36. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency to the Station in the Congo1

Dir 08314 (Out 85633). Re Leop 0192 (In 33499).2

1. We fully understand and are sympathetic to reference and your basic proposals supporting same. As you know this matter is now in the governmental hopper and is being considered at highest levels. Since receipt of your basic proposal we have been in daily contact with ODACID and to date there has been no suggestion of a negative attitude.

2. However, ODACID is not disposed to push for a government decision this week and we agree that their reasons for this are correct. Basic to this is the fact that ODACID made a strong, high level approach to SYG on the whole question. The outcome of this was unclear but ODACID believes, and we agree, that before we launch into a unilateral program of broad magnitude which per se is in contravention of the UN approach, ODACID should have a second and strong approach to the SYG. [name not declassified] was advised by Penfield this date that ODACID has every intention of doing this. We are advised that a summary of the first démarche to the[less than 1 line not declassified] has been sent to Ambassador. Urge you study this carefully.

3. In meantime want you and Station to know we consider you right on target and messages appreciated. On your specific proposals suggest patience for a few days but continue send immediately all info bearing on viability and mechanics.

End of message.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 4, [cryptonym not declassified] Ops. Secret; Rybat; Operational Immediate. [name not declassified] to COS. Drafted and authenticated by [name not declassified] and released by [illegible] (DD/P).
  2. A footnote in the original urged Headquarters to pressure the Department of State “for earliest decision” on the anti-Lumumba plan. See Document 35 for additional information on telegram 0192.