Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Africa, Volume XIV

212. Paper Prepared by the President’s Assistant Staff Secretary (Eisenhower)⁰

September 13, 1960.

SYNOPSIS OF STATE AND INTELLIGENCE MATERIAL REPORTED TO THE PRESIDENT

[Here follows material concerning unrelated subjects.]

Congo

The UN command is making an effort to establish the authority of Congo’s President Kasavubu and set the stage for an early attempt to remove Lumumba from power. The UN apparently arranged the surrender of arms on September 10th by the bulk of the 3000 Congolese troops stationed in Leopoldville. In addition, the UN provided the troops their first pay in two months, and announced an order attributed to the Congolese army for a cease-fire throughout the Congo. The cease-fire order has been cautiously welcomed by Tshombe but has been denounced by Lumumba. The UN team has been dispatched to the Katanga border.

Hammarskjold received a cable from Kasavubu on Saturday¹ announcing the appointment of a new government headed by Ileo. On learning of this cable, the USSR changed its tactics and demanded continuing substantive discussion rather than suspension. Wadsworth told Hammarskjold that we continue to stand behind them in supporting Kasavubu’s efforts to oust Lumumba. Hammarskjold commented he still believes we can break Lumumba. Hammarskjold has called for $100 million in economic aid for the Congo and the State Department feels that an announcement of our willingness to contribute up to $40 million would have a substantial impact at the UN, in the Congo, and throughout Africa. The Russians intend to demand (1) release of airfields and radio to Lumumba, (2) freedom of action to Lumumba, and (3) dismissal of the UN command.

Finally, yesterday, on our motion, the Security Council voted 9 to 2 to adjourn and reconvene when the Council President considers it advisable. This was done because the Council felt it to be heading in no clear direction and all proposals seemed disadvantageous to Kasavubu.² Our objectives are to aid Kasavubu, vis-à-vis Lumumba, to strengthen Hammarskjold’s mandate and to focus on Soviet activities outside the Council framework. Wadsworth has been instructed to take the line publicly that Kasavubu is unquestionably Head of State and that the outside world looks to the head for authoritative information as to the identity of his government.

Meanwhile, the army arrested Lumumba for three hours yesterday, and on his release, he proceeded to the radio station in a loud speaker car, attempting without success to rally the population on the way. At the station a Ghana major in charge refused to allow him to use it. Following this, there is a report that Lumumba planned to seize the airport to execute an escape to Stanleyville. Also, he is reportedly trying to rally soldiers to his side without indication of success up to this moment.

Cairo has indicated support for Lumumba by announcing withdrawal of its force of 515 men on the basis that the UN had violated Congo sovereignty. Harriman has been visiting the Congo and Kasavubu has assured Harriman and Timberlake of determination to stick to his guns in removing Lumumba. Kasavubu agreed that his forces were afraid during Thursday’s vote. He also agreed that the Force Publique and the police should be disarmed and courts set up. Harriman’s talks with Congolese leaders convince him that we can expect little if anything to be done in parliamentary form against Lumumba.

Meanwhile, Embassy Brazzaville reports that President Youlou is supporting Kasavubu by every means possible.³

John S.D. Eisenhower

0. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, DDE Diaries. Top Secret.
1. September 10.

2. Telegram 662 from USUN, September 12, reported:

   “We postponed SC this afternoon after discovering that again there was no clear direction in which SC was heading, while all proposals which were under consideration seemed disadvantageous to Kasavubu.” (Department of State, Central Files, 770G.00/9–1260)

3. Telegram 66 from Brazzaville, September 10, reported that when Harriman met with Youlou on September 8, Youlou urged stronger U.S. support for Kasavubu, including a public statement of support, and told Harriman “he could not hold up western position single-handed much longer.” Harriman replied that the United States was “obliged work thru UN and unable use same underhanded tactics as Soviets.” (Ibid., 770G.00/9–1060)