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

164. Memorandum of Meeting¹

Washington, April 3, 1964.

MEETING WITH PRESIDENT RE GOVERNOR HARRIMAN’S REPORT ON TRIP TO GHANA, NIGERIA AND CONGO

PRESENT

• Under Secretary Harriman, Assistant Secretary G. Mennen Williams, William Brubeck, White House

[Omitted here is discussion of Libya.]

2. Congo

The President said he had seen Harriman’s tentative recommendations and thought we would be doing very well if we could handle the problem with a matériel program of the size indicated.

Harriman said that it would require further discussions with the military to give the President precise recommendations but that the cost of the transport airlift and air combat program being contemplated would probably be under $10 million. However, this will require an increase in the present $3.5 million Congo MAP budget. He also stressed the need for improved intelligence on Tshombe’s activities; expressed his concern about the potentiality for subversive from Brazzaville; and indicated he thinks early elections in the Congo would not be a good idea. With a reasonable amount of help from ourselves and other countries over the next several years, Harriman concluded, the Congo might pull through.

[Omitted here is discussion of Zanzibar and Ghana.]

William H. Brubeck²

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Files of McGeorge Bundy, Memoranda of Meetings with the President, Vol. I. Confidential. Drafted by William H. Brubeck.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.