95. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State1
Secto 44. Congo. Following based on uncleared memcon.2
Secretary had brief discussion with Spaak on Congo August 7. Secretary opened saying for first time there seems real hope in Congo picture and although we not out of woods prospects seem improving with formation of new Adoula government. Spaak agreed saying he just received encouraging telegram and was particularly heartened that Tshombe at last seemed to have seen the light. According Spaak’s information Tshombe sending eight parliamentary representatives to Léopoldville and desires reach agreement with central government. While Congolese quite unpredictable and Tshombe may go off beam tomorrow, there now hope of peaceful re-integration of Katanga through negotiations. Spaak sent message to SYG this morning stressing need peaceful re-integration of Katanga and urging UN and new Congolese Government take no sudden or abrupt moves re Tshombe since this might cause him to react violently.
Secretary said we been making great efforts obtain Tshombe’s cooperation and recently worked very hard on his brother. Fully agree on desirability peaceful re-integration Katanga and believe if Tshombe and Kasavubu can be brought together they may be able to reach agreement on basic aspects of a constitution which while providing for a single federal Congolese state would take into account legitimate interests and individualities of the Katanga and other participating states. The Secretary said he thought Linner had done good job for UN for which we should all be grateful. Spaak agreed saying next four or five days critical and principal thing is for all including UN to use their influence to bring Elisabethville and Léopoldville together. If real progress could be made in next few days we might be out of woods. If not we would then have to reassess situation.
Secretary said if Leopoldville and Elisabethville could be brought together position of Gizenga in terms UN and world opinion would be so diminished he would have difficulty in continuing his past tactics. Even should he try to maintain separate regime Stanleyville his position would be greatly weakened. Spaak agreed but said he still not sure Gizenga would participate in new government. If he does presumably Soviet and other Communist representatives in Stanleyville will have to [Page 189] leave which will be a great defeat for Communists who have gone all out backing Stanleyville government.