Leaked diplomatic cables released by the National Security Archive last week, outlined that the United States, Britain and the United Nations were explicitly warned about an impending massacre in Rwanda.
The cables further revealed that despite having this knowledge, both the US and British governments were considering reducing their presence in Rwanda to avoid difficulties.
A discussion between Belgian diplomats regarding the positions of the UK and US on Rwanda found in the cables highlighted reluctance of the international community to act on explicit warnings of an impending genocide.
Responding to requests, at the time, to increase the UN presence in Rwanda, a Belgian ministry chief of staff wrote,
The cables further revealed that despite having this knowledge, both the US and British governments were considering reducing their presence in Rwanda to avoid difficulties.
A discussion between Belgian diplomats regarding the positions of the UK and US on Rwanda found in the cables highlighted reluctance of the international community to act on explicit warnings of an impending genocide.
Responding to requests, at the time, to increase the UN presence in Rwanda, a Belgian ministry chief of staff wrote,
“Not only are the United States and the United Kingdom against it, they may even, according to their delegations, withdraw Unamir altogether in case of difficulties. There is a financial logic behind this: the United States never wanted more than 500 men for Unamir.”