132. Telegram From the Station in the Congo to the Central Intelligence Agency1
5595 (In 42396). Ref: Dir 07926.2
1. Prior to and after Lovanium [cryptonym not declassified] appeared be only moderate with chance obtain and hold power. This resulted from fact that he consciously sought and obtained middle ground position and thus was in position act as broker between Leop and Stey factions. Such person essential so long as parliamentary govt maintained. However, [cryptonym not declassified] abilities as compromiser proving weakness now that time for strong action has arrived. This will be particularly true if parliament closed per plan. At that time a strong and decisive leadership will be necessary and [cryptonym not declassified] does not seem be constitutionally capable adopting such role.
2. [cryptonym not declassified] team appears realize above facts. However at 28 Dec meeting team decided continue backing [cryptonym not declassified]. This based on personal friendship and loyalty toward him but primary factor seems to be their fear that dropping [cryptonym not declassified] at this time could lead to situation similar to that which developed when [cryptonym not declassified] and [cryptonym not declassified] clashed in Sep 60 and world debated constitutionality [cryptonym not declassified] action. As long as [cryptonym not declassified] and [cryptonym not declassified] work together repetition this danger can be avoided. Thus, team does not want take any action against [cryptonym not declassified] until parliament closed. At that time they hope Anany [less than 1 line not declassified] and [cryptonym not declassified] will be able give [cryptonym not declassified] some backbone. Also team hopes it will be in position impose its will to greater extent than is now case, for with parliament closed [cryptonym not declassified] will be almost completely [Page 188] dependent on [cryptonym not declassified] and [Mobutu]. (They will control power forces needed maintain him in office.)
3. Leop trying develop [name not declassified] but do not yet have sufficient info determine whether he has qualities necessary take over [cryptonym not declassified] leadership.
4. Suggest HQS may wish make limited dissem paras 1 and 2. If not advise and Leop will include in dissem.
End of message.
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 12, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations. Secret; Rybat; [cryptonym not declassified]; Priority. Received at 1532Z.↩
- A footnote in the original requested the Station’s views regarding recent evidence that Adoula was rapidly running out of steam, physically and politically. CIA telegram 07926 to Leopoldville, December 29, noted that the Station’s recent messages made it evident that unless an unexpected event occurred which had an adrenalin effect, Adoula was rapidly running out of steam physically and politically. When one added the question of whether he could ever negotiate effectively with Tshombe, the United States had to consider whether there were, or should be, alternatives to Adoula. Under what circumstances might he be replaced and what U.S. actions might foster this? Headquarters’ off-the-cuff choice for a replacement would be Anany, although its knowledge of him was superficial. (Ibid., Folder 9, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations)↩