Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XX, Congo Crisis

308. Telegram From the Consulate in Elisabethville to the Department of State¹

Elisabethville, October 7, 1962, noon.

556. For Secretary and Under Secretary from McGhee. Pass to White House for Ambassadors from McGhee. For Stevenson from McGhee. Had final three hour conversation this evening (October 6) with Tshombe, to whom I put nine specific suggestions (which follow) whereby he could give prompt evidence seriousness his intention implement UN plan. These suggestions include those previously raised by Gardiner plus all others which UN officials here and UK and Belgian Consuls consider it realistic to expect at this juncture. In making these suggestions, I stressed over-riding importance his taking indicated action in accordance with agreed schedule so Gardiner will when he returns on 11th be able to report accomplishments on specific points, which include Gardiner expectations as well. I said that Gardiner’s estimate would serve as basis for my report to President Kennedy on Tshombe’s willingness apply plan. Left with Tshombe informal memorandum listing suggestions in order leave no doubt as to expectations on our part.

Memorandum follows:

(1) Step-by-step carrying out of plan without waiting for promulgation constitution;

(2) Immediate cease fire and standfast and creation tripartite observation groups;

(3) Carrying out loyalty oath within week after completion of (2);

(4) Opening Lubilash Bridge within three days after completion of (2); security to be guaranteed by tripartite group. Immediate shipment of copper to Matadi with revenues to be paid there; return shipments (Comment: Meaning Kasai to Katanga);

(5) Immediate release non-military UN goods at Sakania and Dilolo and subsequent free movement;

(6) Immediate furnishing full Katangan foreign exchange and revenue information to Commissions;

(7) Commissions to work every day all day to finish work by October 11. Objective of Commissions is to assure action pursuant to plan;

(8) Immediate deposit of sizeable sum against payment of revenues and foreign exchange earnings;

(9) Immediate opening of telecommunications with Léopoldville.

Tshombe comments were as follows:

1. As he agreed yesterday, various features of plan will be pushed simultaneously and will be carried out step by step as quickly as they can without attaching any conditions re performance on constitution or other features of plan.

2. Agreed to meet with Mathu as soon as he desires, tonight if possible, to work out text of cease fire agreement. I promised contact Mathu who has agreed submit draft text for signature latest tomorrow. Unable as yet reach Mathu and GOC representative who has already agreed to execution cease fire.

3. He agreed that after cease fire form of oath and plan could easily be worked out within time schedule.

4. Tshombe agreed to inaugurate himself opening of Lubilash Bridge in specified time following implementation of cease fire.

5. He has appointment to discuss UN shipments with Mathu on Monday. Indicated no problem following cease fire.

6. Tshombe showed his October 3 letter to Gardiner, indicating he prepared make such documents available as are requested in Commissions. Appeared believe this to his advantage in order justify larger split. To date only “ultimata” not request for documentation presented to GOK delegates. I said Consul Dean would speak with Ngalula and Mathu to seek meeting with Tshombe Monday arrange this matter and more compatible working relationship in Commissions. I urged that he take direct personal interest on his side.

7. Tshombe said if Ngalula wants to see him on deadline Work Commissions he prepared receive him and Commissioners and see whether deadline practical for termination of work of Commissions so soon. He unable to judge whether deadline was realistic. I agreed get Ngalula to take this up with him Monday.

8. He said that as result of my visit, he had already asked “National” Bank President Van Roey to prepare in next few days give him figures re what might be shared with Central Government. I made suggestion that deposit covering 50% months revenue and foreign exchange earnings be made, in accordance with plan, without prejudice to final settlement. Gardiner has given him impression, not yet taken up with GOC who will oppose bitterly, that Commissions may on basis evaluation full information recommend split more favorable to him. Although this will obviously be result any impartial evaluation I avoided getting into issue. British Consul who has been pressing two-month 50% split has subsequent to meeting advised that Van Roey prepared advise Tshombe make recommended payment if he can get Frasca back to Elisabethville. I will arrange this on my return Léopoldville tomorrow. Tshombe agreed with me yesterday make payments regularly on basis of independent determination by Commissions of his real ability to pay.

9. He continues to insist that his instructions have already been carried out to prepare this end of Elisabethville-Léopoldville telephone line and that text revealed that Léopoldville authorities had not permitted traffic. Letter in April to Adoula confirmed Katanga desire to reopen line. I promised take this up with Adoula.

Tshombe complained that it difficult to believe Léopoldville Government serious about plan in light of:

(1) Radio Léopoldville (ACP Item) in recent days saying Tshombe had no right ask for amnesty, had no right see text of constitution and had to capitulate rather than negotiate.

(2) Monitoring service recently picked up message containing order to ANC take Kongolo October 15. I said I would look into these matters but hastened to counsel him not to let this deter him from planned action and that cease fire accord and observer group could deal effectively with such matters.

Told Tshombe that his responses to above suggestions were encouraging but that burden of proof was on him to show concrete actions in each respect in order convince President Kennedy and others who were concerned about lack of progress on his part. Said best evidence would be pictures in newspapers next week showing inter alia signing of cease fire accord and inauguration of Lubilash Bridge. He said he had given me his word of honor on above points and that if I had any doubts about his carrying out his side of bargain I should query him. He will reply promptly and directly. Assured him that Consul Dean here for this purpose and would address such messages for me. I ended with expression our determination see Congo unity through and our hope that this could be achieved in agreement with him.

I will tomorrow analyze for Department what I consider his agreement means.

Tshombe’s stated undertakings are on their face value as forthcoming as can be expected. I am by no means convinced, however, that his full compliance is assured. The real test, as I have told him, lies in his performance and our best hope appears to be through keeping constant pressure on him to make difficult decisions required taking advantage of his evident desire to please President Kennedy to whom he has sent choice collection of Katangan minerals.

Dean

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/10–762. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Léopoldville, Brussels, and USUN.