325. Editorial Note
At the 436th meeting of the National Security Council on March 10, Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles discussed developments in Guinea during his briefing on significant world developments. The relevant portion of the memorandum of discussion by Deputy NSC Executive Secretary Marion W. Boggs, dated March 14, reads as follows:
“Mr. Dulles reported that the recent actions of Guinea highlighted the drift of that country toward closer relations with the Sino-Soviet Bloc. The recognition of East Germany and the probable taking of similar action with respect to North Vietnam reflected Sekou Toure’s willingness to do business with the Bloc. Guinea’s recent withdrawal from the franc zone, reflecting a mistrust of Paris, resulted in considerable confusion. The currency for the new monetary system was probably printed in Czechoslovakia. The Three Year Economic Plan of Guinea had a strong socialist flavor, with the state exercising a virtual monopoly over trade and industrial development. Six Soviet Bloc nations were, or were about to be, represented in Guinea; Bloc economic and technical assistance in Guinea surpasses that for any other African state; and Guinea has a great deal of barter trade with the Bloc. The Czechs, East Germans, and Poles have about 100 advisors in Guinea and there are about 100 Guinean students behind the Iron Curtain. Mr. Dulles felt the Bloc was attempting to make Guinea a showcase in Africa. Mr. Dillon reported that the U.S. had been trying to conclude a technical assistance agreement with Guinea, but had been unsuccessful because Guinea refused to allow U.S. technicians sent to that country any privileges. Apparently the Czech technicians in Guinea lived in barracks and marched to work like soldiers. Guinea thought the U.S. technicians should behave in the same way.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)