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

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

Washington, September 9, 1960, 1654Z.

49671 (Out 67761). State requests that essence of the following message be transmitted [less than 1 line of text not declassified] immediately. [3 lines not declassified] Please consult Ambassador and implement immediately. Message follows:

1. We [Department of State] are distressed at apparent inactivity Kasavubu at this crucial turning point. Lumumba dominating scene and we believe strong public statements by Kasavubu essential to counter Lumumba’s activities. You should approach him soonest recommending in strongest terms he send message to SYG and publish same. Timing is crucial since Kasavubu’s message to SYG must be available before SC meeting, now scheduled Saturday a.m., Sept 10.

2. Kasavubu should declare he is Chief of State and that he has, in accordance with legal procedures prescribed in “fundamental law” deposed Lumumba. Latter has no official status.

3. He should appeal to UN in name legally constituted authority to remain in Congo and to assume full control public safety sector including control all armed Congolese units so that people of Congo can freely express their feelings rather than live in fear and intimidation.

4. He should request that all outside unilateral intervention in Congo cease immediately and that all assistance be channeled through UN. In this regard request UN take complete control all airports and ports of entry, as well as communications facilities.

5. He should request UN guarantee safety of all Congolese political leaders, assuring their freedom from arbitrary arrest and permitting full and immediate implementation normal constitutional procedures, and

6. He should appeal to all African states to give complete support to UN, to protest outside interference, thereby keeping Congo for the Africans and denying it to communism or colonialism.²

End of message.

1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency Files, Job 78–00435R, DDO/ISS Files, Box 1, Folder 3, [cryptonym not declassified] Ops. Secret; Rybat; Operational Immediate. Drafted and authenticated by [name not declassified] and released by [illegible] (DD/P).
2. In telegram 920 from Leopoldville to CIA, September 10, the Station reported that the message had been passed immediately to Foreign Minister Justin Bomboko for Kasavubu, [text not declassified]. (Ibid.)