332. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence McCone to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1
Pursuant to our telephone conversation Friday, I am attaching a memo from Mr. Abbot Smith, Acting Chairman of the Board of National Estimates, on the possible repercussions of the Stanleyville rescue operations.2 The paper indicates the reaction among African states, principally those critical of our Congo policy, as well as propaganda stirred up by the Communists, would be vigorous although its extent would be inversely proportionate to the time consumed in the operation.
It should be noted that the lack of precise knowledge as to the location of the Americans and most Europeans at Stanleyville, and the fact there are several hundred Europeans and some Americans in rebel-held territory outside of Stanleyville, principally in Paulis, Watsa and Bunia, increases the possibility of rebel massacres even if the operation (irrespective of how carefully it is planned and executed) should accomplish its mission.