179. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State1
Djakarta, December 2, 1965.
1628. For Assist. Sec. Bundy from Amb Green. Ref: Deptel 708, Dec 1, 1965.2
- 1.
- This is to confirm my earlier concurrence that we provide Malik with fifty million rupiahs requested by him for the activities of the Kap-Gestapu movement. [1–1/2 lines of source text not declassified]
- 2.
- The Kap-Gestapu activities to
date have been important factor in the army’s program, and judging
from results, I would say highly successful. This army-inspired but
civilian-staffed action group is still carrying burden of current
repressive efforts targeted against PKI, particularly in Central Java.
- A.
- Malik is not in charge of the Kap-Gestapu movement. He is, however, one of the key civilian advisers and promoters of the movement. There is no doubt whatsoever that Kap-Gestapu’s activity is fully [Page 380] consonant with and coordinated by the army. We have had substantial intelligence reporting to support this.
- B.
- I view this contribution as a means of enhancing Malik’s position within the movement. As one of the key civilians, he is responsible for finding funds to finance its activities. Without our contribution Kap-Gestapu will of course continue. On the other hand, there is no doubt that they need money. The latter, despite inflation, is in tight supply, and the comparatively small sum proposed will help considerably.
- C.
- [1–1/2 lines of source text not declassified] Our willingness to assist him in this manner will, I think, represent in Malik’s mind our endorsement of his present role in the army’s anti-PKI efforts, and will promote good cooperating relations between him and army.
- D.
- The chances of detection or subsequent revelation of our support in this instance are as minimal as any black bag operation can be. [2 lines of source text not declassified]
Green