Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIII, Congo, 1960–1968

311. Memorandum for the Files¹

Washington, November 5, 1964.

It is becoming increasingly clear that our incautious broadcasting of our concern about the fate of the Americans in Stanleyville has increased the rebel appreciation of the value of the hostages, thereby increasing the danger to them. The country team’s judgment in these matters and that of our Embassy in Belgium have so far been consistently sound, and it is clear that we should have paid more attention to their views. I have on several occasions registered this opinion, including my objection to the stand-down of the aircraft in the Congo for seven days.

W.A.H.

1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Harriman Papers, Box 448, Congo (3). Confidential. Drafted by Harriman.