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

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

Washington, December 30, 1964, 7:07 p.m.

1692. As you know Security Council adopted resolution on ceasefire 10–0–1.² You should see Tshombe and tell him we believe Congolese representative handled Security Council deliberations today effectively, particularly his comments on ceasefire.³

While we will be following up in more detail with further guidance for you re GDRC posture in relation to implementation of SC resolution, we believe Tshombe has excellent opportunity to exploit it fully, particularly as a deterrent to outside intervention by placing onus for violations of ceasefire on rebels. In addition GDRC actions will be watched closely as to steps taken to bring about reconciliation emphasized in operative para 4 of resolution.

As first step we believe Tshombe might well make general statement as follow up to one made by Idzumbir indicating GDRC welcomes SC action and expressing intention to cooperate fully with UN and OAU. You should also explore with him what other initiatives he thinks he might take to exploit the present situation.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Sisco and approved by Palmer. Also sent to Brussels and repeated to USUN.
2. Resolution S/6129 requested states not to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Congo, appealed for a cease-fire in accordance with the OAU resolution of September 10, considered that the mercenaries should be withdrawn in accordance with the OAU resolution, encouraged the OAU in its efforts to help the Congolese Government achieve national reconciliation, requested all states to assist the OAU, asked the OAU to keep the Security Council informed, and requested the U.N. Secretary-General to follow the situation and keep the Council informed. (U.N. Doc. S/6129) For text, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1964, pp. 786–787.
3. In telegram 2569 from Leopoldville, December 31, Godley reported that he emphasized to Tshombe the constructive points in the resolution and expressed his personal conviction that the resolution finally adopted was a remarkable victory for the moderates and much better than might have been expected, and that Tshombe had appeared to concur. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO)