206. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1
212. Ref Brussels tel 200.2 Department believes it most urgent that GOC request immediate bilateral assistance from African countries likely and able to assist which are part of moderate group in Africa. These countries could include, for example, based on attitudes held during the last days of Adoula government, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tunisia and Nigeria. Because of deep seated African suspicions of Tshombe, it would be most useful in our view, if Adoula and Bomboko, particularly former could be associated with such efforts.
Time is of essence and hope we can earliest—matter of days—obtain some African troop presence Leopoldville (e.g. Ethiopians), and perhaps elsewhere.
You should stress to Tshombe (and Kasavubu if you consider useful) that if US to assist Congo effectively in its most critical moment, it can only do so if GOC cooperates fully by mobilizing all possible forms of assistance required and available.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23-9 THE CONGO. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Tasca, cleared by Lang in OSD/ISA, and approved by Tasca. Repeated to Brussels, CINCMEAFSA, and CINCMEAFSA for Ramsey.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 204.↩