Summary of "The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Cold Jungle | Episode 3"

Podcast Title: The Spy Who
Host: Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey
Episode Title: The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Cold Jungle | 3
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Produced by: Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping third installment of "Cold Jungle," part of Wondery's acclaimed series "The Spy Who," listeners delve deeper into the tumultuous events surrounding Congo's Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. Hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, this episode intricately weaves historical facts with dramatic reenactments to portray the clandestine operations and geopolitical maneuvers that ultimately led to Lumumba's assassination.

Background: Congo's Struggle for Stability

The episode opens in July 1960, with Lumumba navigating the complexities of a newly independent Congo grappling with internal strife. Lumumba's optimism soon wanes as the province of Katanga, backed by Belgian interests, secedes, threatening Congo's economic stability.

Notable Quote:
[00:00]
Indra Varma: "Lumumba knows he can inspire the people, but it's becoming clear that it's what happens in the corridors of power that will decide Congo's fate."

Lumumba's Quest for Support

Lumumba's visit to New York symbolizes his desperate search for international assistance. Despite his compelling presence, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower remains elusive, declining to meet with him. This rejection leaves Lumumba without the crucial support he seeks from the United States.

Notable Quote:
[02:30]
Prime Minister Lumumba: "I am the Prime Minister of Central Africa's largest country. I am a world leader and I have come here to meet with my United States counterpart."

Rising Soviet Influence and Lumumba's Desperation

With the U.S. and UN hesitant to intervene militarily in Katanga, Lumumba turns to the Soviet Union for aid. The Soviet delegation's offer, though non-committal, reignites Lumumba's hope for concrete assistance. However, this pivot raises alarms in Washington, setting the stage for covert operations against him.

Notable Quote:
[15:45]
Larry Devlin (CIA): "It'll still be a big step for Moscow to put men on the ground in Africa. But the Soviets are the only ones willing to help us."

Introduction of Key Operatives: Daphne Park and Larry Devlin

MI6 officer Daphne Park and her CIA counterpart Larry Devlin emerge as pivotal figures in the U.S. strategy to counter Soviet influence in Congo. Their mission: to undermine Lumumba's administration and ensure Congo remains within the Western sphere of influence.

Notable Quote:
[25:00]
Daphne Park: "We just need to persuade him to use his influence over the army to stage a coup."

Project Wizard: The Plan to Remove Lumumba

Devlin introduces Project Wizard, a covert operation aimed at eliminating Lumumba without direct linkage to the U.S. government. The plan involves financial incentives, propaganda campaigns, and orchestrated protests to destabilize Lumumba's reputation and pave the way for Colonel Joseph Mobutu to seize power.

Notable Quote:
[40:10]
Larry Devlin: "In return for a fistful of these bribery, I suggest we also stage some demonstrations against Lumumba."

Mobutu's Coup and the Tightening Grip

Colonel Joseph Mobutu, initially loyal to Lumumba, becomes entangled in the web of espionage and political manipulation. Pressured by both Park and Devlin, Mobutu contemplates overthrowing Lumumba, recognizing the threat Soviet intervention poses to Congo's sovereignty and his own ambitions.

Notable Quote:
[50:35]
Daphne Park: "Do you really want the Soviets running Congo after all you have done to gain independence?"

The Assassination Plot: Poisoning Lumumba

The episode reaches its climax with the introduction of Sydney Gottlieb, the CIA's chief chemist, who delivers orders for Lumumba's assassination. Devlin grapples with the moral and legal implications of administering poison to eliminate a foreign leader, highlighting the dark intersection of Cold War politics and espionage.

Notable Quote:
[60:20]
Sydney Gottlieb: "President Eisenhower gave direct orders that I'm to poison the Congolese Prime Minister."

Conclusion: The Aftermath and Lumumba's Fate

As the episode concludes, Mobutu successfully stages a coup, leading to Lumumba's disappearance. Soviet Ambassador Mikhail Yakovlev's hasty evacuation underscores the failure of Soviet diplomacy and the triumph of Western covert operations. The stage is set for Lumumba's tragic end, a casualty of Cold War machinations.

Notable Quote:
[75:10]
Mikhail Yakovlev: "We must move. The LIMOU... us to position itself as Africa's new ally in the struggle against European imperialists."

Production Insights

The episode meticulously blends historical accounts with dramatic storytelling, drawing from sources such as "The Lumumba Plot" by Stuart Reid, "Chief of Station" by Larry Devlin, and "Queen of Spies" by Paddy Hayes. This approach ensures a compelling and authentic portrayal of events, even as it embellishes certain scenes for dramatic effect.

Notable Quote:
[80:00]
Indra Varma: "Even if a scene or conversation has been recreated for dramatic effect, it's still based on biographical research."

Key Takeaways

• Geopolitical Tensions: The episode highlights the intense rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in Africa, illustrating how emerging nations like Congo became battlegrounds for Cold War ideologies.

• Covert Operations: It underscores the lengths to which intelligence agencies would go, including assassination plots, to influence political outcomes in favor of their national interests.

• Moral Ambiguity: Through characters like Devlin and Park, the narrative explores the ethical dilemmas faced by operatives tasked with undermining foreign leaders.

Final Thoughts

"The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Cold Jungle | 3" offers a riveting exploration of one of Cold War's lesser-known yet profoundly impactful episodes. By intertwining personal narratives with historical events, Wondery provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities and consequences of espionage in shaping global politics.

For those intrigued by this episode, "The Spy Who" series offers an enthralling dive into the hidden world of intelligence operations, bringing to light stories of spies who played pivotal roles in shaping nations.