Hammarskjold: Fight for Peace (2023) Movie Script

1
Dag Hammarskjld,
Secretary-General of the United Nations since 1953
has proved to be a strong and fearless leader.
A man with a plan.
He wants the UN to be a formidable tool
for world peace and justice.
Black or white, rich or poor...
Dag Hammarskjld insists everyone
has a right to freedom and self-determination.
He's negotiated the release of American soldiers
captured by Communist China.
He's averted world war
by solving the Suez crisis in Egypt.
Now, Dag Hammarskjld,
a superstar of international diplomacy,
appearances focussed
on the decolonization of Africa.
He's demanding that colonial powers return
all power and privileges to the indigenous peoples
of that continent.
"Leave it to Dag", an expression
invented by President Eisenhower
is being echoed all around the globe.
With great change comes opportunity.
Nothing can stand in the way
of African liberation.
Just "Leave it to Dag".
Questions that keep me awake,
in the quiet hours of the night.
Did I do the right thing?
Why did I act the way I did?
To again take the same step,
pronounce the same word,
without finding the answer.
Pray that your loneliness,
becomes the spur
to find something to live for,
big enough to die for.
Good morning, Mr Hammarskjld.
- Is it a good morning?
- Indeed it is sir.
You are on the front page.
- Breakfast is ready sir.
- Thank you.
U.N. Secretary Dag Hammarskjld
declares War on Colonialism.
Thank you.
- Morning Bill.
- Morning.
Mr Ranallo.
- Thanks Ralph.
- What's that?
- Eleanor made the blueberry jam that you like.
- You-you did the artwork?
How could you tell?
You-you think you could be a Picasso?
Boy has talent. I appreciate it thank you.
Thanks Bill.
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Great article in the New York Times.
- Thank you.
- Good morning.
- Good morning Mr Secretary.
- Morning.
- Morning Bill.
- Morning. Morning.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Good morning sir.
- Good morning Hanna.
These are for you to sign.
Blanche is waiting in your office.
- Could we have two of those Danish pastries
from the cafeteria?
- I thought you were watching your weight?
No. Should I?
I think to be safe
you go get your Danish yourself.
- Thank you.
- Good morning Ralph.
- Good morning Dag.
There are some reactions to your speech
on your desk.
- Good or bad?
- Good.
But we have, unconfirmed intelligence that
there is a military coup under way in the Congo.
In the Katanga region.
Mose Tshombe backed by Belgian troops.
Looks like it's the first reaction
to decolonization.
Connor O'Brien is in Katanga.
Setup a conference call, right away.
Hi, can I get a line to lisabethville please?
Yes, can I have a line lisabethville please?
- Can you hear me?
- We can hear you now.
Yes, and can I hear you.
Mr O'Brien.
This is Secretary Hammarskjld.
What's the situation on the ground?
Tshombe has just delared Katanga independent.
At the moment, things seem quiet, errr..
but there's several reports of Baluba people
mobs.
Civil war?
Not yet, but there's a significant risk of one,
both from the Baluba tribes and from er..
the elected government of the Congo. Er..
Tshombe is openly supported by the Belgians.
They're out patrolling the streets
here in lisabethville.
It's all about subverting the Congo's independence,
keeping control of the resources.
Katanga's home to Association Minire.
That money comes in a loan accounts
for 75% of the GDP of the whole.. of the Congo.
Not to mention a major supplier of uranium
for American atomic bombs.
Moshan is a failed businessman,
an opportunist working his way into politics.
There is no doubt,
that the mining industry controls him,
and through him, they can remain in power,
even after decolonization.
Welcome, Mr President.
Mr President.
- Welcome.
- Thank you.
Allow me to introduce our friends,
Monsieur Renard, Monsieur Baldini.
Your Excellency, I bring you congratulations
for founding the new state of Katanga.
- And also, the best wishes from the Belgian government.
- Thank you.
And this is my special advisor
and head of security, Mr Hunter.
- Think of me as your friend Mr President.
- Please.
You have our full support in your struggle
against the communist UN.
Decolonization has fractured Congo.
We have all lived here in Katanga,
side by side, peacefully
black and white, for decades.
Why change that?
Exactly Mr Hellemans.
Thank you for your support.
Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask.
We are uh, expecting attacks from say, Baluba people
as well as the government in Lopoldville.
We need weapons, maybe an air force.
Air force is a tough one,
but we can get you more weapons immediately.
Our biggest problem right now
is the Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.
We know for a fact he has been talking with the Soviets
to try and prop-up his, illegitimate regime.
- What do you have in mind?
- A permanent solution.
Complicated I know. Lumumba is in Lopoldville
and well protected by UN forces.
I assure you there isn't a communist pig in the country
I can't hunt down and deliver to you here in Katanga.
But you Mr Tshombe,
are gonna have to do the dirty work.
No!
We can't allow the Belgian government
to act as an army for Tshombe.
I want a statement out immediately:
"The UN is committed to a free united Congo,"
"and does not accept, Katanga's decision."
"We will do all we can, to reunify, the country."
"The colonial powers' interests in Katanga,
are significant."
"Should it is determined
that they behind Katanga's secession,"
"the UN will act resolutely."
That's a harsh statement.
It impacts all major powers,
who have financial stakes in former colonies.
We need to be careful how we respond.
Katanga is ground zero,
for the success, of decolonization.
Our proposition to be crystal clear.
Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba is requesting
a meeting as soon as possible, here in New York.
Good.
Thank you Hannah.
I want you to know that the UN is working day & night
on a peaceful solution to bring Katanga back to the Congo.
- All diplomatic forces at our disposal ...
- Diplomacy with Tshombe will get you nowhere.
He's a devil,
and a traitor protected
by Belgian capitalists and their allies.
If you really believe in decolonization,
you will back up your fancy words with military action.
But the UN is here to make peace Mr Lumumba.
- Not war.
- There are other places I can go for help.
If you are referring to the Soviet Union,
I strongly advise you not to do so.
It will bring the Cold War upon us.
We'll end up with a world war on our hands.
I am Congolese, and I was elected
to represent the Congolese people.
Yes.
Mose Tshombe has no right
to claim secession for Katanga.
I agree.
It is, and will always be, the Congo.
- But I want you to give us time.
- I have no time Mr Hammarskjld!
- Give diplomacy a chance.
- You must understand that this is an extremely
dangerous situation for me and my family as well.
So I'm asking you, Mr Hammarskjld.
I am begging you.
Please.
- Help us.
- But we are.
We will not back away.
I personally promise you I will do everything
in my power to protect you and your family.
I can promise you that.
Tshombe, Tshombe, Tshombe, Tshombe, Tshombe, Tshombe...
People of Katanga!
Today, I have declared Katanga independent!
Katanga has now broken away from Congo!
From now on we are an independent country.
The Free State of Katanga!
I, Mose Tshombe, and my government,
will work for a future
where wealth and peace reign.
But, mind you..
we will defend our new nation against all,
who dare to question our sovereignty!
The UN's Decolonization Program is being blamed
for the crisis of unstable conditions
that have broken out all over Africa.
In the Congo, rival tribes are fighting in the streets
while the white population flees across the borders to safety.
King Baudouin of Belgium
is said to be on his way to Lopoldville
to the newly created central government
led by Patrice Lumumba.
DOMESTIC EXPRESS SHIPPING
LEOPOLDVILLE
Where did this come from?
From our sources, in the CIA.
Apparently Lumumba was kidnapped yesterday
in Lopoldville, and.. brought to Katanga.
Do we know if Lumumba is still alive?
No.
We're, trying to reach O'Brien.
When you talk to Mr O'Brien,
tell him it's top priority,
to find out, where Lumumba is.
And call in the Security Council.
Ladies and gentlemen, your excellencies.
Today I send a strong message to Mose Tshombe.
Let him know
that I hold him accountable
for Prime Minister Lumumba's safety in Katanga.
And rest assured
we will find out, what is behind this.
This all falls back on you Mr Secretary-General.
Your bad judgment
is the reason this crisis has occurred.
We have solid information,
of Belgian troops supporting
Tshombe's illegitimate government in Katanga.
- That's not acceptable!
- Mr Secretary,
our soldiers are only in Katanga
to keep the peace,
and not because Belgium has extensive interests
in Katanga's mining industry?
Belgium has nothing to do,
with the disappearance of Mr Lumumba.
Isn't it obvious?
The CIA, arranged for the overthrow of Lumumba,
and handed him over, to Katanga's criminal regime!
The Soviet Ambassador's allegations are monstrous.
Why not telling truth?! You are afraid, of interfering
with Western military-industrial interests!
The Soviet Union demands
that the United Nations intervenes immediately
with the use of necessary force.
Ladies and, gentlemen.
Your Excellencies.
I have just received the following information.
Patrice Lumumba,
the former the prime minister,
of the Congo,
has been assassinated in Katanga.
This abominable crime...
[drowned out by outcry]
Please!
Silence. Silence. Please.
Ladies and gentlemen, please silence.
Has the UN and you as the Secretary-General
have any responsibility on of death of Mr Lumumba?
No. The United Nations did't kill Mr Lumumba.
Major demonstrations were held
in many parts of the world
in angry response to the apparent assassination
of Patrice Lumumba, Prime Minister of the Congo.
In Lopoldville
the Belgian embassy was overwhelmed,
and staff were forced to escape through the windows.
Protesters also directed their outrage
towards the UN, and Secretary-General Hammarskjld.
Please ladies and gentlemen please.
In light of the tragic and criminal execution
of Patrice Lumumba,
I would like to emphasize that the UN policy
in the Congo remains unchanged.
Thank you so much.
In Cairo, protesters burned down
the UN Information Office,
demanding the resignation
of UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjld.
At the Kremlin, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev
has also called
for Hammarskjld to step down from his post.
The United Nations has not yet responded
to the Soviet Union's demands.
We need to know where Kennedy stands
with the bounds for my resignation.
He is in New York on Wednesday for the assembly.
- Should I request a private meeting?
- Yes.
Dag? It's not your fault.
You're wrong Bill.
It's my fault.
- Good evening, Mr Hammarskjld.
- Good evening.
It's Thursday sir, so I'm off to stay with my sister.
- I have arranged some food for you.
- Thank you.
- See you tomorrow then.
- Yes sir. Have a pleasant evening sir.
Thank you.
I ask for the unreasonable.
That life should have a meaning.
I fight for the impossible.
That my life should have meaning.
I dare not,
don't know how I could believe,
that I am not alone.
- Welcome Mr President.
- Thank you Secretary-General Hammarskjld.
I've been looking forward to meeting you.
I've followed your work. Closely.
- Might even say that uh, I'm a big fan.
- Thank you.
- Congratulations re the election.
- Thank you.
Please.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
- You get this reception every morning?
- Every morning.
- Amazing.
- This is Hanna my secretary.
- Welcome Mr President.
- Good morning Hanna.
How can I be of help?
Soviet Union is going to demand my resignation
at the end of the assembly session tomorrow.
Because of the Congo crisis.
I need to know your position.
- Well the United States supports you.
- Thank you.
- And your mission to end colonization.
But let me be clear, Mr Hammarskjld.
A communist like Lumumba,
running one of the richest provinces in Africa
supplying uranium for the A-bomb
to the enemies of democracy...
- That's unacceptable.
- Yes.
- We both saw the tragic consequences.
- And I believe that could have been avoided...
had the CIA just refrained
from putting US interests in front
of the peace and security efforts
of the United Nations.
- What are your plans, for the Congo?
- I want total withdrawal of all foreign troops in Katanga,
and I wanna replace them with UN peacekeepers.
- It's a large operation.
- 10,000 troops to begin with, maybe more.
That will force Tshombe to step down
and Katanga back to the Congo.
- You're building an army.
- A peace force.
Wealthy countries must occasinally be discouraged
from trying to hang onto the treasures, of their former colonies.
All due respect Mr Secretary, you need friends.
It's not only Khrushchev who's pushing
for your resignation behind your back.
But rest assured, the United States
doesn't support such a demand.
Yet.
- I appreciate that Mr President.
- I thought you probably would.
Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev
arrived earlier today in New York
where he will be addressing
the general assembly of the United Nations.
Many believe that the Soviet leader
will again demand that Mr Hammarskjld resign,
over of the ongoing crisis in Africa.
Can we setup a meeting with Khrushchev
before the assembly,
to sort things out, away from the press?
Oh I have tried to contact him,
but he's obviously going for a very public
vote of no confidence in the assembly,
- where you'd have no choice but to resign.
- I'm sorry, but there's a Scandinavian delegation in the building.
One of them says he knows you
and he's asked if you had time for a quick hello.
- Wh-what was his name?
- Uh Mr Peter Levin.
He's waiting at the restaurant.
- Come get me in ten minutes.
- Yes sir.
Peter. How nice.
- It was a long time ago.
- Almost 30 years.
Is it that long?
- We have a mutual friend. Bo Beskow.
- Bo and Greta are my old friends.
Yes, I have just moved to sterlen.
He said I should visit you.
You did the right thing. Do you want coffee?
I don't have much time.
- No no.
- We have time to sit for a little while.
- What are you doing in New York?
- My latest book is to be published in the USA.
- Congratulations.
- I have had a meeting with publishers.
Writers and...
I have read all your books.
I have to say that I
- It is big.
- Thanks.
My wife and I have followed you
from a distance as well.
You have.. accomplished so much.
- You are married?
- Yes.
Unfortunately my wife died last year.
I'm sorry.
- Do you have children?
- Josephine.
She is 24 years old, a journalist.
She is passionate about her work.
- Do you get time to climb?
- No, I do not.
- I don't have time for that. But... do you climb?
- Uh-huh.
I'm trying to get away at least once a year.
Do you remember, when we climbed Kebnekaise?
- Yes...
- Excuse me Secretary,
they need you in the situation room immediately.
I have to get back to work.
It was so nice to meet you. Thanks.
Wait.
The first English proof
will be published here in America.
- Should I get the very first one?
- You will receive an address and telephone number.
- In case you want to meet an old friend.
- Nice to meet.
- Good evening, Mr Hammarskjld.
- Good evening, Rolf.
Shall I serve dinner sir?
No I'm fine. Thank you.
I have a... present for you.
Dag.
Dag, sorry.
Dag.
I find myself in nothingness.
Sleeping in the silence.
Crying in the dark.
Little incubus.
When?
When?
Mr Hammarskjld sir? Sir?
Mr Hammarskjld, sir?
Mr Ranallo is here for you.
Morning boss. Have you been here all night?
I couldn't sleep.
But I-I must have dozed off.
The vote of no confidence starts in two hours boss.
- Taking a shower.
- Sir.
No breakfast.
- Morning.
- You're late sir.
Yes Hanna I know.
- Coffee?
- No thank you.
- Shall we go over your speech?
- No.
I need five minutes, to myself.
We were followed today.
I'll get security to.. look into it.
Need the restroom.
Secretary-General Hammarskjld, I hope I'm not being
too forward but I just want you to know
you've been such an inspiration to me.
- Thank you. And you are?
- O-oh sorry uh Donald Smith.
- Do you work here?
- Yeah I-I just started as an assistant at the UN emergency force.
Oh good, good to know, if I have an emergency.
Please. If there is anything
I can do for you just let me know.
Thank you.
Here's my card if you.. like to have a coffee or something.
That won't be necessary.
It's the man from the car.
There's nobody by the name
of Donald Smith working here.
- It was a honey trap.
- Probably KGB.
It could've been anyone. We have to be very careful,
we can't risk rumours starting up again.
Careful?
People, have been destroyed by rumours alone.
- I have nothing to hide.
- I'm so sorry you have to go through this, boss.
It's absurd, that's what it is. Totally absurd.
Next speaker, Nikita Khrushchev, Soviet Union.
The Secretary-General has failed
to display, the minimum of impartiality.
Therefore, the responsibility
for the killing of Patrice Lumumba,
falls heavily on the shoulders of Mr Hammarskjld
and his politics in the Congo.
If he himself does not muster up the courage to resign,
we shall draw the necessary conclusions.
The Soviet Union spoke of courage.
Well, it is very easy to resign.
It is not so easy to stay on.
It is very easy to bow down
to the wish of a big power,
it is another matter to resist.
As is well known to all members of this assembly,
I have done so before,
on many occasions and in many directions,
and I shall continue my work,
for those other less fortunate nations,
who see, in this organization, their best protection,
in the present world of ideological conflicts
and violent clashes,
of interest, between superpowers.
I shall remain in my post, during the time of office,
as the servant of the organization,
and in their interest, of those other nations,
as long as they, wish me, to do so.
With the longest applause
in the history of the United Nations,
Dag Hammarskjld enforced his mandate
to his mission in the Congo.
Secretary-General, are you setting
the vodka with Khrushchev?
I think he will drink his vodka, on his own.
To prevent the occurance of civil war in the Congo,
measures will be made for the immediately withdrawal,
of all Belgian military
and political advisers in Katanga.
Special Representative Conor O'Brien
will be the UN's authority on the ground.
An additional 10,000 troops will be deployed,
to maintain peace and stability.
Are you worried about President Tshombe?
Mr Tshombe has no legitimate claim to office.
And the countries that back him?
We urge the great powers, not to look to their own
economical or political interests,
but together with us, put pressure on it, to step aside.
The days, of colonisation, are over. Thank you.
And to hand over everything we have built
through generations, to the barbarians.
We cannot sit by.. impotently and let him do this.
Without the Belgian army,
I have no protection, no leverage.
We need an army.
Don't you worry Mr Tshombe.
- I can help you with that.
- Thank you.
Cheers to you.
The best staff, in the world.
Today we celebrate,
tomorrow we work twice as hard!
- Scored.
- Scored!
- Scored.
Today, one of the greater powers was held accountable.
They are no longer be allowed
to single-handedly decide what is to be done.
They must answer, to the world community,
United Nations.
I suspect Khrushchev
will have to answer to his presidium.
Levine.
It's Dag Hammarskjld.
What a surprise!
I will travel home, to sterlen
and meet Bo and Greta.
We are going to celebrate my birthday.
Maybe you wanted to come.
I will stay for three days.
Yes. When will it be?
On Thursday. Come at lunch.
It will just be you, me, Greta and Bo
and my bodyguard Bill.
- Yes, I would love to come.
- Yes?
- See you then.
- Then we say so. Hello.
EASTERN SWEDEN
- Welcome to sterlen, Bill.
- Nice to see you.
- Dag.
- Stay.
Maria. Oh, what beautiful flowers.
- Have you picked them?
- Yes, me and mom.
- Thank you.
- Dag. Finally. Huh?
- Nice to be here.
- Sit down, there's coffee.
- I had to give.. Oh my wife she says "hi".
- Oh, next time you shall bring her.
She would love that.
- Thanks a lot.
- I can send out here.
- I'll take your luggage out of your car.
- Oh no no, I'll do that.
- Bill, you relax,
- and ah, Greta has a plan.
- No uh shhh.. Hush Bo don't say anything.
- Really, a plan? What kind of plan?
- Nothing.
- Wh-what... nothing?
- No nothing.
- Wh-what is it?
- Just a little surprise for you.
- Something we'd like to show you before dinner.
- Wow! I love surprises.
So, this is.. our surprise.
We know the owner of the house.
He will announce it soon.
He has promised that you are first bidders,
if you are interested.
- It is walking distance from us.
- And then we can meet every day.
You would have peace and quiet here, Dag.
- I thought you would like it.
- No, it just came a bit suddenly.
I never thought on a life after the UN.
Shall we watch it?
Can I think about it?
- Obviously.
- He can probably wait a few weeks.
How have you been?
I have managed.
Why did you invite me here?
Because I would
want to be your friend again.
I'm sorry for how I broke up.
- I could have handled that a little better.
- Do not think about it.
I'm coming to New York, next month.
The book will then be released.
Call me then.
- It was so terrible.
- Yes.
So th-there we were sitting.
Only after we finished eating
- they told us that it was, a mopane worm that we were eating.
- No!
- Yeah!
Don't tell that story!
I keep this in English for Bill.
Dear friends.
It's been such a long time since I had a day,
without uh, natural disaster, a famine
or a-a war happening each and every hour.
Here with you..
here in Sweden..
it-it's peaceful.
Quiet. I sleep good at night.
And I'm, with friends, I cherish.
That's, why I have decided,
I'm buying the house.
- Huh? No!
- Yes I-I am.
- I will need some help with it.
- Gawl!
Many here can help
with the renovation, Dag.
Your excellency Mr President,
would like to introduce you, to Katanga's New Army.
We have 1,000 more soldiers
at the Northern Rhodesia border,
all with experience from Vietnam and Algeria.
Ready to serve you Mr President.
Gentlemen, welcome to the free state of Katanga!
We will show the world who, controls this country.
It is not, United Nations.
It is not, the communist Dag Hammarskjld.
We, control Katanga!
I say: UN, out of Katanga!
Dag Hammarskjld.
'K.
Thank you.
We have word of several more attacks
on UN troops in the last 24 hours.
- There's a pattern.
- What do you propose?
Take control of key infrastructure
here in lisabethville.
Main post office. The telegraph station,
radio building, the police headquarters
and then we arrest and expel, all the mercenaries.
- Can we do that?
- We have ten times the number of troops that Tshombe has
and it will be unexpected,
so I-I-I yes I believe we can.
- What about the Security Council?
- You and I both know that nothing will happen.
- Yes. But they should know.
- No!.
According to Resolution 161
we are allowed to intervene if attacked.
Yeas, but they need to know.
- O'Brien.
- Yes sir?
- Draw up a plan for me, and run through the details.
I will yeah eh.
We'll call it, Operation Rum Punch.
And so it shall be.
Operation Rum Punch.
According to guidelines,
begins 0600, on the 28th.
The goal is to expel all mercenaries.
Are you ready?
Operation Rum Punch. Encrypted. To Conor O'Brien.
Yes sir.
What options do we have here?
We can't intercede without exposing the wiretap but,
we could get word through back channels,
take away the operation's element of surprise.
- Tshombe, he's not one of ours?
- No sir. Colonel Mobutu is.
What happens if Rum Punch succeeds?
Tshombe would be weakened and the UN's role strengthened which uh..
increase the chances of negotiating a reunification.
- What are the odds?
- We have superior numbers.
If they can keep the operation a secret
the odds are pretty good.
- All right. Let 'em do it.
- Sir.
- This stays inside this room.
- Yes sir.
- Thank you.
Hello? Ca..
- I need a line.
- Operation Rum Punch starts in 5 minutes.
- You telling me, you don't have a connection?
- I-I'm sorry sir.
It was working an hour ago.
An hour ago?
Sir. We have O'Brien on the line.
Yes. O'Brien?
10 minutes ago, our troops took control
of the main post office, the telegraph station,
- no losses, no injuries.
- Fantastic.
What about Tshombe?
He-he's locked down in, the government hall
I'm going out there now.
Good.
Ready?
Your excellency Mr President, Conor O'Brien,
how do you do?
- Are you arresting me?
- The UN has initiated necessary security measures,
because you Mr Tshombe, walked away from negotiations.
The UN acts as an occupying power,
and the Secretary-General is.. commander-in-chief.
You can call it what you like,
but we will remain in control,
until all of the mercenaries are expelled
and you return to the negotiating table.
If.. you agree to submit to the UN's demands,
as I most strongly advise you to do,
we're will withdraw our troops immediately,
and I will personally facilitate a meeting
between you and central government
on Katanga's role as a province, in a reunified Congo.
Tshombe has accepted all our conditions.
All mercenaries are being expelled
and transported out of Katanga as we speak.
Not one shot was fired, there are no casualties.
Currently, the UN is in complete control
here in lisabethville.
Rum Punch was a, complete success sir.
Belgium will deliver formal complaint.
You have crossed the line Mr Hammarskjld.
I agree. Rum Punch is an unacceptable attack
on a sovereign nation.
The situation was fluid, the timeline too short.
The occupation of a sovereign nation goes
against everything the United Nations stands for.
Should we not for keeping the peace?
The entire operation was completed
without a single shot fired.
Will the Secretary-General declare here and now,
that we will not resort to force in Katanga?
- Troops are being pulled back as we speak.
- What if there is an escalation?
We will do whatever we can
to protect, and secure, a safe and unified Congo.
Hear hear.
Sir? Peter Levin is on the phone.
Hook him up.
- This is private.
- Sure.
Thank you.
- Dag Hammarskjld.
- Peter Levin. I'm in New York.
- You might not have time.
- Well absolutely, I have time.
Shall we meet at my house?
Shall we say eight tonight?
- Yes.
- If you have the possibility.
- Gladly.
- Then we say so.
- Nice. Hello.
- Hello.
Welcome, Peter.
You are going to meet my roommate.
- Mr Greenback.
- Mr Greenback, Peter Levin.
Peter Levin, Mr Greenback.
Good evening, Mr Greenback.
It's a lively little crab. So yes.
He is so nice. And intelligent.
- Yes, that's him.
- I got him in Somali land.
Then we lived in Copenhagen for 18 years.
Long time. And now...
Now I have moved to sterlen.
And you live here alone?
- No, I live with Mr Greenback.
- Yes yes.
- And then Rolf.
- Rolf?
He's my butler.
And then I have Bill close,
but he doesn't live here.
Are you still writing?
A little lyric.
- Would you like to read?
- Yes, if I may.
Do you dare?
No it...
Only I know about it. It's personal.
I dare not, don't know how I could believe,
that I am not alone.
I find myself in nothingness. Sleeping in the silence.
Crying in the dark.
Pray that your loneliness,
becomes the spur to find something to live for.
Big enough to die for.
This, it's...
courageous.
You open up, to your and for my longing.
There has only been one way
to deal with the loneliness here,
with my strange job.
I definitely think so
that you should have it published.
And I can help you with editing it.
No, it should not be published.
Thank you for reading it.
Mr Hammarskjld? I beg your pardon sir.
- There is a call coming through from Mr Conor O'Brien in lisabethville.
- Thank you.
Sir.
- Yes?
- Dag. Sorry to wake you up.
- We have a bit of a-a situation here.
- Speak up.
Tshombe backing away from everything he agreed on.
The mercenaries are back,
there is more of them than ever before.
He's targeting his old enemies the Baluba.
He's deliberately creating chaos,
killing Balubas in their thousands, ahh in order
that we have to use all our resources to help the refugees.
We have 30,000 refugees under our errr protection,
who are living in makeshift camps,
who lack basic supplies like food and water.
The situation is impossible, Dag.
We have to do something,
there is a significant risk of genocide.
Dag, it's a massacre of the Baluba population.
Can we stop him?
We have to.
I find this as upsetting as you do, maybe more.
But we still need to work through the proper channels.
- It's situation.
- But, we cannot turn our backs on diplomacy.
Tshombe has just proven, that in this crisis,
diplomacy takes us nowhere.
- This is not your responsibility.
- Yes it is.
- Sir.
We can't go to war on our own.
We need friends, so we can put pressure on Tshombe.
And while we wait for those friends,
are we supposed to just sit here and watch
while people get killed?
Another offensive will put us on a collision course
with the Security Council.
- There's thousands of people at risk of dying!
- This is not your...
I should be doing, everything in my power,
to protect them right?
- This is not your...
- That's what I supposed to do!
- Course.
But even you can't win this battle alone.
- Gentlemen, this is Mr Radcliff.
- Mr Radcliff, welcome to free Katanga.
This is Monsieur Baldini, Monsieur Renard,
and of course President Tshombe.
We'd like to thank the North Rhodesian Government,
with your support, in building up the Katanga Air Force.
I will not tolerate this. I will not tolerate this...
I am the president, I will not tolerate this!
I understand.
But we need him.
The French Fouga Magister.
Highly effective against all ground forces.
We can deliver four immediately.
In a couple of weeks, we can we arrange
for another three, if you want.
With this airpower we should be able to
resist any attack from the UN forces.
- We thank you Mr Radcliffe.
- The UN.
- Hsssh.
I was born here, in Africa.
Us white folk, civilized this continent.
Without us they'd still be in trees.
- Drink, Mr Radcliff?
- Thank you.
I propose a meeting between Tshombe
and the central government.
The British Embassy can facilitate it in the abolville.
To believe that Tshombe will agree to stop
his provocations is just wishful thinking.
- We have to put pressure on him.
- Without his cooperation, there will be no peace in the Congo.
To think otherwise is wishful thinking.
We all know that Tshombe's army and mercenaries,
were trained by former Belgian officers.
Secretary Hammarskjld, we do not control the actions
of individual Belgian citizens in Katanga,
- or in the rest of the world for that matter.
- If this is the result, perhaps you should start.
- Boss, do you have a moment?
- Ah sure Bill. What is it?
I ran a security check on your friend Peter.
He has a vice arrest in Sweden...
for homosexual activity.
- I-I'm truly sorry, boss, I-I just felt like you needed to know.
- Uh-uh-uhh.
Good, thank you.
Did you tell er Wieschhoff and Bunche?
Yes.
- Was that wrong?
- Uh no. Thank you.
Thank you Bill, y-you did the right thing. Thank you.
Nice to see you.
A security check has been carried out on you.
It's routine, it happens all the time.
It shows that you were..
arrested for immorality in Sweden.
It's been so long. I did not think it meant anything...
I have been exposed to two smear campaigns,
by security services who wanted to get rid of me.
So you and I can't be friends?
Peter, I respect you.
- I respect your choices, your path.
- You run away again.
- That is not the path I have chosen.
- You are like me.
I see it in your poems.
I'm not gay.
I am the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
God shows me the way.
- Sir.
- Yeh?
- I have some bad news.
Greenback is dead.
He stumbled, on the stairs some how.
Leash was tangled around his neck, he choked.
I am so sorry. Is there anything you want me to do?
Yah, just make sure he's not
in the apartment when I get back.
Can you do that?
I don't wanna see his dead body.
God's sake.
Tired.
And alone.
So the mind it aches.
It is now,
now, you must not fail.
Cry, if you can. Cry, but don't complain.
The road chose you.
And you should be thankful.
Operation Morthor, will start on September 13,
at 0600 hours.
It will go much further than Rum Punch.
The goal is to take control of Katanga by force,
along with the governor from Lopoldville.
After that we declare martial law.
And this time, our soldiers remain in Katanga,
until its provincial status is negotiated.
I will personally travel down to the Congo,
ready to negotiate,
with the Congolese central government,
- and Tshombe.
- And if, Tshombe refuses to negotiate?
If we control Katanga he won't have any choice.
- What about the Security Council?
- They will be informed after operation is launched.
- You will cross the line with this.
- Your objection is noted.
Then you will cross the line without me.
Because I cannot be a part of it.
Gentlemen.
Operation Morthor, will start on September 13,
at 0600 hours.
Hammarskjld has greenlit an armed offensive in Katanga
that goes much further than Rum Punch.
- This is effectively a coup d'tat.
- Yes sir. He's taken it too far.
How can he justify this?
The State Department thinks
it's a violation of the UN Charter.
You like me to do anything sir?
The UN are planning an offensive tomorrow
in lisabethville, 6 am.
- What?
- They also said Hammarskjld's on his way to the Congo.
- Where did you, get this information?
- Several friendly sources, it's reliable.
I know an organisation with the means and the expertise
do I have your permission to approach 'em?
- I'll leave that to you.
- Good. Good.
It's 6 am, in lisabethville.
- Morthor is about to start.
- I'm sure everything will be fine, boss.
Alright, get out, all of you.
Operation Morthor has failed. Total disaster.
There are reports of fighting all over lisabethville.
UN soldiers are getting killed.
They have fighter jets,
we don't know where they got them.
They knew we were coming. And another thing..
Ah there is military intelligence of a hit list.
- You're the number one target.
- What about Tshombe?
He's gone to ground. Nobody knows where he is.
Let's meet the press.
Secretary-General Hammarskjld, are you aware
of the fighting that's broken out in lisabethville?
When UN troops launched attacks at 6 o'clock this morning,
you must have approved that operation.
[gaggle of questions]
- I'll let you know in due time.
- Where and when?
- Thank you so much.
- Dag. Welcome to Lopoldville.
- Thank you.
- These are my employees.
- Pleasure... Pleasure.
I am sorry that the circumstances
is not what was desired.
- I want to meet Tshombe as soon as possible.
- We are working on it.
Do I have any possibility to be absent
from tonight's events?
It is important that you show up.
I understand.
Congo Red. This is Mr Baldini and Mr Renard
the clients I told you about
Follow me.
Mr Hunter says you provide solutions.
I'm part of an organization said to..
provide a certain service.
We eliminate the problem at hand.
- That's why we are here.
- Good. What kind of resources, would be made available to us?
- Anything you need.
- Good. I want eyes on him. At all times.
- I can take care of that.
- It, must look like an accident.
That will cost you more.
And collateral damage?
Uh to be avoided if possible,
but ah, we want the job done.
That's good.
- Now, let's eat.
- Bread!
Thank you.
- Many people want to talk to you.
- I can imagine.
Secretary Hammarskjld. Bill Gallway, US Ambassador.
Ambassador Gallaway.
I am here on behalf of the US government
to make an objection to the actions
of the UN troops in Katanga over the last 24 hours.
- It was a necessary expanded self-defense operation.
- Unacceptable.
Preventing the genocide of the Baluba people.
You're not making it easy on yourself.
But that's not my job. Is it?
Start negotiating a peace accord
instead of the failed coup d'tat.
A meeting with Tshombe
and the central Congolese government
- is what I have been trying to achieve.
- France demands that you terminate this operation.
- You should consider your situation..
If negotiations on a ceasefire
are not initiated immediately,
my government will be forced to withdraw
its support for the UN in Katanga.
There comes a point, when you have so many against you,
that it is wiser to leave...
- Good evening. Uh, do you have any messages for me?
- Yes.
There's still no sign of Tshombe.
Meeting him tomorrow is impossible.
We'll greet it tomorrow.
Do you need anything before I head to bed?
Are you all right?
Everyone is shunning my policy.
They don't want change. They want power.
The resources.
They will split Africa like a pie,
like they done for years.
You can go to bed now Bill. Thank you.
- Good night boss.
- Good night.
Put your hands up.
Turn around, slowly.
- Who are you?
- George Lansdowne.
And the British Government's Envoy to the Congo.
- What do you want?
- Could we lose the gun now?
Dag?
It's Bill, it's alright, you can come out.
Secretary. President Tshombe agrees to meet with you.
Well. This is indeed good news. Please, come in.
My contacts with the Katanga government
have produced an opportunity, for a face-to-face.
- And the terms?
- Her Majesty's government does not impose terms
other than time and place for obvious security reasons.
This will be your meeting Mr Hammarskjld.
Your policy.
You will meet at Ndola airfield,
ten miles from the Katanga border,
under the aegis of the Rhodesian Federation,
and the British government.
You will leave tomorrow.
And... Good luck, Mr Hammarskjld.
Thank you, Lord Lansdowne. Thank you.
- Go wake up Wieschhoff.
- Sir, just take a moment to think about...
We leave here in fifteen minutes. And call Linnr.
Flying into enemy territory,
with no security to back you up is-is naive,
stubborn and, well just plain stupid.
We must insist
that Tshombe comes to Lopoldville though.
If you really believe that we are in a position
to set such a demand, then you are naive.
Meeting with Tshombe, is the one chance I've got.
I still carry the prestige of the office.
We can charter a DC-6 from Trans Air.
With a Swedish crew, all reliable.
- Escort?
- Ethiopia can send four fighter jets,
but they have to stop and refuel on their way here,
either in Uganda or Kenya.
We'll need British permission.
That shouldn't be a problem.
Very good. Thank you. Take a seat.
- Coffee?
- Thank you.
Boss? Mail's here.
Thanks Bill.
- Do you have anything for New York?
- No.
We're leaving for the airport in-in ten minutes,
I'll see you downstairs.
Dear Dag.
I've been thinking and thinking,
and feel that I have to
share my thoughts with you.
I think that you are making a big mistake.
You guard your position,
but our friendship cannot be a threat to someone.
And I see, how you sacrifice everything for others.
But you also have the right to a life.
The right to seek happiness and love.
So I'm asking you. Don't push me away again.
I have something to mail after all. Is it too late?
- I'm not sure. Let me see.
- Yeah.
- Has the US mail been collected yet?
- No.
- We're all good.
- Good.
There won't be an escort.
- What?
- The Brits are giving me the runaround, no one answers.
- Meaning?
- They don't want to take part in the conflict
so they don't want to say yes.
And they don't want to say no.
No permission, no escort.
You can't fly without an escort.
You have to call it off, i-it's just too dangerous.
I got, to get on board that plane.
You all can decide for yourselves.
- Captain.
- Hammarskjld.
Estimated flight time is eight hours.
- Then we should be there by midnight.
- Correct.
We're under radio silence,
so no contact with the ground until Ndola.
I have full confidence in you captain.
This will be fine.
I want one of us to stay in Lopoldville.
If something happens and we're both...
Someone has to be left here.
- Are you asking me or begging me?
- I beg you.
Good luck.
Thank you.
Hunter to Congo Red. Hunter to Congo Red.
- Hunter to Congo Red.
- Congo Red standing by.
They'll be approaching Ndola around midnight.
No escort.
Radio silence, but they'll have
to turn on communications before landing.
- Unaccompanied?
- Right.
- Over and out.
Midnight. They're flying unaccompanied
and in radio silence.
How will we know their position?
They have to turn on, communications before they land.
How long before we know where are they are
'til they're on the ground?
15-20 minutes.
That'll do.
What is it?
Nothing.
Take courage.
- Welcome to Ndola, Your Excellency Mr President.
- Thank you.
Madam President.
Welcome, welcome. Please, this way.
- Right here Mr President!
Do you have any last minute comments before you go in sir?
- We've been told you are meeting with Dag Hammarskjld.
- [confused babble of questions/comments]
And just through here.
- They trust Mr Hammarskjld...
- [more confused babble]
Just in here it is.
- Just close these blinds.
- Please, make yourselves comfortable.
The road, you must follow it.
Happiness, you should forget it.
The chalice, you shall empty it.
The pain, you must hide it.
The answer, you have to learn it.
The end.
You shall wear it.
The Secretary-General's aircraft has not yet
made radio contact but is expected to do so shortly.
- I, do apologize for the delay.
- Another humiliation of the United Nations.
I deeply apologize Mr President and I can assure you
the Secretary-General has no such intent.
It-it's just, security protocol.
Ah, and in the meantime, I have arranged a meal
for you and your party.
Please be my guest.
We should have Lake Tanganyika below us at any moment.
190 degrees in two minutes.
Roger that. 190 degrees, in two minutes.
Quarter past eleven.
They can't be far. Get ready.
20 minutes 'til landing.
There's Ndola.
Sierra Echo Bravo Delta Yankee.
We have a visual of your lights Ndola.
This is Ndola Airport.
SE-BDY, please take your position.
Over Kasama, inbound Ndola... ten-four.
The target is approaching. Due south...
It's Ndola.
At last.
I see a transport plane coming in low.
All the lights are on.
I'm going down to make a run of it.
Confirmed... It is a Trans Air DC-6.
It's the plane.
Damn it!
Bill, you don't happen to have
an extra shoelace do you?
No.
- No no I don't want..
- Take mine.
- No no.
What would I do without you?
Target down.
Nine miles west of point zero.
It's over.
There has been a..
permanent solution, to the problem of Dag Hammarskjld.
You can leave now.
Go home. We'll be in touch.
Yes?
Thank you.
It's confirmed.
They are dead.
It's on the news.
This is a special news broadcast.
UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjld has died
in a plane crash in Africa.
Hammarskjld was on his way
from Lopoldville in the Congo
to a meeting with Katanga's President Mose Tshombe,
when his plane crashed
outside the city of Ndola in Northern Rhodesia.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Dear Peter.
You stirred feelings in me,
that I thought were forever gone.
For that I want to thank you.
The loneliness and the duty have been
my companion for so long,
that I have repressed, all the pain and longing.
In a few months my term of office is over.
If you then want to meet again,
then my door is open to you.
Your friend, Dag.
This all goes to Sweden.
This goes to the depot. The paintings go back to MoMA.
To be opened by my secretary Hanna
in the event of my death.
I have written these notes
throughout my life,
without thought
that someone else should read them.
But now, with the recent events and all
that has been said and written about me,
then circumstances have changed.
These notes are the only true portraits written about me.
A kind of white paper, on a settlement
with myself, and God.
To be opened by my secretary Hanna
in the event of my death.
It was a sad Stockholm we met today.
Rarely has a news release
caused such a foreboding and anxiety.
At 6 pm a minute's silence was held,
for the Swedish's people great compatriot.
Not only Stockholm, but the whole of Sweden stood still.