Office of the Historian

435. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Belgium1

Washington, October 14, 1965, 10 a.m.

436. Request you consult soonest with appropriate GOB officials, preferably Spaak if health and schedule permit, to determine Belgian views re significance and consequences Kasavubu’s dismissal of Tshombe.2 What US-Belgian action indicated? Can we make effort re-establish Kasavubu–Tshombe tandem and, if so, by what means?

Harriman will wish exchange views and explore with Spaak next week possible joint or parallel actions in light situation which we hope will then be somewhat clearer. If Belgians believe action required before that time, advise soonest.3

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO. Secret. Drafted by McElhiney and approved by Williams. Also sent to Leopoldville.↩
  2. On October 13, President Kasavubu dismissed Tshombe and appointed Evariste Kimba as Prime Minister.↩
  3. Telegram 427 from Brussels, October 15, reported that Spaak and the Belgian Government were convinced that Belgium should not intervene in the current Congolese political maneuverings. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 THE CONGO)↩