U.S. FOREIGN POLICY AND THE BELGIAN CONGO IN THE 1950S. |
| Author: |
Helmreich, Jonathan E
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| Date |
1/1/96
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Journal
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| Journal Title: |
Historian
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| Volume/Pages |
58(2)
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| Subject Matter |
Social/Public Policy and Administration
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| Abstract |
Analyzes American policy toward the Belgian Congo in the 1950 s, the decade preceding its independence. Washington s policy was based on maintaining good relations with Western capitals while gaining influence in emergingnations. This was manifested in a Europe first policy combined with a conservative outlook on colonial issues that emphasized order and protection of strategic resources. An intellectual turning point in African policy came in 1955 whenthe deputy director of the Office of Asian Affairs, Fred L. Hadsel, drafted a report showing that as Africans demanded more political and economic power, European capitals were increasingly inflexible in their African policies. Recognizingthat growing tensions would result in conflict, Hadsel called for an independent American policy. Events in the Congo, however, moved too rapidly for the United States to develop such a policy and gain significant influence in African affairs.
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