217. Editorial Note
At a meeting of the National Security Council on March 6, Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles commented on Indonesian developments as follows:
“The Director of Central Intelligence referred initially to the latest developments in Indonesia, particularly the revolt in the eastern islands. He also referred to the problem created by Sukarno’s desire to impose an Advisory Council. Sukarno was now saying that in view of the resistance to the introduction of Communists into the Indonesian Government, he would compromise to the extent of admitting Communists into the new Advisory Council while continuing to exclude them from the Cabinet. Mr. Dulles pointed out that this was no real concession by Sukarno if it turned out that the Advisory Council actually ran the Cabinet. Mr. Dulles believed that there were two possibilities facing Sukarno. He might fail altogether and have to make further compromises; or he may have a reasonably complete success, with the result that many of the non-Javanese islands would break away from the control of the Central Government. Pointing out that the Communists in Indonesia desired a centralized government because it made it easier for them to effect control, Mr. Dulles said that this might ultimately raise a policy question for Council consideration—namely, our attitude toward federalism as opposed to centralization in Indonesia.” (Memorandum of discussion by Gleason, March 7; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)