(EST PUB DATE) CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THE CONGO

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00870540
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: May 15, 2019
• Case Number: F-2017-00701
• Publication Date: November 10, 1960

Approved for Release: 2019/05/03 C00870540
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Special Group
SUBJECT: Contingency Planning for the Congo
1. PROBLEM:
To prevent a Communist-oriented government from gaining control
of the Congo.
Z. ASSUMPTIONS:
It is assumed that Lumumba, with Communist support, will make
every effort to regain control of the Congo and will, if possible, employ
force against his political opponents to achieve this end.
In the event that Lumumba regains control of the Congolese
National Army (CNA), or obtains paramilitary support from tribal elements,
there will be open resistance by opposition political elements to his attempt
to establish control.
3. FACTS AND DISCUSSION:
At present Colonel Mobutu, the CNA commander, is in de facto
control of the Congolese government. He has established a group of general
commissioners to run the country pending the eventual formation of a
moderate civilian government.
An unpredictable factor in the situation is the extent to which
Mobutu can retain control of the CNA and utilize it as a force to check
Lumurnba. There is also the possibility that Lumumba, with support by
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Ghana, Guinea, the UAR, and the Communist bloc, will be able to raise
forces to attempt an open seizure of power.
If there is a split in the CNA, or a weakening in Mobutu's position
combined with a resurgence of Lumurnba forces, it may be possible to
prevent Communist consolidation of power by providing paramilitary support
to anti-Communist opposition elements. Our contingency planning is directed
toward this end.
(b)
(b)
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(b)(1)
(b)(3)
4. CONCLUSIONS:
b)(1)
b)(3)
5. ACTION RECOMMENDED:
(b)
(b)
(1)
(3)
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Headquarters and field representatives of interested agencies
will be kept informed of developments in this regard.
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