187. Telegram From the Station in the Congo to the Central Intelligence Agency1

1737 (In 20904). Ref Leop 1731 (In 20700).2

1. Ref meeting not attended by [COS], who temporarily out of action with dysentery. However as background to above, following are [COS] impressions of currents and cross currents among [cryptonym not declassified] during past week. First fact of life is that [Identity 1] and [Mobutu] have obviously committed themselves to course of action which designed put [Identity 2] into Prime Minister job. Second fact of life is [Godley] hostility to [Identity 1] whom he considers evil and basically undemocratic. Third element is (somewhat inept) tactics of [Godley] in beating drums around town on [Identity 3] behalf. Present situation is that all concerned are acutely aware that [Identity 2] may end up as Prime Minister and all concerned are trying hedge bets in case this happens as well as in case it does not happen.

2. Re [Identity 1] and [Mobutu] [Identity 1] has been assiduously repeating to [COS] history of [less than 1 line not declassified] group, citing ODACID basic opposition to [Mobutu] takeover in 1960, with continuing pressure from ODACID to [less than 1 line not declassified] parliament, culminating in recall of Timberlake and in Lovanium reconciliation in July 61. [Identity 1] reminding us of [cryptonym not declassified] charter of August 1961 in which power to be controlled by [cryptonym not declassified] with [Identity 3] [less than 1 line not declassified], as front man as long as he served the purpose. [27 lines not declassified]

3. Re [Godley]. [Embassy] reporting describes fully [Godley] activity in passing on word to [Identity 4], diplomatic colony, and local politicoes, his conviction that [Identity 3] should remain in present job.3 [5 lines not declassified]

[Omitted here is further discussion of the political situation.]

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 2, Folder 10, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations. Secret; Rybat; [2 cryptonyms not declassified]; Priority. Received at 0230Z.
  2. Not found.
  3. In telegram 1813 from Leopoldville, July 8, Cushing reported that during a routine meeting, [name not declassified] had continued to ask for U.S. Government support for Tshombe, and had assured him that the [cryptonym not declassified] group would be capable of “managing” him. (Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 2, Folder 10, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations)