Records on June 1989 Meeting Between Zaire President Mobutu and President Bush

People of interest: Herman J. Cohen – Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs William C. Harrop – U.S. Ambassador to Zaire General Likulia Bolongo – State Secretary for Defense Manangan Ma Pholo – Chairman of the Economic and Social Commission, Zairian Legislature David C. Miller – NSC Senior Director of African Affairs President Marshall Mobutu Sese Seko – President of the Republic of Zaire Mokonda Bonza – Director of the Office of the President, Zaire Mushobekwa Kalima wa Ktana – Zairian Ambassador to the U.S. Nguz a Karl-i-Bond – Foreign Minister of Zaire Nkema Liloo – National Scurity Advisor Tatanene Manata – Chairman of the Political Commission, Zairian Legislature Terms of interest: OAU – Organization of African Unity UNITA – National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (2nd largest political party in Angola in 1989 and supported by China, South Africa, and the United States) MPLA – Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (Largest political and ruling party in Angola in 1989 and supported by the Soviet Union) MPR – Popular Movement of the Revolution President Mobutu Sese Seko ruled Zaire for 32 years (1965–1997). Although he was eventually cited as being one of the most corrupt leaders of the Twentieth Century, he did play a pivotal role in the African Continent’s history. In addition, during his long reign he was very involved in business dealings with many other countries, most specifically Belgium and France. His relationship with Belgium was erratic and often worrisome, while France was a solid supporter. President Mobutu was also very involved in the politics of other African nations. He was credited with organizing 18 Heads of State in Gbadolite, Zaire (Gbadolite Summit) on June 22, 1989, which brought together Dr. Jonas Savimbi (Leader of UNITA) and President Edouard Department of State Santos (Leader of MPLA). They agreed to a ceasefire in Angola and a negotiation for reconciliation in that African State. He then traveled to the United States for an Official Working Visit with President Bush June 28-30, 1989, becoming the first African head of state to visit Bush at the White House. The materials in FOIA 2004-1517-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. The Bush Presidential materials: WHORM Subject File categories contain coversheets which route correspondence; correspondence from former Senator Vance Hartke to George Bush and White House staff regarding a possible visit of President Mobutu to the U.S. and replies to him; lists of recommended State/Official and Official Working Visit Schedules; memos which route correspondence, outline approved presidential activities, and discuss gifts to the President and Mrs. Bush; Polaroid photographs of gifts President Mobutu gave to the Bushes; and an advertisement of the United Nations Report: Human Rights Situation Improves Markedly in Zaire. The Staff and Office Files contain cables of the logistics of Mobutu’s visit; economic graphs; coversheets which route correspondence; a printed requisition form for luncheon menus (Zaire), lists of meeting and luncheon participants for the Mobutu visit, and proposed State/Official and Official Working Visits Schedule; memos regarding the loan of aircraft to support President Mobutu’s visit to Washington, President Bush’s meeting with President Mobutu and his remarks at the Mobutu Toast, the tea for Mrs. Mobutu, logistics of the Mobutu visit, and an official explanation of a typical official working visit; official menu cards for: a dinner honoring Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E. Bhutto, a dinner honoring the Prime Minister of Australia Bob Hawke, and a luncheon honoring the President of Zaire Mobutu Sese Seko; notes forwarding correspondence and discussing details of the Mobutu visit; draft and final remarks for President Bush at the luncheon and departure for President Mobutu; and a the printed material, “Resolution – Sense of the Congress Resolution regarding Gbadolite Summit on June 22, 1989.” The Bush Vice Presidential materials: The Staff and Office Files contain a Vice President staffing memorandum which routes correspondence. The Quayle Vice Presidential materials: The Staff and Office Files contain a Cable of condolence from Vice President Quayle to the government of Zaire on the death of Kalume Mwana Kahanbwe, President of Zaire’s Legislative Council; coversheets which route correspondence; draft copies of the invitation for the Quayle Breakfast in honor of President and Mrs. Mobutu; a Letter of invitation from the Ambassador of Zaire for a meeting between President Mobutu and Vice President Quayle; lists of the Official Zairian Delegation, breakfast guess, and interpreters; memos regarding the Quayle breakfast honoring President and Mrs. Mobutu, and the Vice Presidential gate lists; and a note about the Quayle breakfast for President and Mrs. Mobutu. Read less