93. Telegram From the Station in the Congo to the Central Intelligence Agency1
1878 (In 17916). Ref A Leop 1748 (In 46333);2 B Dir 07458.3
1. Payment deferred per ref B. Regret Leop erred in interpretation spending authority this op.
2. As indicated previous traffic, Leop convinced, despite its overwhelming majority, present govt could fall any time in next few [Page 123] months. All [cryptonym not declassified]4 contacted by [COS] since return, as well as [Embassy officials], journalists, and other contacts, are of opinion [Identity 1] has only few months in which to solidify his strength. Not possible predict with any degree accuracy time available but estimate three months to one year. Even if [Identity 1] lasts one year, his power will gradually weaken unless shored up. Chief [Embassy] concurs this view.
3. [cryptonym not declassified] program no substitute for strong effective govt which meets needs of people but present coalition so big and represents so many viewpoints and ethnic groups there little chance for strong govt despite good intentions and desires various [cryptonym not declassified]. Size of coalition almost certain to result in govt program based on lowest common denominator. Thus, continue believe KUBARK must implement long term [cryptonym not declassified] program along lines ref A. Although recognize cost and difficulties such program, believe effort necessary unless previous efforts to come to nought. In short, parties and power groups are developing even now and will continue to develop in the Congo. If we do not aid and guide our friends, many if not all will drift into the extremist camps and ODYOKE policy will encounter numerous setbacks at best and at worst a major defeat.
4. Present chief [Embassy] concurs with the premises expressed ref A and more current views outlined herein.
[Omitted here is further discussion of the program.]
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 8, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations. Secret; Rybat; [cryptonym not declassified]; Priority. Received at 1757Z.↩
- Forwarded [text not declassified] program. [Footnote in the original.] This telegram is printed as Document 91.↩
- Apparently wrong reference. Possibly Dir 07658 (Out 88688) intended. [Footnote in the original.] Telegram 07658 from CIA to Leopoldville, August 23, is in Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 8, [cryptonym not declassified] Operations.↩
- The moderate, pro-Western leaders in the Congo supported by a CIA political action program.↩