Evening star., 1963-01-01
CONGO
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Mr. Tshombe has had close as
sociations with British diplo-
mats stationed in Katanga.
Mr.. Thant noted that Elisa
bethville was firmly in U. N.
hands and said last weeks
fighting could prove decisive in
opening the way for a solution
of the Congo rift. Mr.. Tshome
has indicated that he would
give the signal for scorched-
earth warfare rather than bow
to any forced refrigeration of
his mineral-rich province into
the impoverished rest of the
Congo.
Previous negotiations between
Mr.. Tshombe and Cyrille
Adoula. president of the Con-
goleSe central government,
proved fruitless, with one or
the other hedging whenever a
solid agreement seemed near.
Belgian Foreign Minister Paul
Henri Spaak told newsmen yes
terday that Mr.. Tshombe's
presence is essential for nego-
tiations. AS Mr.. Spaak put it,
ito negotiate, you need some
one fit to talk with"
Mr.. Tshombe indicated Sum-
day he felt that the U. Ms mil
itary operation aimed at a
forced solution. saying that it
had been long under prepara-
ton. The U. N. command on
the other hand, said 1t sent its
troops on the offensive only
after enduring two days of
growing bombardment from
Katangan forces.
Mr.. Thant said in his state
ment that "the United Nations
is seeking no victory and no
surrender in Katanga.
UnificatiOn Main Aim
His main objective, he de-
clared, is to bring about unfit
cation of the Congo according
to directives given hm by the
U. N. Security Council. He made
1t clear, however, that he sup
ported the central government
and would deal with Katangan
leaders only as provincial Of
ficials.
In Washington, u. S. Off
cials were described as hopeful
that the U. N. plan for Congo
unification would now move
rapidly forward. They looked
for Mr.. Tshombe to come to
terms within two weeks or be
on his way out of the picture.
A test Of Mr.. Tshombe's in
tentions may come today with
the U. Ms noon deadline for
Katangan military and civilian
planes to appear at the U. N.
base at Manono, 300 miles
north Of Elisabethville, to sur
render.
Katanga's air force is be-
lieved TO comprise u Mustang
fighters, II Harvard utility air.
craft, a few transport planes
and one Fouga Jet which is
thought to be unserviceable.
The Katangans have disputed
u. N. claims Of heavy destruc-
ton Of planes and buildings in
raids on Kolwezi airfield in the
past few days.
Bridge Reported Mined
A road bridge across a lake
on the route TO Kolwezi from
Elisabethville was reported TO
be mined and ready for demo-
lition in the event Of a u N.
ground attack against Mr.,
TShombe's bastion.
A French mercenary told
newsmen in Ndola, Northern
RhodeSia, that Mr. Tshombe's
white mereenares. estimated
10 number between 200 and
500. were concentrating In
Kolwez! and at Jadotyille, mid
way between Kolwezi and
Elisabethville.
1t. Gen. Prem Chand, the
U. N. military commander IN
Katanga. said last night that
u. N. military operations were
static, with his troops moppine
UP small pockets OF resistance
"Katangan troops are In full
flight wherever they meet u. N
troops but there Is a possibility
that small bands Of armed mer
might prove a menace 10 road
communications" he said.
Indian troops moving alonf
the road from Elisabethyille u
Jadotville, reported clearinf
more than $50 mines and re.
covering the bodies OF II
Katangan troops The Indiar
troops also captured the radio
station at Kilopelope. outside
Elisabethville. without opposi.
ton. A platoon Of Katangar
gendarmcrie supposed 10 de.
fend the post ran into the buSt
as soon as the attack began, q
u. N. officer said
In Hitwe, Northern Rhodesia
Rhodesian army sources mont
toring radio messages from
Katanga said ". NJ troops haC