426. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
725. Congo—force retention. When Yost saw SYG this pm he explored further SYG’s position on UN force level. SYG repeated now familiar arguments concerning need for at least 6,000 men if force retained after end 63. Referring to list of incidents in Congo during period May–August prepared by Dept and delivered him by Mission through Bunche, he remarked jokingly that since UN force still around 8,000 level and unable prevent such incidents he doubted 6,000 could be expected [Page 869] do as well. List was therefore further argument for withdrawal. In more serious vein he explained his concern and his responsibility for safety of any force left in Congo.
Yost said we understood his concern but that we did not expect 3,000 man force be split up in small, isolated detachments. It would rather be concentrated in two major centers and its value would be perhaps more psychological than military. Experts in Congo thought 3,000 man force would serve useful purpose and obviously would not recommend it if they thought its members in danger.
Yost said we had thought financial res of approximately $10 million could be obtained in GA. Noting however that SYG talking in terms of at least $25 million, Yost said he very doubtful such res could be passed. He therefore wondered what SYG thought of different approach along fol lines: First an obtainable sum of money could be voted, with SYG given discretion on how to use it during six month period following Dec. 31. Starting with 6,000 men SYG could gradually reduce them, at rate he saw fit, bearing in mind amount of funds available and situation as it developed in Congo. Under such formula SYG might not find it necessary or possible keep troops in Congo for full six months but he would at least have provided transitory presence during additional period after Dec 31.
SYG did not comment directly upon this possible approach but neither did he reject it. He remarked that he still had to hear from CAC members Sept 10 and said he would issue his report Sept 16. In his report he would present problem and would lay particular stress on fact that if he were to be asked to continue any size force it would be necessary because of necessity of shutting off pipe line in Congo that he know will of GA soonest. He said he thought therefore that anyone proposing extension would have to arrange have general debate interrupted in order send problem to Fifth Comite. He thought this could be done in one mtg of plenary and that two-thirds vote could be obtained to send item to comite. He thought Fifth Comite could handle item in perhaps one week’s time although he still did not believe sufficient vote could be obtained there to ensure adoption of res by necessary two-thirds vote in subsequent plenary mtg.
SYG pointed out Nigeria was only African state which had urged him maintain force. (In this connection he said Wachuku had indicated Nigeria willing maintain police at own expense and provide troop retention UNOC force.)2 Of all Arabs only Sudan had indicated support although he expected CAC members in general as well as Africans be [Page 870] divided on subject. Outside of Nigeria only countries urging him retain were US, UK, Italy, Ireland and Belgium. Federenko, who left just as Yost was arriving, reiterated USSR’s long-standing opposition to continuance while Seydoux (France) had expressed France’s opposition just yesterday. While SYG had no recent info on attitude of Latins he recalled that they had not been particularly enthusiastic in special session and presumed they were even less so at present time. He added that only 20 percent of funds voted for second half CY 63 received and said he thought no more than 60 percent of any funds which might be voted for first half CY 64 could be collected.
Comment: While SYG in no way indicated he withdrawing from 6,000 man figure, it was somewhat encouraging that he had obviously been thinking about how a res could be passed, if that were will of sufficient number of members, early enough in forthcoming session to permit him reverse present trend of evacuation troops. It may also be considered mildly encouraging that he did not immediately reject Yost’s suggestion that there might be possible phase-down of 6,000 man force in first six month period 1964. It appeared he will at least give this suggestion careful thought. We still face related facts that very few dels have indicated to SYG a strong interest in continuance of force and that he has in no way abandoned his insistence on 6,000 minimum.