Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VI, Public Diplomacy, 1961–1963

126. Memorandum From the Acting Director of the United States Information Agency (Wilson) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Hilsman)¹

Washington, May 17, 1963.

SUBJECT

• Plan to Counter Afro-Asian Anti-American Propaganda

We have become increasingly concerned with the leadership which Indonesia has given Afro-Asian propaganda over the last several months, particularly the poorly camouflaged anti-Western, anti-American denunciations which have characterized Indonesian foreign policy statements since the Brunei rebellion of last December.² The clever advantage which Indonesia has taken of Philippine-Malayan differences over Malaysia to drive a wedge between these two pro-Western powers and simultaneously to oblige us to assume a stand in opposition to Philippine aspirations in North Borneo has also complicated our task. A third factor of considerable significance to our program throughout the world is the extent of the rapprochement between Indonesia and Communist China, especially as revealed in the proceedings of the Afro-Asian Journalists’ Conference last month in Djakarta.³

Various factors have made it difficult for the Agency to undertake a concerted effort to counter the undesirable effects stemming from these developments. I believe, however, that the direct attack on the United States contained in the “Djakarta Declaration” of the Journalists’ Conference not only offers a good opportunity for but also requires a direct rebuttal. It also seems to me that our Embassy’s note of protest delivered to the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs on May 3⁴ at least partially clears the way for such action.

The fact that the note was written in the Embassy ten days ago⁵ to meet an immediate need makes it unsuitable as a peg for any of our proposed output. However, I wonder if the four additional Conference resolution published after the delivery of the note and accusing the United States of imperialist intervention in Cuba, Laos, Korea and South Viet-Nam may not offer an excuse for drafting another protest intended for public release. Such a note could serve as the opening gun in a campaign to set the record straight on “imperialism” and “neo-colonialism”, two terms which have been overworked in Indonesia recently. We would plan not only to exploit the protest in our press and radio output, but would follow up with additional materials refuting the specific charges levied against the U.S. and its allies and exposing Chinese communist tactics in their attempts to capture the Afro-Asian movement. These materials could take the form of a series of radio and press commentaries and analyses of “imperialism” and “neo-colonialism” as well as pamphlets on such subjects as the Afro-Asian Journalists’ Conference itself.

Another useful action I think we might take would be to offer the Malayan government modest assistance in its proposed Asian Journalists’ Conference, scheduled for June of this year. For example, if our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur believed it desirable, we could quietly circularize the posts in the area for suggestions as to reliable and objective journalists who might be invited by the GOM to attend the conference. We would also plan extensive coverage of the event by all Agency media.

Should it appear not desirable to send another note to the Government of Indonesia, we would still plan—with the Department’s concurrence—to undertake a campaign, as outlined above, to set the record straight. I believe, however, that such a campaign would not be as effective, since much of our audience would tend to regard it as mere words without deeds.

Donald M. Wilson⁶

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, DIRCTR Sub Files, 1963–69, Bx 6–29 63–69: Acc: #72A5121, Entry UD WW 257, Box 8, FIELD—Far East (IAF), 1963. Limited Official Use. Drafted in IAF. Edited by Wilson on May 16.
2. The revolt began in December 1962 by anti-colonialist rebel factions in Brunei opposed to inclusion in the Federation of Malaysia, which would have grouped Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo, and Brunei. Although the rebellion failed, Brunei nevertheless opted out of joining the Federation. (“Revolt in Brunei,” The Washington Post, December 12, 1962, p. A20)
3. The conference took place April 24–May 1. An announcement indicated that conference attendees and organizers resolved “‘to condemn the role played by Israel as agent of world imperialism (and) to condemn the military and nuclear aid given to Israel by the United States.’” The resolution also called for the end of “‘United States imperialist occupation of Formosa.’” (“Jakarta Conference Assails U.S., Israel,” The Christian Science Monitor, May 3, 1963, p. 6)
4. Not found.
5. May 7.
6. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.