Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Africa, Volume XIV

154. Telegram From the Embassy in the Congo to the Department of State⁰

Léopoldville, July 28, 1960, 5 p.m.

279. Reference: Deptel 282.¹ Have just seen Hammarskjold who made following points:

1. He has not yet taken decision on Katanga and won’t until he has had chance confer at length with Bunche (Bunche, Von Horn, et al).

2. In any case he will not make move with troops until “way has been cleared diplomatically”. This he has told Belgians.

3. He felt his discussions Brussels yesterday went relatively well and described Belgian attitude as “not unhappy”. Added it would be too much expect them be happy at this particular juncture.

4. Said he and Belgians still disagree over bases (Kamina and Kitona) but he felt they tacitly recognized inevitability of their eventual departure.

5. Felt Belgians had not appreciated repercussions whole Katanga situation in other African countries and explained this at some length.

6. Said problem now one of timing and while he hoped be able delay to let Belgians tempers cool he also had to keep firm hand on Congolese and African pulse. In all events could assure us he was well aware of pitfalls and would proceed judiciously.

Have arranged keep in touch and will report developments.

McIlvaine

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/7–2860. Secret; Niact. Repeated to Brussels, Paris, and USUN.
1. See footnote 4, Document 153.