Office of the Historian

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

Leopoldville, August 12, 1961.

1817 (In 12139). SitRep 6–12 Aug 61. Ref Embtel 334.2

1. Congo: Station continues view Congo situation with moderate optimism. However believe ref rosier than Station assessment.3 Leo–Stan split still continues, apparently on very basic and critical point defense ministry portfolio. Furthermore, arms inflow to Orientale may give Gizenga sufficient added strength drive harder bargain with Leopoldville. At very least presence arms stocks Stan a dangerous element. Moderates early statements on undertaking immediate and energetic action to bring Gizenga to heel and throw Communist rascals out have paled over past weeks. Moderates now seem more inclined go very carefully since they may realize their balance of power slimmer than parliamentary vote indicated. Further, there may be developing in Leopoldville camp an opposition which, if allied to Gizengist forces on prime issues, might well make Adoula govt extremely uncomfortable. [Page 122] Nor has Communist bloc response been indicated. On the positive side, there are indications the moderates’ cartel of some 80 parliamentarians (known as Leopoldville bloc) is starting to function. UNOC/GOC relations quite good and the reported military agreement (Leop 1796) (In 10639)4 between Stan and Leo forces very encouraging. GOC/Katanga relations also seem to be improving although serious trouble could occur at any time. Again Station enthusiasm lessened by frustrating experiences of past year. Imminent release Kenyatta may have emotional nationalistic repercussions here, although we have nothing to base our uneasy feeling on.

[Omitted here is further discussion of the Adoula government and discussion of the situation elsewhere in Africa.]

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 8, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations. Secret; Rybat; [cryptonym not declassified]; Routine. Received at 1637Z. Repeated to [location not declassified].↩
  2. Document 96 in Foreign Relations, 1961–1963, volume XX, Congo Crisis, pp. 189–192.↩
  3. In telegram 1776 from Leopoldville to CIA, August 5, the Station had written that it was difficult not to be optimistic about the immediate Congo situation in view of the events of the past week. The Gizenga forces seemed to be weakening rapidly and Congolese Government and UN pressures were being brought to bear on Tshombe with what appeared appreciable effect to bring him into the government. Most important of all, the Adoula government was exhibiting amazing self-confidence and energy in its plans to reunify the Congo, although it was too early to determine whether talk would be translated into action. (Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 7, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations)↩
  4. Not found.↩