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

99. Telegram From the Consulate in Elisabethville to the Department of State¹

Elisabethville, August 26, 1961, 4 p.m.

248. Re Contel 247.² After hearing Katangan version of approach made by O’Brien and Colonels Egge and Waern to Tshombe, Munongo and Kimba this morning (see reference telegram), Consuls present decided to call on O’Brien immediately. O’Brien and Egge were informed of Katangan viewpoint and O’Brien advanced opinion that divergences between Katangan version and his own interpretation of meeting not wide. O’Brien said he had seen Adoula in Léopoldville and agreed to convey invitation (he insisted on word invitation) to Tshombe on Adoula’s behalf. O’Brien said that in talking to Tshombe, he added own advice that time running out and that it strongly in Tshombe’s interests to go to Léopoldville at once and unwise to allow things to continue as at present. O’Brien offered absolute security to Tshombe while in Léopoldville under UN protection and indicated that Egge and himself would accompany Tshombe in comfortable DC–6 which prepared to depart noon today. O’Brien stressed that he exerted “strong and friendly pressure” on Tshombe and voiced fear that situation will deteriorate sharply if Tshombe fails to accept invitation.

According to O’Brien, Munongo requested explanation of deteriorating situation and asked whether UN would assist Central Government in military manner. O’Brien told Consuls he replied that Katangan Ministers knew UN fully supporting Central Government and that if latter requests military assistance it safe to assume this will be given. O’Brien underlined Katanga Government should not count on UN neutrality in military matters. O’Brien reiterated to Tshombe this not ultimatum but strong, clear statement of position. He also told Consuls Tshombe appeared inclined accept Adoula’s invitation, Kimba appeared without strong position on matter but Munongo violently opposed.

Egge told Consuls that point also made to Katangans that all other provincial Presidents now in Léopoldville at invitation of Adoula and that Tshombe should join them. Egge also made clear that under resolutions UN has responsibility to see to it that foreign military officers and advisers leave Congo. Egge pointed out this not same as disarming Katangan troops, as now feared by Katangan leaders, but he admitted this could of course lead to some measures in this direction.

Finally O’Brien told Consuls Adoula has not yet requested military assistance and that he O’Brien did not know what reply UN would make to such request. He underlined that Linner arrived in Léopoldville with orders take very strong line against Katanga Government and to place before Katangans their responsibilities. O’Brien confided to Consuls that Adoula obliged pursue active and successful Katanga policy if his government is to survive; this could of course force Adoula to undertake military activities against Tshombe.

Subsequent to visit by Consuls O’Brien told me privately Tshombe has indicated by phone he cannot accept Adoula’s invitation today, in any event, and that Tshombe will receive O’Brien later in day. O’Brien told me he took occasion to underline that message from Adoula constitutes “pressing invitation” rather than ultimatum, that Tshombe will be treated with every respect and given every possible guarantee and that O’Brien hoped Tshombe would look to his political future and that of his provincial government rather than listen to the advice of certain Ministers who have no future in political organization of Congo.

O’Brien also admitted in confidence that UN approach to Tshombe contains element of exaggeration and bluff but that circumstances warrant using such means to vital and imperative end.

Canup

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/8–2661. Confidential; Niact. Also sent to Léopoldville and repeated to Brussels, USUN, Paris, and London.
2. Telegram 247, August 26, reported that Tshombe had called in the Consular Corps that morning and told them that O’Brien had given him a message from Adoula ordering him to go immediately to Léopoldville or the situation in Katanga would “worsen.” When asked to explain what this meant, O’Brien said that if Tshombe did not go to Léopoldville and if Adoula appealed to the United Nations for help in reducing Katanga’s “secession,” the United Nations would place its forces at his disposal. (Ibid.) For O’Brien’s description of his meeting with Tshombe, see To Katanga and Back, pp. 214–215.