ATTITUDE OF U.S.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 18

ATTITUDE OF U.S.

“Support For U.N. Action” (N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON. Sept. 15. The United States backed fully the actions of the United Nations forces in taking over the breakaway State of Katanga on behalf of the Central Congo Government, diplomatic observers said in Washington yesterday. The observers said that view was the clear inference to be drawn from the State Department statement saying that unity of the Congolese nation was “essential” to economic progress and stability. The State Department, in making its comment, gave no support whatever to the overthrown Katanga Government of Moise Tshombe, and called on Katanga to play a “constructive role” within the Central Government.

The United Nations Katanga action has been criticised in Britain and in Rhodesia, and one member of the United States Congress. Senator Thomas Dodd (Democrat) has strongly attacked it.

The United States, which has supplied most of the money to Reep the Congo Central Government going, made it clear in the State Department statement that it was against separatist movements which could bring about civil war in the Congo. The United States—in common with both Communist and neutralist States—had never recognised Mr Tshombe’s independent regime.