63. Editorial Note

In telegram 0662, January 20, 1961, the Station in Leopoldville reported to the Central Intelligence Agency that Joseph Mobutu and [name not declassified] were “constantly” urging financial aid for the Congolese National Army. Otherwise, they said, their regime would fall. Mobutu insisted that he must have a guarantee of financial aid before he could launch a military operation against the Gizenga regime. The next day, in telegram 21704 to Leopoldville, the Central Intelligence Agency informed the Station that Headquarters was urgently seeking a review of U.S. policy toward aiding Mobutu’s forces. Pending the receipt of further instructions, the Station was to continue to accept statements concerning Mobutu’s needs without making any specific commitments. (Both in Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 6, [cryptonym not declassified] Ops) The Station replied on January 22, in telegram 0678, that at a meeting the previous day [name not declassified] had again made a pitch for U.S. support for pay and equipment for the CNA. While the government could meet the regular army pay for January, [name not declassified] explained, it did not have the funds needed to meet the “special indemnity” promised after the Thysville mutiny. (Ibid.)