Office of the Historian

54. Telegram From the Station in the Congo to the Central Intelligence Agency1

Leopoldville, January 12, 1961.

0625 (In 30010).

1. [cryptonym not declassified]2 situation deteriorating rapidly. Troops and police most resentful because pay low as compared officers and govt leaders. Per [Embassy] cables, police were on verge mutiny 10 Jan. Many local sources say discontent continuing mount but station not able substantiate at present.

2. [COS] returned Leop morning 12 Jan on same plane [Identity 1]. Latter talked with [Mobutu] by phone 11 Jan. Said it his opinion Leop garrison will mutiny within two or three days unless drastic action [Page 73] taken satisfy complaints.3 In reply question said only suggestion at present is offer troops special combat bonus to put down Gizenga “rebellion.” However said no GOC funds available this purpose. Literally begged [COS] obtain ODYOKE funds meet this need, pointing out troop mutiny almost certainly would end [Mobutu] control CNA and bring about [Lumumba] return power. [Identity 1] estimates would take about one million dollars per month for several months to achieve objective. He recognizes this not good solution for in way this is accepting CNA blackmail. But believes it better than letting matters drift and facing certain failure [cryptonym not declassified]4 objectives. Station concurs.

3. COS and Ambassador seeing [Identity 1] 1500Z, 12 Jan. [COS] also trying contact [Mobutu] and other [cryptonym not declassified] leaders to get reading. This message sent warn HQS serious problem exists and to urge immediate KUBARK liaison and discussion this problem. Believe could insert funds clandestinely via [Mobutu], [Identity 1] if necessary.

4. Will cable Station and [Embassy] views on request soonest.

End of message.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 6, [cryptonym not declassified] Ops. Secret; Rybat; [cryptonym not declassified]; Operational Immediate. Received at 1741Z.↩
  2. CIA political action program in support of moderate, anti-Lumumba leaders in the Congo [text not declassified].↩
  3. Part of this sentence is quoted in Interim Report p. 49.↩
  4. See footnote 2.↩