856E.00/6–1246: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Harriman)
us urgent
4636. Question of responsibility for maintenance protection Neth Indies causing Dept increased concern since liquidation SEAC. Proposed agreement reached at Singapore conference by Brit and Dutch understood now before Brit Govt for approval81 (see infotel [Page 827] June 3, 10 a.m.82). Under approved plans how will responsibility in NEI be divided between Brit and Dutch and under what superior authority? With whom will SCAP deal on NEI problems?
Specifically, protection US petroleum interests in Palembang residency, especially the oil fields, matter of urgency since reports indicate extremists in position irreparably to damage wells and field installations on which operation of refineries depends. Dept thus far without confirmation Dutch or Brit to assume active protection fields while plans re Palembang city and environs ambiguous. Since Brit interests in Shell affiliate also involve wells and equipment in fields near US concessions at Pendopo and Talang Akar Dept assumes Brit Govt will take such steps as may be feasible to assure protection these assets. Dept therefore suggests you express our interest in this specific problem to appropriate officials.83 Inquiries re plans should not, however, be couched in terms that might prompt Brit to invoke our participation in any protective measures or use our inquiry in itself as justification for military measures against Indonesians.
AmConsul, Batavia similarly expressing our interest to political and military leaders and Emb, Hague making inquiries from Neth Govt.
- See telegram 233, May 30, 11 p.m., from Batavia, p. 825.↩
- Not printed.↩
- In telegram 5909, June 13, 5 p.m., from London, Ambassador Harriman reported that no decision had yet been taken, but, in general, the British contemplated that the Dutch would protect interests in areas handed over to them by the British (856E.00/6–1346).↩