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Initials



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Background: The U.N. envoy in the Congo, Under Secretary Dr. Palph J. Bunche, called a Press Conference in Leopoldville July 14 to announce the first African troops sponsored by the U.N. would arrive in Leopoldville July 15.

Shortly after the Congo Republic broke off diplomatic relations with Belgium July 14, Congolese President Joseph Kasavubu and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba went to Leopoldville Airport to fly to Stanleyville for a tour of inspection.

Belgian paratroops controlled the airport after seizing it from rebellious troops of the formerly Belgian-administered Congolese Army. At one point, one of the European refugees awaiting repatriation dashed at Mr. Lumumba and struck his face. Mr. Lumumba remained unshaken, demanded that Belgian troops withdraw to their camps, and refused to acknowledge a Belgian guard of honour lined up at the airport.

Refugees almost mobbed the two Congolese leaders, yelled "murderers". One shouted: "Go and see the raped women".

Two battalions of troops - from Ghana - arrived in Leopoldville under the auspices of the U.N. July 15.