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

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

Washington, September 17, 1965, 2040Z.

Dir 43716. Refs A. Leop 1116 (In 53591);² B. Leop 1098 (In 52840).³

1. HQS disturbed by Ref B plan, which if put into effect could seriously damage [Identity 1] prestige, strengthen tendency other Congolese to join his enemies, and thus cause new flare-up [Identity 1/Identity 2] conflict. However, difficult evaluate degree of probability plan will be implemented. Request Sta views.

2. In any case, refs taken together indicate [Identity 3] following vigorously anti-[Identity 1] line that hardly coincides ODYOKE objectives. Request Sta seek early opportunity restress importance we attach to continuation of tandem, and danger of [Identity 3] pursuing efforts keep [Identity 1] from becoming president to point where present delicate balance destroyed.⁴

End of message.

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, [text not declassified], Vol. IV, [text not declassified]. Secret; [cryptonym not declassified]. Drafted and authenticated by [name not declassified] and released by [name not declassified].
2. Ref. A concerns plan undermine [cryptonym not declassified] position as prelude to his removal. [Footnote in the original.] In telegram 1116 from Leopoldville to CIA, September 16, the Station reported that a group of Congolese politicians opposed to Tshombe (including Nendaka and Ndele) had met in early September to decide on ways and means to block him if he were to run for the presidency at that time. (Ibid.)
3. Ref. B concerns [cryptonym not declassified] plan to create special squad to hinder [cryptonym not declassified] efforts become president. [Footnote in the original.] This CIA telegram has not been found.
4. In telegram 1154 from Leopoldville to CIA, September 18, the Station reported that it was seeing the [cryptonym not declassified] almost daily in an effort to push the line that the Kasavubu–Tshombe tandem must be maintained. It was also stressing this with all other contacts, including members of the entourages of Kasavubu and Tshombe. The cable noted that the Station had cautioned [name not declassified] and [name not declassified] not to use “bully boy” tactics and had warned them that resort to such tactics could seriously compromise their relationship with the U.S. Government. (Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job [text not declassified], Vol. IV, [text not declassified])