Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

210. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State¹

Djakarta, February 25, 1957—6 p.m.

2124. Mytel 2115.² I recommend I be authorized seek appointment Sukarno and Prime Minister soonest express to them US Government’s concern over extent to which Sukarno encouraging PKI aggressiveness including anti-foreign acts in pattern agitprop activities other countries which have there led to disastrous results. While Sukarno has gone fairly far and I cannot be sure that this will have much effect on him I believe it is worth trying. I was told today by chairman Constituent Assembly and PNI member Wilopo that PKI would not be included in Cabinet and Wilopo expressed his certainty this point without, however, adducing reasons. Embassy officer also in discussing political situation today with Leimena of Parkindo, who is close to Sukarno, told that Sukarno already retreating from position last Thursday night (mytel 2107³) in which he emphasized participation Communists to advocacy yesterday (mytel 2118⁴) inclusion Simbolon, Husein and Darul Islam leaders.

Despite his obvious attempts rig public opinion and despite clear-cut Communist leadership preparations rally yesterday and extensive painting and slogan campaign Sukarno remains I believe sensitive to US concern. I think we should now step up our expressions of concern, keeping them, however, private. I intend emphasize to Sukarno as well as to Ali, Subandrio and others incidents anti-foreignism and involving American property as well as more general emphasis on US concern over increased opportunity for Communists under his announced program.

I propose request appointment Sukarno soonest if Department approves but recommend I be given discretion to deal or, if appointment already made, adjust my approach if other developments intervene in this rapidly moving situation (I have in mind particularly any arrests opposition which would alter context these representations).

I suggest Department proceed with representations to Mukarto.

Please instruct.

Cumming

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/2–2557. Secret; Priority.
2. Telegram 2115 from Djakarta, February 24, replied to telegram 1365 to Djakarta, February 23, which requested the Embassy’s views on proposals that Cumming should call on Sukarno or Ali and state under instructions that the United States viewed with deep concern the proposal to include Communists in the government and that similar representations should be made to Ambassador Moekarto. (Ibid., 756D.00/2–2357) Telegram 2115 reported that Cumming was making an oral protest to the Foreign Office because of several incidents in the last 2 days in which Embassy property had been damaged or painted with slogans supporting Sukarno’s “concept.” (Ibid., 756D.00/2–2457)
3. See footnote 2, Document 208.
4. Telegram 2118 from Djakarta, February 25, conveyed a press report of a rally supporting Sukarno’s “concept”. Sukarno had reportedly stated that he would invite not only the PKI but also Colonels Simbolon and Hussein and the leaders of the Darul Islam to participate in his “mutual solidarity program.” (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/2–2557)