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

89. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo¹

Washington, July 28, 1961, 5:14 p.m.

137. Katangan delegation composed of Henri Kambola, President Conakat Party, Jean-Marie Pweto, Vice President Katanga Assembly, Thomas Tshombe, brother Moise Tshombe, accompanied by Struelens, called on Director Office Central African Affairs this morning.² After considerable discussion in low key of Katangan aspirations, Dept officer urged delegation consider problem before them and other Congolese as of July 28, forgetting past events. Facts are that most parliamentarians other than Conakats are gathered Lovanium and central government will emerge either controlled by moderates or Gizenga. Conakat presence would assure moderate victory and they should realize that if Gizenga won their aspirations would have little or no longer range hope. If moderates won without their assistance their hopes of attaining type of relationship they prefer with rest of Congo would be reduced. The time for them to make their voice heard is prior to and during formation or negotiations for formation of government.

Delegation finally agreed on wisdom foregoing advice and is sending message to Tshombe (which Dept transmitting addressees separately)³ urging he send parliamentarians Lovanium following statement from him that their participation under no circumstances implies abandonment Katangan position on appropriate future relationships between several parts of Congo. Message also informs Tshombe UN has given promise of 100 percent safety and will furnish transportation. Delegation had also pointed out that, after Tshombe experience Coquilhatville, their group feared for its safety. Dept officer told delegation he was certain UN would guarantee safety but only with some difficulty persuaded delegation it could rely upon UN.

Dept through USUN has read to Bunche paragraph in delegation message to Tshombe regarding UN guarantee of safety. Bunche replied UNOC has standing instruction for this type of guarantee all parliamentarians. UN also will provide transportation. Bunche undertook send immediate instructions Linner reiterate guarantee to Tshombe and provide transportation.

Delegation requested public statement by US Government expressing sympathy with Katangan aspirations. Dept officer stated USG could not appropriately take position on relationships between parts of Congo because this is exclusively Congolese affair. Delegation’s insistence upon some public statement of US Govt’s approval was satisfied by Dept officer undertaking arrange public statement by Dept spokesman, once Conakats actually enroute Léopoldville. Statement will welcome their departure as hopeful development in political solution Congolese problem. Solution this problem has been UN goal supported by US.

Leopoldville should immediately concert with Linner and Elisabethville to insure that UN assurances personal safety and provision UN transport is worked out with Tshombe. Léopoldville should also urge Kasavubu to recognize wisdom of leaving question of future relationship with Katanga to one side until new central government formed under control moderates. Trust he will not boggle at proposed Katanga statement that Conakat participation in national parliament will not by itself indicate total Katangan abandonment of its position. Would appear to Dept that arrival Conakats Lovanium would be excellent opportunity for Kasavubu name Adoula formateur. Léopoldville moderates should be urged seize this development if it occurs as beginning of bandwagon for moderate controlled government.

Leopoldville should urge upon Léopoldville leaders including Mobutu that Conakat delegation if it arrives should not be molested or threatened.

Dept aware Tshombe may not follow advice his delegation or not have sufficient power within Katangan government to do so. However, Dept officer persuaded delegation means what it says and all members delegation expressed easy confidence Tshombe will follow their advice. They did not mention Munongo and Dept did not raise subject.

Dept attempting keep meeting with delegation from press in view (1) use Gizengists and Bloc may attempt make of US-Tshombe connivance and (2) dislike of Afro-Asian nations for Tshombe.

Delegation raised difficulties Katangans had felt they labored under in discussing their problems with USG. Dept officer urged Katangans work closely with US Consul who experienced career officer enjoying confidence his govt. They gave every evidence see wisdom this advice.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–2861. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Vance, cleared by Buffum and Miller in draft, and approved by Fredericks. Also sent to Elisabethville and USUN and repeated to Paris, London, and Brussels.
2. A memorandum of the conversation by Robert M. Fouche of the Office of Central African Affairs is ibid.
3. Sent in telegram 140 to Léopoldville, July 28. (Ibid.)