Larry Devlin

As any longtime listener to this podcast will know, that made him a prime target for CIA recruitment.

Mobutu emerged as the right man for the moment and the CIA, through its station chief, Larry Devlin, identified Mobutu as an American ally, someone who could break the impasse, protect American interests, and marginalize Lumumba.

38-year-old Larry Devlin had been installed as station chief in July 1960.

Devlin is a fascinating figure.

He was a World War II veteran.

John F. Kennedy, who was far more pro-African independence than Eisenhower, was elected in November of 1960 and took office in January 1961.

This sets off fears in Congo because there was a contingent of Kennedy's advisors who were arguing for this and seemed poised to have influence upon Kennedy's inauguration.

And the Congolese knew this, and Larry Devlin, the CIA station chief, knew this.

The CIA delivered an initial cash payment of 5,000 US dollars in a briefcase directly to Mobutu.

This specific sum was handed over by CIA Leopoldville station chief Larry Devlin during their first secret meeting following the coup.

The money was intended for Mobutu to hand out immediately to key military officers to buy their loyalty and ensure the army backed his sudden takeover.

Lumumba is soon put under house arrest.