Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIII, Congo, 1960–1968

166. Memorandum From William H. Brubeck of the National Security Council Staff to President Johnson¹

Washington, April 20, 1964.

Attached are Averell Harriman’s specific recommendations for increased military assistance to the Congo, based on his recent trip, and with Defense and AID concurrence.² This program will add $5.1 million fiscal 1964 funds to the $3.5 million per year already programmed for FY 1964 and FY 1965.

Main points of the program:

1. Funds are almost all for combat air and airlift capacity—

six T28C fighter aircraft

six H21 coup lift helicopters

ten C47 aircraft

aircraft operation and maintenance costs

2. We will try to get the Belgians to operate these aircraft; if unsuccessful we will try a civilian contract operation; but in any event US military will not take an operational flight or ground crew function.

3. Additional aid may be required if the Congo situation worsens.

4. If Adoula requests temporary loan of military security forces from other Africans (e.g. Nigerians) we may have to contribute to cost.

Recommendation: That you approve the program as outlined above.³

B.⁴

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Congo, Vol. I. Secret.
2. Not attached. A copy of Harriman’s April 20 memorandum to the President is in National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, DEF 19 US–THE CONGO.
3. President Johnson initialed his approval of the recommendation.
4. McGeorge Bundy initialed under Brubeck’s initial.