279. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations0
1106. For Wadsworth from Secretary. Re your 1635.1 I concur fully we are fast approaching new crisis in Congo and that a joint UK–US approach to the SYG along lines you propose is necessary. Since it is not practicable for me to go to New York at this time, however, I suggest that you first give the SYG the following personal note from me which makes it clear that the démarche is being made at my specific request.
“Dear Dag,
“I have asked Ambassador Wadsworth to discuss with you on my behalf a number of questions posed by recent developments in the Congo. I had hoped to be able to meet with you myself, but am not able to get to New York at this time.
[Page 619]“In suggesting this discussion, I would like to make it very clear to you that I remain fully satisfied that our principal objectives relating to the Congo have been and are similar. This does not preclude the constant necessity of keeping in step on the tactics each of us utilizes in furthering these objectives.
“I am therefore looking forward to receiving from representatives of the United States in New York an account of your current thinking on the difficult and tragic situation in the Congo. With warmest personal regards, Most sincerely, CHRIS.”
In démarche, it would be preferable for UK to take lead, particularly since question of replacement of Dayal is bound to play major part in conversation.
I agree fully with substantive points you have proposed be made to SYG, but three additional items should be included: (1) In circumstances where UAR and certain other countries clearly considering removal their troops from Congo UN operation, we hope SYG will examine possibility requesting forces from certain French Community states as well as from Latin America; (2) In course of discussion with SYG, I also believe it should be made clear that US believes Von Horn should be replaced as urgent measure. You should indicate we would welcome Generals McKeown or Bull as replacement. We also inclined think General Thimayya of India, or possibly General Cariappa, former CINC of Indian Army, might be acceptable, but you should discuss these possibilities in first instance with UK in New York; (3) You should also discuss with SYG report that Belgians intend withdraw all technicians from Kamina, Kitona and Banana bases by end February 1961, asking what plans SYG has for assuring continued security and maintenance of bases and welfare of Congolese whose livelihood has depended on employment at bases.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/12–660. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Tron; cleared by Satterthwaite, Bohlen, and Ferguson and in substance with Benjamin A. Fleck, Officer in Charge of India, Ceylon, and Nepal Affairs; and approved by the Secretary. Repeated to London and Léopoldville.↩
- Document 277.↩