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

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

Djakarta, March 8, 1957—3 p.m.

2283. Counselor and Chief Political Section² saw Subandrio this morning to clarify further addition words “or services” (Department telegram 1430³). Subandrio said he had just discussed matter again with Prime Minister who, recalling that Ambassador Cumming had said that assurances already given in notes January 10⁴ and February 18⁵ were satisfactory (Department telegram 1390⁶) and because some in army are complaining that US delaying implementation, hoped we would give written reply stating (a) assurances satisfactory; (b) reason for addition words “or services” is to cover reimbursable training in US; (c) our desire Indonesians consolidate two notes into one; (d) that with assurances already provided now possible proceed with discussion list of Indonesian requirements.

Request Department’s approval therefore send following note to Foreign Office:

Reference their notes January 10 and February 18, restate our understanding these notes as outlined Department telegram 1390 and state that if our understanding correct assurances satisfactory and I am authorized to discuss list of requirements with understanding no commitment on either side involved in such discussions.

State also that in order to remove any obstacles to transactions which might take place under assurances propose addition of words “or services” following words “military equipment” in Indonesian note of January 10; words “or services” being desired to cover extension of training instruction in service schools in US at Indonesian Government’s request for which payment would be required and which otherwise would not be available. Also propose that for convenience notes of January 10 and February 18 be combined in one note.

Comment: I know Ambassador Cumming had hoped to have this “tied up” before he left. From my discussions with him about this matter in Singapore and from my review of files and discussion with staff here I believe it is in our interest as well as Indonesia’s to pin down as soon as possible that much of agreement on reimbursable assurances as already provided. In present uncertain political situation in which army daily playing more important role, I believe it extremely important that those in government and in army who wish to secure military equipment from US be assured some possibility open to them. I do not believe this will preclude later amendments to assurances should requirements or requests arise which assurances already given would not cover. This government’s position is shaky. Sukarno will probably announce further on his concept next week possibly affecting Ali’s ability act, and I feel time is of essence if we are to avoid risk losing ground Ambassador Cumming gained working with this government.

Request urgent reply.⁷

Allison

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.56/3–857. Secret; Niact. Allison assumed charge of the Embassy on March 7.
2. Charles Nelson Spinks.
3. Telegram 1430 to Djakarta, March 4, stated that the United States wished to include the words “or services” in the Indonesian assurances in order to enable Indonesian officers to attend courses at U.S. service schools for which the payment of tuition was required. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.56/3–357)
4. See footnote 4, Document 206.
5. The February 18 note from Subandrio to Cumming stated with reference to the first paragraph of the January 10 note, that it was “self evident” that as a U.N. member Indonesia interpreted the term “legitimate national self-defence” within the scope of the U.N. Charter as excluding an act of aggression against any other state. (Enclosure to despatch 417 from Djakarta, February 26; Department of State, Central Files, 756D.56/2–2657)
6. Telegram 1390 to Djakarta, February 27, stated that Cumming could inform Subandrio that the Indonesian assurances were satisfactory, but telegram 1396 to Djakarta, February 28, requested the insertion of the words “or services” and the combination of the assurances in one Indonesian note. (Ibid., 756D.56/2–2657 and 756D.56/2–2857, respectively)
7. Telegram 1473 to Djakarta, March 8, concurred. (Ibid., 756D.56/3–857) The letter outlined in telegram 2283 was sent on March 11 from Spinks to Subandrio. A note from Subandrio to Allison, dated March 14, stated the Indonesian assurances in final form. (Enclosures to despatches 457 and 469, March 12 and 14; Ibid., 756D.56/3–1257 and 756D.56/3–1457, respectively) The sentences embodying the assurances were quoted in notes signed in Djakarta on August 13, 1958, effecting an agreement on the sale of military equipment, materials, and services; for text, see 9 UST 1149.