Series United Nations Operations in the Congo (ONUC) - Cables and Telexes - S-0217

UN. Executive Assistant to the Secretary-General (1946-1961: Cordier) Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs (1958-1972: Bunche)

Series consists of incoming and outgoing code, clear, unnumbered, top secret, and only cables, and telex conversations primarily between high ranking United Nations personnel in New York and Leopoldville relating to the military and civilian operations in the Congo. Cables were also sent to or received from other cities, such as Elisabethville, Jerusalem, Geneva, Gaza, Beirut, Mogadiscio and Brussels. Code cables detail various matters relating to United Nations intervention, creation of the Congolese government, training of the Congolese army and the existence or need of mercenary troops, unrest between the Lumumba Youth Party and the United Nations and Belgians, the refugee situation, evacuation of Belgian military personnel, and food distribution. Clear cables include information on the international Famine Relief Fund and personnel issues such as salary and appointments in the relief and public works administrations. Telex conversations focus on various aspects of the military and civilian operations in the Congo including hostile actions towards ONUC personnel, military reinforcements, and food deliveries. Housed separately are five feet of duplicate code cables, unnumbered, top secret, only, and clear cables regarding a wide range of subjects including military events, administrative issues, political developments, and hostages.
Correspondents include Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs Ralph Bunche, Officer-in-Charge Andrew Cordier, and Special Advisor for Civilian Affairs in the Congo Sir Alexander Macfarquhar.

Accession numbers: 63/163, 74/74, 72/88, 75/7, 77/207