412. Telegram From the Central Intelligence Agency to the Station in the Congo1
Dir 97695. For Ambassador or Blake from McIlvaine. Finally took campaign contribution matter up with Secretary who pointed out that it had been very useful for him in his meetings with African Foreign Ministers to be able to say we had no responsibility for individuals in Congo but had nonetheless supported the successive legitimate govts. No matter who involved and that he did not wish to compromise the situation or give Tshombe any handle with which blackmail us. Secretary decided therefore that you should go to Tshombe and tell him frankly that there no question our support as evidenced by our aid and diplomatic activity but that it neither in our interest or his for USG to get involved in this kind of internal political activity.
Having made this point clear to Tshombe Sec. sees no objection to indicating to him that if he really does need campaign money you know that he has many private friends in the states some of whom might be disposed to help him out and that you would be glad to see that this word is passed to them if he, Tshombe, could provide a bank act. no. [less than 1 line not declassified] to which such contribution could be sent.
FYI: With this info [less than 1 line not declassified] will see that the money is transferred [less than 1 line not declassified]. While this rather round about way handling matter am sure you will agree it has merit of accomplishing the aims and keeping skirts clean.2
End of message.
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, [text not declassified], Fiche 44, Row 5, Frames 1–2, [text not declassified]. Secret; Immediate; [cryptonym not declassified]. Drafted by [name not declassified] (AF/S), authenticated and coordinated with C/AF, and released by McCone.↩
- Telegram 8015 from Leopoldville to CIA, April 1, reported that the COS had informed Godley, who authorized Blake to brief Tshombe accordingly. (Ibid.)↩