International records / Foreign Relations of the United States

211. Memorandum for the Files

business with the rebels. Although he thought the military problem is quantitatively small, he was pessimistic about the Congolese military capacity and thought Western troops would be necessary. In response to a Bundy question Harriman said that if Nigerians or other Africans will provide troops, European intervention is avoidable. Without African help, European help might be needed within two weeks. Immediate US efforts should be concentrated on air support and pressure for African assistance to the Congo. UN help is unlikely because the Russians would veto Security Council action and a Gene…