Africans Expel U.S. Diplomats

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30957, 13 January 1966, Page 5

Africans Expel U.S. Diplomats

(N.Z.PA. Reuter—Copyright)

BUJUMBURA (Burundi), January 11.

Mr Donald Dumont, the United States Ambassador, and two American Embassy officials were yesterday ordered to leave the little African kingdom of Burundi within 24 hours.

The expulsion note made clear that the expulsion did not mean a break in relations between the two countries. The two other officials ordered out were Mr Thomas Rhodes Buchanan, the Counsellor, and Mr Nicholas Milroy. the director of the United States Cultural Centre. A Greek employee at the Embassy was given 48 hours to leave. No Explanations The Note gave no direct explanation for the expulsions, but it said Burundi, in line with its policy of noninterference in Ihe internal affairs of other States, “desires that others, and in particular the diplomats of certain countries, conform to this same rule.”

Only if this condition were fulfilled would the Burundian Government accept the credentials of future American diplomats, it said. Burundi is a former Bel-

gian trusteeship territory sandwiched between the Congo and Tanzania. The United States has warned Burundi of the effect of its expulsion of the officials.

The Burundi Ambassador to Washington was summoned to the State Department to receive an American protest at “this surprise action.”