SUSPECTED ARMS SMUGGLING IN DILOLO

More than 6,000 Swedes took part in the UN operation in the Congo during the so-called Congo Crisis. The operation lasted from 1960 to 1964, and UN troops were subjected to intense pressure on several occasions.

In the late spring of 1961, intelligence officer Stig von Bayer was ordered to travel with eight men from Elisabethville to the Congolese town of Dilolo, near the border with Angola. Acting on behalf of ONUC, the Swedes were tasked with investigating whether weapons and mercenaries were being smuggled by train from Angola into Katanga.

They brought enough supplies for one week, the necessary weapons, and a field radio. Due to the considerable distance between Dilolo and Elisabethville, communication was only possible using Morse code.

The unit checked into the town's only hotel and began its reconnaissance the following day. They discovered that weapons were indeed being smuggled into Katanga through Dilolo, and the group decided to remain there for some additional time.

After two weeks, the Swedish unit began experiencing difficulties obtaining food supplies, which considerably worsened the situation. The Lunda people, who formed the majority of the population in the area, were hostile towards the UN because of their sympathies for the Katangese leader Moïse Tshombe.

Tensions between the Swedes and the local population became increasingly apparent, and on 4 April, the unit received an ultimatum from the local police chief: leave the hotel or face an armed assault.

The telegrams below were sent by Stig von Bayer from his headquarters at the hotel in Dilolo to the Swedish battalion in Elisabethville.

4 April 1961

040930 The population of Dilolo remains cautious. Trouble is likely if the undesirables proceed to E-ville. For the moment, all is well. No one is ill. von B.

041300 The situation has deteriorated. From now on, we are being denied food and petrol. These orders have come from E-ville. We are resorting to our dry rations. We have been ordered to leave the hotel, but we refuse under any circumstances. von B.

041310 Received an ultimatum from Police Commissioner de Smet stating that unless we had vacated the premises by 1400 hours, the local forces would attack us with a force of 70 policemen and tribal warriors. I replied that we could not leave unless alternative accommodation was provided. We immediately took defensive measures, designated firing positions, and posted guards.

041330 Ultimatum from the local police chief: unless we have vacated the premises by 1400 hours, the local forces are prepared to attack us. We refuse unless alternative accommodation is provided. von B.

041500 The police have received reinforcements and are preparing for action. They are determined to force us out. We will defend our position until further orders are received. von B.

041630 All hostilities have been postponed until tomorrow. von B.

041740 No trouble has occurred so far. The police force of 70 men is awaiting further orders tomorrow. Morale is good. von B.

5 April 1961

051045 Jenakat here is planning an operation to disarm us while we are eating. I do not intend to tolerate any foolishness. I have given orders to open fire at their legs if they storm the premises. Four men will remain at the quarters at all times. We eat with hand grenades in our pockets. Have exchanged some harsh words with the authorities here. As a result, we are now allowed to purchase petrol and cross the border, and the police have promised to intervene against Jenakat. We are standing by. von B.

051400 Intend to return by rail tomorrow. Tensions have eased somewhat. It appears that the population now respects us. Nevertheless, we are maintaining our state of readiness. von B.

051530 No room for the jeep on the train. I will travel with three men by road to E-ville. Alm and four men will travel by rail with the equipment. Orders from BCK E-ville to BCK Dilolo: BCK is not permitted to transport any UN personnel or UN equipment. Will surely resolve the problem by tomorrow. von B.

6 April 1961

060830 Have received permission from the administrator to use the railway for our return journey. Alm and four men, together with the equipment, will depart by train at 1500 hours. The train will reach E-ville on Saturday morning. I and three men will depart once I am certain that BCK will cause no further difficulties. We will drive throughout the night. If all goes well, we will arrive in E-ville tomorrow morning. All quiet. von B.

Resolution

The train carrying the five Swedes departed on 6 April at 1245 hours and arrived in Elisabethville on 8 April at 0600 hours.

Stig von Bayer and the three Swedish soldiers travelling in the jeep reached E-ville on 7 April at 0530 hours, after 15 hours of actual driving time. The jeep covered a distance of 765 kilometres.

Stig von Bayer's final assessment of the unit was as follows: