s hour of need. Congo had been for two years on brink of indescribable chaos. UN had been brought in, but only U.S. had been steadfast in its assistance.
4.
Adoula noted “Greene plan” approved by him and forwarded to UN and moral obligation on U.S. to aid both UN and Congo in view of great importance to GOC of disposing of strength necessary to maintain its authority. Expressed hope plan would be promptly implemented. If Tshombe knew GOC could strike at heart of Katanga, he would become more reasonable. Adoula said GOC did not wish to destroy Tshombe or Katanga but was determined see Katanga problem solved.
5.
General Truman explained his mission not connected with “Greene plan”, but he had received general info on ANC needs from Mobutu which he would report. His mission was to ascertain equipment needs of UNOC which U.S. could meet. He assured Adoula U.S. determined see peace brought to Congo, and Katanga reintegrated. “Greene plan” was long term project, but his mission to find out requirements of UN so U.S. could help quickly bring peace to Congo.
6.
Ambassador noted that General Truman visit coincided with U.S. decision implement “Greene plan” and he hoped some material would be provided ANC shortly.
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.5811/12–2962. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to the Department of State for McNeil (McGhee?) and to the White House. Received at the Department of State at 12:40 p.m. on December 27. The source text is the Department copy.↩
  2. Vice Admiral Herbert D. Riley, USN, Director of the Joint Staff.↩