357. Memorandum Prepared in the White House Situation Room for the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1

SUBJECT

  • Telecon From Leopoldville

The following is a report of a telephone conversation with American Embassy Leopoldville at 11 EST.

Mr. Blake, Deputy Chief of Mission in Leopoldville, reported that the paratroopers have completed their mission and have withdrawn to the airport, leaving the rest of the city to the ANC. Considerable fighting is taking place on the left bank of the river with the probability that some Europeans are located in that area. Van Der Walle is dealing with this. There is a probability there is still considerable fighting going on within Stanleyville itself and the clean up operation may take a number of days.

The radio in Stanleyville is not yet in ANC hands.

[Page 518]

At this time the transmission was broken off. It was evident they have disturbing reports about conditions in areas outside Stanleyville and are sending reports and recommendations regarding further actions to Washington.

International Situation Room
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Congo, Vol. VIII, Memos & Miscellaneous, 11/64. No classification marking.