252. Editorial Note
At the 465th meeting of the National Security Council on October 31, Acting Director of Central Intelligence General Charles P. Cabell discussed developments in the Congo during his briefing on significant world developments. The relevant portion of the memorandum of discussion by Director of the NSC Secretariat Robert H. Johnson, November 2, reads as follows:
“Turning finally to the Congo, General Cabell said that Lumumba’s position was improving. Dayal was openly hostile to Mobutu. Most of the Congolese Army troops were now outside Leopoldville. The governmental commissioners and others in Leopoldville were hopeful that Mobutu would be replaced by the military commander at Thysville. General Cabell referred to the creation of the 15 Nation Conciliation Commission on the 29th of October. He stated that its large size and the inclusion in it of moderates would hamper the all-out efforts of Lumumba’s allies to use it to restore Lumumba to power. The Congolese Army could turn on Mobutu at any time. Gizenga, the pro-Lumumba vice-president, was tightening his control over the pro-Lumumba police. General Cabell concluded by stating that the situation in the interior of the Congo was threatening and described actual and potential tribal outbreaks in the interior.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)