Van Bilsen Opposes Split Congo

"The existence of an independent Katanga would be harmful to the West, since Africans would point to it as an example of neo-colonialism, as grounds for continuing distrust of the West," emphasized Dr. Antoine van Bilsen, former adviser to Congo president Joseph V. Kasavubu, in an interview yesterday.

Van Bilsen left his post as professor of Congonese government and legislation in the Belgian state-university system to come to Harvard in September as a research associate in the Center for International Affairs. The Belgian government's censure of his articles on the Congo influenced this decision.

"Stable Congo Impossible"

Since a separate Katanga is openly supported by foreign private interests and by some Western governments, it is unacceptable to the radical nationalists of Africa and Asia," continued Van Bilsen. "A stable Congo is impossible until the nationalists are appeased by a strong federal Congo government."

The Belgian scholar decried the "obsession in the United States for injecting the question of communism into situations where it is not a major issue." He said that building a nation and a better life for the Congo's people must come before participation in the East-West struggle.

"I was surprised at the newspaper ads protesting the United Nations' military action against Katanga sponsored by people who have often been silent about civil rights in the American south." Van Bilsen said.

Dan T. Smith, professor of Finance at the Business School, supported the protestations of U.N. action against Katanga. "The Katanga area seems to be making the most progress toward independence and order. The United Nations would subject it to the control of a government that can't control its own troops."

Smith proposed "some sort of confederation" after cessation of U.N. operations. He also protested the lack of action against the government of leftist Antoine Gizenga.

Criticism Prompted by Fear

Lloyd I. Rudolph '48, assistant professor of Government, asserted that criticism of the U.N. military actions is prompted by fear of any U.N. success and consequent prestige gain, and also by the desire to establish a "black puppet regime in Africa."

Such a policy, he said, is shortsighted because it would open the Congo to communist penetration. A Congo without Katanga would be economically dependent on outside aid and would probably look to the communist-bloc for help because of distrust of the West.

Arms from Soviet

Rupert Emerson '22, professor of Government, generally concurred with Rudolph, adding that the Congo would probably call on the Soviet Union for arms to force Katanga into joining a unified state if the U.N. fails.