Evening star., 1963-01-05
y. n. Forces Halt Drive
On Tshombe's Stronqho|d
Way Seems
To Be Clear
For Talks

LEOPOLDVILLE, the Congo,
Jan. 5 (AP) United Nations
forces have halted their drive
toward President Tshombes
war capital in Katanga, a U. N.
official said in Elisabethville
today. The way appeared clear
for a diplomatic effort for
peace talks.
A high-ranking U. N. officer
in Elisabethville said the U. N.
forces had halted their advance
at Jadotville, 80 miles south
east of Mr.. TshombeS war
capital at Kolwezi, until the
political situation crystalizes."
In Ndola, Northern Rhodesia.
Katangan government spokes-
man Jean TaSniez said British
and Belgian consuls in Elisa
bethville are trying to per-
suade Mr.. Tshombe by radio to
return to his old capital for
talks with U. N. officials there.
Mr.. Tasniez said there was a
possibility Mr.. Tshombe would
do so this week end.
Bunche Pledges Action
DR.. Ralph Bunche, mean
while, has pledged the United
Nations will carry on its action
in Katanga until the u. N.
force is assured of movement
throughout the Secessicnist ter
ritory.
The U. N. undersecretary for
special political affairs made
the statement on his arrival here
late last night amid reports of
a conflict between U. N. head
quarters in New York and U. N.
officials here over the wisdom
of holding any new talks with
Mr.. Tshombe.
DR.. Bunche said he is conf
dent his talks here with U. N.
Officials will prevent a recur-
renee of "the temporary break
down in effective communica-
ton" between U. N. headquar-
ters and officials in the field.
The breakdown" had aroused
speculation that the U. N. force
had overstepped its orders when
it captured the mining town of
Jadotville, 10 miles northwest
of Elisabethville. two days ago.
The Belgian government con-
tends U. N. troops violated an
? order by U. N. Secretary Gen.
, eral U Thant in taking the
town.
FURRY Over Next Move
), But DR.. Bunche declared the
capture of Jadotville had been
part of a plan approved by Mr..
Thant last October.
Mr.. Thant's dispatch of DR..
Bunche to Leopoldville raised
a diplomatic furry over the
next move in the conflict.
DR.. Bunche did not say
whether he expected the U. N.
would switch to political means
to establish its freedom of
movement or whether the U. N.
military force would continue
a drive that in nine days has
all but shattered Mr.. Tshombe's
army.
Reports from Jadotville said
the U. N. flying column was
halted there. apparently watt
ing for its armor and trans
port to cross the Lufira River.
about is miles to the rear,
where bridges have been de-
molished.
Earlier reports said the In
dian, Irish and Ethiopian
forces at Jadotville were under
strict orders not TO advance
on the secessionist bastion OF
Kolwezi. 80 miles to the north
west, where Mr.. Tshombe and
his diSorgani2ed gendarmes
and white mercenaries have
gathered lor a possible last
ditch stand.
Delaying Tactics Opposed
Diplomatic sources here re-
ported Mr.. Thant wants Mr..
Tshombe to return TO his cap
ital OF Elisabethville TO make
a start on putting into force
the secretary generals plan for
reuniting Katanga with the
rest Of the Congo.
But U. N. officials in Leo
poldville were reported opposed
to any procedure that would
give Mr.. Tshombe a chance for
delaying tactics.
One report said that Robert
Gardiner, Chanian head Of the
y. ~ operations IN the Congo.
mad threatened TO resign II
talks with Mr. TShombe are
renewed.
Mr. Gardiner said last week
I'VE will not make the same
mistake again" Of granting Mr..
IShombe a ceaSe-fire that
would enable him TO regroup
See CONGO, Page A-3