Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIII, Southeast Asia

324. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Indonesia⁰

Washington, December 7, 1963, 2:26 p.m.

626. Embtels 1207, 1172.¹

Nasution Conversations.

In talks here, Nasution, as expected, concentrated on explaining Indo side of Malaysian dispute. He repeated familiar arguments: Malaysia under British domination and not truly independent; UN survey not carried out in accord with Manila Agreements and therefore invalid; Malaysia not a viable state but would fall under domination of resident Chinese and thus provide Communist Chinese beachhead. Nasution frankly admitted Indonesians were training anti-Malaysian guerrillas in Borneo (“about 3000”) but claimed that only a few of them Chinese. He conceded that Indo nationals had participated in guerrilla penetrations into Sarawak but asserted that they acting as individual volunteers and that no organized Indo military forces involved. We expressed our deep concern over Indo military actions, adding that we might be better able extend help to GOI if it pulled its troops out of border areas and stopped aiding guerrillas. Nasution said Indo military had no intention engage British forces since it realized British too strong.

Nasution not optimistic re peaceful settlement in short run but saw ultimate settlement possible through tripartite meeting in context Maphilindo. Emphasized Indos willing start talks with Malaysians at any time but would insist no preconditions, which he knew Tunku would not accept now. Gave no indication Indos prepared ease confrontation so as to improve climate for negotiation.

We told Nasution we wanted see dispute settled by Asian countries involved. We willing help in background to this end but precluded from doing so by current Indo posture. We pointed out our mutual interest in defense against Chicoms. We expressed hope that Indos would work toward peaceful settlement through tripartite talks and would create conditions permitting such talks by halting its military and propaganda activities against Malaysia.

Memcons other discussions being forwarded by pouch.²

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 INDON. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Freeman, cleared by Bell, and approved by Rice.
1. In telegram 1207, December 7, Jones stated he planned to meet with Subandrio to discuss U.S. aid. In telegram 1172, Jones asked for a summary of Nasution’s discussions in Washington, especially with President Johnson. (Ibid., AID (US) INDON and POL AUSTINDON)
2. See Document 322.