And I'm back in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a week.
So I was doing a little bit of research on US assistance to the Congo. There's actually a longish history -- we've been sending various forms of aid here for nearly sixty years now -- so it seemed worth at least checking to see whether anyone else had already attempted what we're trying to do. I didn't get a firm answer on that, but and I did run across some mildly interesting old documents from the 1970s.
A bit of background for those of you who aren't history nerds: from 1962 to 1997, the Congo -- renamed "Zaire" -- was run by a dictator named Mobutu Sese Seko. Mobutu ran his country into the ground. At the end of his term, Congo was poorer than it had been when he took power, 35 years earlier. 16 years after he was chased out of power, the country is still suffering the consequences of his misrule; Congo remains one of the poorest countries in the world.
But whatever else you can say about Mobutu, he was very, very good at getting money and military assistance from the US. He was a major aid recipient for three decades, give or take. Why? Well, mostly because he was very good at gaming our fear of Communism and its spread in Africa.
Anyway. These are from "Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969-76, Volume E-6, Documents on Africa, 1973-76. I think, taken together, they tell a story. Maybe not interesting to anyone but a fellow history nerd, but what the hey.
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–6, Documents on Africa, 1973–1976
Zaire: Document List
Document 257: Telegram 1093 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, February 9, 1973, 1645Z
February 9, 1973, 1645Z
Ambassador Vance reported that despite Zaire's initiatives with communist governments in Guinea and the Peoples Republic of China, it had not changed its basic policy toward the United States.
Document 258: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, October 10, 1973, 10:30 a.m
Washington, October 10, 1973, 10:30 a.m.
During President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger's meeting with President Mobutu, they discussed world issues and bilateral relations with Zaire, including minerals trading and PL-480 assistance. The meeting took place in the Oval Office of the White House.
Document 260: Memorandum From the Director of Central African Affairs (Cohen) to the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Easum), Washington, February 22, 1974
Washington, February 22, 1974
Cohen presented options for the sale of M-16 rifles to Zaire, including the need to consider possible Portuguese opposition to such sales.
Document 261: Telegram 1948 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, March 4, 1974, 1508Z
March 4, 1974, 1508Z
Ambassador Vance strongly recommended to Assistant Secretary Easum that the United States approve the sale of M-16s to Zaire.
Document 262: Official-Informal Letter From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Easum) to the Ambassador to Zaire (Vance), Washington, March 6, 1974
Washington, March 6, 1974
Easum indicated that a decision on the sale of M-16s to Zaire would be deferred until after the completion of negotiations with Portugal on an assistance package.
Document 264: Telegram 196820 From the Department of State to the Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces in Europe, September 12, 1974, 0012Z
September 12, 1974, 0012Z
Washington informed the Embassy that the U.S. Government had authorized the sale of M-16s to Morocco and was now prepared to authorize a cash sale to Zaire.
Document 266: Telegram 258756 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Zaire, November 22, 1974, 2343Z
November 22, 1974, 2343Z
The Embassy was instructed to tell the Government of Zaire of U.S. willingness to send a military technical advisory team.
Document 267: Telegram 562 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, January 21, 1975, 1313Z
January 21, 1975, 1313Z
Ambassador Hinton reported on a speech by President Mobutu critical of U.S. Africa policy in general and the nomination of Nathaniel Davis as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in particular.
Document 268: Telegram 15843 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Zaire, January 23, 1975, 0210Z
January 23, 1975, 0210Z
The Department instructed Ambassador Hinton to tell President Mobutu directly that his comments about the Davis nomination were an improper interference in U.S. domestic affairs.
Document 269: Telegram 641 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, January 23, 1975, 1000Z
January 23, 1975, 1000Z
Ambassador Hinton explained that were he to carry out instructions in telegram 15843 (Document 268, he might face expulsion from Zaire. He added that his reaction had most likely reached President Mobutu through his aides.
Document 270: Telegram 1494 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Departments of State and Defense, and the Army Chief of Staff, February 20, 1975, 0958Z
February 20, 1975, 0958Z
Ambassador Hinton reported on a meeting with President Mobutu to discuss Zaire's defense problems and the need for U.S. military assistance.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Policy Files, 1975. Confidential, Limdis.
Document 271: Memorandum From the Chief of the U.S. Military Technical Advisory Team (Rockwell) and the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Mulcahy), Washington, March 7, 1975
Washington, March 7, 1975
In his cover memorandum to the MTAT report, Rockwell noted that preparation of the report was seen by Zaire as prima facie evidence that the United States had decided to increase military assistance to Zaire. He strongly recommended that the United States take tangible steps toward such assistance.
Document 272: Telegram 5166 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, June 13, 1975, 1230Z
June 13, 1975, 1230Z
Ambassador Hinton reported on a rumored coup attempt against President Mobutu, speculation of alleged U.S. involvement, and several arrests in Zaire.
Document 273: Minutes of the Secretary of State's Staff Meeting, Washington, June 16, 1975
Washington, June 16, 1975
Secretary Kissinger and Deputy Assistant Secretary Mulcahy discussed President Mobutu's allegations that Ambassador Hinton was involved in the planned coup against him.
Document 274: Telegram 5398 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, June 18, 1975, 2020Z
June 18, 1975, 2020Z
Ambassador Hinton reported that he had been instructed by Zaire Foreign Minister Bula to leave Zaire.
Document 275: Memorandum of Conversation, Washington, June 18, 1975
Washington, June 18, 1975
Secreretary Kissinger and his staff discussed deteriorating U.S. relations with Zaire and its impact on developments in Angola, as well as the need to send a high-level representative to talk directly to President Mobutu.
Document 276: Letter From Secretary of State Kissinger to Zairian President Mobutu, Washington, June 18, 1975
Washington, June 18, 1975
Secretary Kissinger expressed his belief that allegations of U.S. involvement in a plot against President Mobutu was a result of a misunderstanding between the United States and Zaire, and proposed sending former Ambassador to Zaire Sheldon Vance to Kinshasa for consultations.
Document 277: Action Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Mulcahy) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, June 20, 1975
Washington, June 20, 1975
Mulcahy reminded Kissinger that President Mobutu had accepted the offer to send Ambassador Vance and Director Cutler to Kinshasa to discuss coup allegations and Angola, and presented U.S. goals for the discussions.
Document 278: Telegram 5605 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, June 23, 1975, 1550Z
June 23, 1975, 1550Z
Ambassador Vance in Kinshasa reported to Secretary Kissinger on his first meeting with Mobutu and their discussion about coup allegations and Angola.
Document 279: Action Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Davis) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, July 3, 1975
Washington, July 3, 1975
Davis presented Kissinger with background, recommendations and options, for a U.S. assistance package to Zaire. Kissinger initialed his approval of several recommendations.
Document 280: Memorandum From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Ford, Washington, undated
Washington, undated
Kissinger recommended that the President approve a budget amendment providing for an increase in assistance to Zaire. The attachment offered a political justification for the increase.
Document 281: Telegram 6877 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, July 24, 1975, 1335Z
July 24, 1975, 1335Z
Ambassador Vance summarized his discussion with President Mobutu regarding military assistance. Vance added that Mobutu did not regard offered U.S. assistance as adequate to the situation.
Document 282: Action Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Mulcahy) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, August 28, 1975
Washington, August 28, 1975
Mulcahy offered four options for gaining approval of the $20 million aid package for Zaire. Kissinger chose to have Assistant Secretary Sisco or INR Director Hyland speak to Senate leaders to dissuade them from holding hearings.
Document 283: Memorandum From Clinton E. Granger of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, September 8, 1975
Washington, September 8, 1975
Granger presented Kissinger with two recommendations concerning increased military assistance levels for Zaire. Deputy National Security Adviser BRENT SCOWCROFT approved both recommendations.
Document 285: Briefing Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Mulcahy) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, October 7, 1975
Washington, October 7, 1975
Mulcahy offered a strategy for discussing U.S. assistance to Zaire at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on October 10.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, CL 257, Geopolitical Files, Zaire, August-November 1975. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Cutler, cleared by Vance.
Document 286: Telegram 9078 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, October 11, 1975, 0955Z
October 11, 1975, 0955Z
Chargé Walker transmitted an assessment by the Embassy's political and economic reporting officers regarding U.S. policy in Zaire and Angola. They noted that Mobutu's interests were not entirely congruent with U.S. interests and cautioned against being drawn too deeply into the Angolan conflict.
Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 257, Geopolitical Files, Zaire, August-November 1975. Secret; Priority; Nodis; Cherokee.
Document 287: Memorandum From the Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Hyland) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, October 15, 1975
Washington, October 15, 1975
Hyland responded to the analysis presented in Zaire telegram 9078 (Document 286), finding that it contained some valid observations, but that its recommendations were ultimately naïve and almost guaranteed to produce the results it warned against.
Document 288: Action Memorandum From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Mulcahy) to Secretary of State Kissinger, Washington, October 31, 1975
Washington, October 31, 1975
Mulcahy presented two options for pursuing Congressional approval of an AID Loan to Zaire. Kissinger approved the second option: continue to seek approval of an AID loan to Zaire, but without agreeing to help Tanzania and Zambia.
Document 289: Telegram 474 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, January 19, 1976, 1745Z
January 19, 1976, 1745Z
Ambassador Cutler reported on President Mobutu's security concerns and request for U.S. help, and recommended that Washington show some positive, tangible response.
Document 290: Telegram 14140 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Zaire, January 20, 1976, 2230Z
January 20, 1976, 2230Z
The Department instructed the Embassy to sympathize with Zairian security concerns and to assure President Mobutu that he had U.S. understanding and support.
Document 292: Telegram 3555 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Embassies in Tanzania and Zambia, April 26, 1976, 1115Z
April 26, 1976, 1115Z
Ambassador Cutler provided Secretary of State Kissinger with a tour d'horizon of Zaire in preparation for the Secretary's visit to Kinshasa.
Document 295: Memorandum of Conversation, Kinshasa, April 30, 1976, 7:45-8:23 a.m
April 30, 1976, 7:45-8:23 a.m.
Secretary Kissinger and President Mobutu summed up their discussions during Kissinger's three-day visit to Zaire.
Document 296: Telegram 13019 From Secretary of State Kissinger in Oslo to the Embassy in Zaire, May 20, 1976, 1335Z
May 20, 1976, 1335Z
Secretary Kissinger instructed Ambassador Cutler to pass a letter to Mobutu, informing him that the United States was working actively on his request for economic and military assistance, and that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld was prepared to visit Zaire in July.
Document 297: Interagency Intelligence Memorandum 76-023, Washington, May 1976
Washington, May 1976
The interagency study examined the military threat to Zaire and concluded that it did not face external military attack during the next year or so.
[NOTE: Zaire would come under attack a bit less than two years later, with the "SHABA II" invasion.]
Document 298: Memorandum From the Chief of the U.S. Military Technical Advisory Team (Rockwell) to the Secretaries of Defense and State, Washington, June 17, 1976
Washington, June 17, 1976
Rockwell presented the report of his second mission to Zaire. He indicated that Soviet designs on Southern Africa represented a well-defined threat to Zaire, and advised that substantial outside assistance was required to meet the threat.
Document 299: Minutes of the Secretary of State's Staff Meeting, Washington, June 17, 1976
Washington, June 17, 1976
Secretary Kissinger, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Robinson, Assistant Secretary of State for Congressional Relations Robert McCloskey, and Assistant Secretary Schaufele discussed an economic aid package for Zaire.
Document 301: Telegram 5297 From the Embassy in Zaire to Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, June 19, 1976, 1824Z
June 19, 1976, 1824Z
The Embassy transmitted a memorandum of conversation of Rumsfeld's June 18 meeting with President Mobutu in which they discussed threats from Soviet and Cuban backed regimes in neighboring countries and U.S. military assistance to Zaire.
Document 303: Telegram 8745 From the Embassy in Zaire to the Department of State, October 19, 1976, 1320Z
October 19, 1976, 1320Z
Ambassador Cutler again stressed to the Department the importance of showing President Mobutu forward movement on U.S. military assistance.
Document 306: Report No. 662 Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington, December 28, 1976
Washington, December 28, 1976
The paper reviewed the economic situation of Zaire and concluded that the long-term outlook for the country was not promising.
Are conditions improving at all in the Congo?
Posted by: Peter | March 30, 2013 at 03:46 AM
"January 23, 1975, ... The Department instructed Ambassador Hinton to tell President Mobutu directly that his comments about the Davis nomination were an improper interference in U.S. domestic affairs."
- sounds a bit hilarious, considering that the US itself usually isn't shy at all about "commenting" about "domestic affairs" of other nations.
Posted by: The Tumbleweed Farm | March 31, 2013 at 07:54 PM