Office of the Historian

73. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Belgium1

Washington, June 17, 1961, 2:19 p.m.

2466. Believe highly effective efforts Yost and MacArthur have once more brought SYG’s and Spaak’s positions within manageable [Page 147] range (Brussels 2088;2 USUN 33183). As indicated Deptel to USUN 2424, sent Brussels 2428,4 Department welcomes SYG’s and Spaak’s realization pragmatic solution to withdrawal problem must be worked out on spot in Congo. In view SYG’s previous strong opposition to formation tripartite groups, believe idea of formal group should not be pushed; rather SYG’s willingness send Sahbani or suitable substitute to Congo should be encouraged. Also believe Spaak’s proposal send high-level representative to bring Belgians in Katanga into line should be encouraged.5 As SYG’s representative, Sahbani or suitable substitute should maintain necessary liaison with Congolese and with Belgian representative. Agree Embassy Brussels (Embtel 2107)6 tripartite consultations should not be subject conditions.

At same time in light Brussels 21007 and 2107, hope Spaak can be persuaded proceed soonest at least with withdrawal from Katanga initial group of Belgian military on assumption UN prepared deal with any potential internal security problem. In meantime, would hope further withdrawals would be facilitated if strong, high-level representative dispatched to deal with local Belgians. Most pressing need for strong representative GOB in Congo appears be to deal with Congolese resistance Spaak’s plans for withdrawal. Belgium, backed up by UN representatives, should seek persuade Congolese in Léopoldville and Elisabethville that withdrawals must be accomplished in interests all concerned if this problem to be removed successfully from international focus. As requested Deptel 2428 to Brussels, Embassy Léopoldville and Consulate Elisabethville should do what they can to bring Congolese around to this point of view.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 855.0070G/6–1761. Confidential. Drafted by Robert H. Miller of the Office of Western European Affairs; cleared by Woodruff, Blue, and Sisco; and approved by Wallner. Also sent to USUN, Léopoldville, and Elisabethville.↩
  2. Telegram 2088 from Brussels, June 13, reported a conversation the previous evening between MacArthur and Spaak. (Ibid., 855.0070G/6–1361)↩
  3. Document 72.↩
  4. See footnote 1, Document 72.↩
  5. According to telegram 2088, MacArthur suggested that Spaak might send someone in whom he had confidence to take charge of negotiations in Katanga. Spaak replied he had been considering this, but it was difficult to find someone with the necessary qualities and rank; sending someone with ambassadorial rank would risk creating a very adverse reaction in Léopoldville.↩
  6. Telegram 2107, June 15, reported a conversation that day among Assistant Secretary Cleveland, MacArthur, and Sahbani. Sahbani said he thought informal “technical” consultations among U.N., Congolese, and Belgian representatives in the Congo to discuss implementation of the February 21 resolution might be feasible, but not until after the departure of the 23 Belgians Spaak had nominated to leave plus some mercenaries. (Department of State, Central Files, 332.70G/6–1561)↩
  7. Telegram 2100, June 15, reported a June 14 conversation among Cleveland, MacArthur, and Spaak. (Ibid., 770G.00/6–1561)↩