536. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1
19352. 1. Under instructions Adoula called on Palmer today and informed him that GDRC had sent message to UN Secretary General which asks all members of the Security Council and friends of the Congo for logistic assistance and any other assistance which could help maintain order.2
2. Palmer emphasized problems inclusion USSR and other Communist countries would cause not only for US but for objectives which GDRC seeks. Even introduction of matter could elicit Soviet offer which would put GDRC in difficult position. Also expressed concern that matter not been discussed with USG in advance.
3. Adoula interpreted GDRC request as meaning such assistance would have to be requested by GDRC but stated he would seek ASAP clarification and if possible delay in case letter has not been forwarded.3
4. Palmer stated he hoped two governments could consult before any further action taken.
5. Hope you can take this up immediately with Mobutu or Bomboko to point out pitfalls in this approach. USUN states letter already transmitted.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 23–9 THE CONGO. Secret; Flash. Drafted by Schaufele, cleared by Elizabeth Ann Brown, and approved by Palmer. Repeated to Brussels, USUN, and Moscow.↩
- U.N. Doc. S/8118, August 10.↩
- Telegram 19353 to Kinshasa, August 11, reported that Adoula phoned Palmer to inform him that the President of the Security Council had said that if the Congo were asking for aid from the United Nations, it would have to request a meeting of the Security Council. If it were asking only that U.N. members be informed of its need for assistance, however, he had done this by circulating the Congo’s letter. (Ibid.)↩