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  4. Document 329

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

Washington, November 17, 1964, 6:05 p.m.

1275. Subject: Dragon Rouge. Brussels 966 and 967.2 We agree approach in general terms to Tshombe is matter some urgency. We giving urgent consideration to form of request from Kasavubu or Tshombe designed inter alia assure best possible position in UN and will send our views soonest to Brussels for coordination with GOB.

Meanwhile you should not give consent to de Kerchove for approach by him to Tshombe.

For Brussels: You may inform Spaak and/or Davignon foregoing, adding we hope send our views later tonight.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO. Top Secret; Flash; Exdis. Drafted by McElhiney and Hoffacker; cleared by Deputy Assistant Secretary for EUR Robert C. Creel, Sisco, Williams, and Palmer; and approved by Harriman. Repeated to Brussels.↩
  2. See Document 328 and footnote 2 thereto.↩