Office of the Historian

201. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Congo1

Washington, August 6, 1964, 5:16 p.m.

178. In conversation with Cleveland, Bunche has indicated receptivity to idea of UN effort to negotiate with Stanleyville authorities for permission to evacuate on UN aircraft all Europeans including all official and non-official US citizens who wish leave city.

You requested discuss matter urgently with Osorio-Tafall offering him all possible assistance.2

In meantime you should cease Stanleyville relief operation keeping it on stand-by basis pending outcome this effort. In no case should it be set in motion again without Department’s approval.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23-9 THE CONGO. Confidential; Flash. Drafted by Schaufele; cleared by O’Sullivan, Tasca, Lang, and Cleveland; and approved by Harriman.↩
  2. In telegram 392 from Leopoldville, August 7, Godley reported that he contacted Osorio-Tafall, who greatly appreciated the U.S. offer of assistance and said he would pursue the matter immediately. (Ibid.)↩