273. Editorial Note
At the 468th meeting of the National Security Council on December 1, Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles discussed developments in Congo during his briefing on significant world developments. The relevant portion of the memorandum of discussion by Deputy NSC Executive Secretary Marion W. Boggs, December 2, reads as follows:
“Mr. Dulles reported that Lumumba’s whereabouts in the Congo were unknown. He was believed to be on his way to Stanleyville by road but it was possible he might be traveling by river. There was also a rumor that he had gone to Luluabourg. If Lumumba turns up in Stanleyville, he will have tribal and other support of such a nature that civil war in the Congo may ensue. During the last few days Lumumba’s supporters have been trekking toward Stanleyville in small numbers, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] had indicated that the Stanleyville district commissioner had ordered the identification and arrest of Europeans in Orientale Province preliminary to their expulsion. Mr. Dulles said that things were quieter in the Congo today than they were yesterday but the situation remains dangerous. The UN Representative in Stanleyville had asked for the emergency air evacuation of 1000 Europeans yesterday but had cancelled the request today, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] indicated that the Egyptian Ambassador had no advance knowledge of Lumumba’s attempt to escape but considered that Lumumba was in a “disturbed personal condition.” Mr. Dulles concluded his briefing on the Congo by reporting that the Kasavubu government was asking the UAR Ambassador to leave the country.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)