“Katanga Violence Unavoidable”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29713, 5 January 1962, Page 9

“Katanga Violence Unavoidable”

(N Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

NEW YORK, January 4.

The chief United Nations representative in Katanga, Mr George Ivan Smith, of Australia, said last evening he had done everything possible to “avoid a showdown of force” in the breakaway Congolese province. He spoke to reporters at Idlewild Airport after flying from the Congo.

He said he intended to rest before taking up a new post as United Nations representative of the Technical Assistance Board and Special Fund for Tanganyika. Kenya. Uganda and Zanzibar. Mr Smith said it was "clear from my own experience that the Katangese were determined to have a showdown of force.

“As United Nations representative, I did everything possible to avoid it without compromising our principles. But events showed that the Katangese wanted a showdown on a now-or-never basis."

He said the fightink was “a tragedy—but it was forced on the United Nations. We were not trying to force a political settlement.” Mr Smith, asked whether there was any evidence of British and French Government support for the Katangese forces, replied: "It would be impossible for me

to comment on the actions of Governments.”

He said it was "quite clear” that several industrial concerns had actively aaoisted the Katangese Premier <Mr TNiombe) against the United Nations.

Asked what part the Bel-gian-controlled mining concern, Union Miniere, had played in the fighting. Mr Smith said: "Everybody knows that they were there. I need not elaborate.” He edded that it was "very clear that Mr Tshombe is taking 50 million dollars a year from industry which should have gone to the Central Government.”

Mr Smith’s departure leaves Mr Bran Urquhart as senior United Nations rep* resentative in ElrtabethviHe. Both Mr Smith and Mr Urquhart were severely beet* en last November 29 by Katangese soldiers who had been inflamed by anti* United Nations propaganda. 1