</s>157-10014-10185 2025 RELEASE UNDER THE PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY ASSASSINATION RECORDS ACT OF 1992 JFK Assassination System Date: 7/7/2015 Identification Form Agency Information AGENCY : SCSIA RECORD NUMBER : 157-1001A-1018S RECORD SERIES : MISCELLANOUS RECOROS OF THE CHURCH COMMITTEE RECORD FILE NUMBER: 07-M-90 AGENCY FILE NUMBER : MISCELANOUSRECORDS OF THE church COMMITTEER Document Information ORIGINATOR : SCSICA FROM: TO: Document Information TITLE: THE CONGO DATE : 08/22/1975 PAGES : 5 SUBJECTS : CIA MOBUTU LUMUMBA, PATRICE, ASSASSINAATION DOCUMENT TYPE : SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION : Unclassified RESTRICTIONS : IB: IC CURRENT STATUS : Redact DATE OF LAST REVIEW : 05/31/2000 OPENING CRITERIA : 05/31 /2000 COMMENTS : 1 NW 50955 DocId: 32423573 Page 1

Summary  
This document details an interview with Victor Hedgeman conducted on August 22, 1975, regarding his involvement with U.S. intelligence operations in the Congo during the early 1960s. Hedgeman describes his role as a CIA operative stationed in the Congo, including his work as the first Chief of Station in the country from January 1960. He discusses efforts to counter Soviet influence by supporting moderate Congolese politicians and orchestrating actions against Patrice Lumumba, who was perceived as a Soviet agent. Hedgeman claims that Mobutu’s coup against Lumumba in September 1960 was supported or arranged by the CIA, though he acknowledges Mobutu’s political acumen and potential as a Pan-African leader. The interview also covers U.S. policy shifts under the Kennedy administration in 1961, including decisions to withdraw support from Mobutu and the challenges of maintaining stability in the Congo. Hedgeman notes the chaotic nature of operations during this period and references paramilitary activities involving aircraft and mercenaries, though he denies direct CIA complicity in specific events like Mobutu’s overthrow of Kasavubu in 1965.  

Key People  
- **Victor Hedgeman**: Former CIA operative stationed in the Congo; described his role in intelligence operations and interactions with Congolese political figures.  
- **Patrice Lumumba**: Congolese leader assassinated in 1961; portrayed as a Soviet agent by Hedgeman.  
- **Mobutu Sese Seko**: Congolese military leader who seized power in 1960; described as supported or managed by the CIA.  
- **Allen Dulles**: Former CIA Director; mentioned as a key figure in U.S. policy decisions for the Congo.  
- **Bill Bader**: Interviewer; associated with the JFK Assassination System and Church Committee.  

Key Locations  
- **Congo (Zaire)**: Central to the operations discussed, including Lumumba’s political activities and Mobutu’s rise to power.  
- **Belgium, Luxembourg, France**: Hedgeman’s prior postings before his Congo assignment.  
- **United States**: Mentioned in context of U.S. foreign policy decisions under the Kennedy administration.  

Key Events  
- **Mobutu’s coup against Lumumba (September 1960)**: Hedgeman claims this was supported or arranged by the CIA, though he notes Mobutu acted independently.  
- **U.S. policy shift under the Kennedy administration (1961)**: Decision to withdraw support from Mobutu and promote a federalized government in the Congo.  
- **Paramilitary operations (1962–1963)**: Involvement of CIA-backed aircraft and anti-rebel activities, though Hedgeman downplays their significance.  
- **CIA’s role in Congolese politics**: Includes financial support for moderate politicians, lobbying campaigns, and efforts to destabilize Lumumba’s government.  

Key Organizations  
- **Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)**: Central to the operations described, including surveillance, political funding, and paramilitary activities.  
- **Church Committee**: Mentioned as an investigative body reviewing U.S. intelligence activities, with Hedgeman recommending specific CIA personnel for testimony.  
- **JFK Assassination System**: Identified as the entity requesting the document review, though the content focuses on Congo rather than JFK’s assassination.  

Note: The document contains redacted numbers (e.g., "NW 50955") and references to social security numbers, which are noted but not included in the summary.

JFK Declassified Files

157-10014-10185.pdf

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