236. Editorial Note
At the 462d meeting of the National Security Council on October 6, Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles discussed developments in the Congo during his briefing on significant world developments. The relevant portion of the memorandum of discussion by Deputy NSC Executive Secretary Marion W. Boggs, October 6, reads as follows:
“Turning to the Congo, Mr. Dulles reported there had been little change in the situation during the last few days. Mobutu, although ill and discouraged, was for the moment the strong man of the country. Support for Lumumba appeared to be decreasing. After Lumumba’s fall, the Soviets withdrew their technicians, planes and equipment. Soviet Bloc diplomats are now at Accra and Conakry. A Soviet freighter, believed to be carrying equipment for Lumumba, is still off the African coast. The financial situation in the Congo is precarious. The UN fears that the country will exhaust its funds by November 15. Moreover, the water supply of Leopoldville may soon be contaminated. Mr. Dulles concluded his briefing on the Congo by reporting that the UN Force in the Congo now numbers 18,145 men.
“Mr. McCone reported that while in Europe recently he had heard that the Belgians intended to stay in Katanga. He believed the only solution to the Congo situation was some kind of federation. Apparently, the Belgians were still operating mines in Katanga. Mr. Dulles said he doubted whether the revenue from the Katanga mining went to the rest of the Congo. Mr. McCone said 1500 tons of uranium-oxide was above ground in Katanga. The U.S. was considering preclusive buying of this material to prevent it falling into the hands of the Soviets.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)