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

392. Memorandum for the Record¹

Washington, January 26, 1965.

SUBJECT

• Meeting with Secretary Rusk. Mr. Helms in attendance. (Gov. Harriman joined latter part of meeting)—26 Jan 65

[Omitted here is discussion of unrelated subjects.]

5. With reference to the Congo I told the Secretary that the situation was deteriorating, that large quantities of arms were coming in, that the rebels were demonstrating some evidence of improved operations resulting from training, that there were three sites in the Sudan which we suspected to be rebel training sites, that three training areas in Algeria had been allocated to the rebels, that we could expect an increased rebel vitality in the future. On the other hand, the ANC troops were practically worthless unless led by mercenaries and that there is deep trouble with the South African mercenaries. I read the Secretary a cable [1 line not declassified] (In 67046). At this point Mr. Harriman walked in and we reviewed the cable. After sanitizing it by removing the pseudonyms I left the cable with Harriman, who planned to communicate immediately with the Ambassador, urging that he insist that the problem with the mercenaries over pay and allotments be straightened out at once.

6. Harriman then again asked whether we had any more information on the possibility of MiG’s from the UAR being flown by [less than 1 line not declassified] pilots. I said nothing more than I had reported to him on Friday. He then again suggested the prospect of a covert “Chennault Flying Tiger” type of a Congo air force to combat this eventuality. It was agreed on Friday we would do some thinking and planning and perhaps, if appropriate agreement could be reached at policy level, get such a unit in being, but not apply it to the Congo unless and until it was actually needed.

Action: This matter should be discussed.

[Omitted here is discussion of unrelated subjects.]

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, DCI/McCone Files, Job 80B01285A, Box 2, DCI (McCone) Memos for the Record, 01 Jan.-28 Feb. 65. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted by McCone on January 28.