501.BC/7–3047
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to President Truman 63
Subject: The Indonesian Situation
Since I spoke to you last about the Indonesian situation and the British suggestion that we join them in a mediation offer, there has been a new development in the situation.
The Indian Government has announced its intention of raising in the Security Council the question of current Dutch action in Indonesia. In such circumstances the United States will be in a difficult position. We would not be able to support the Dutch position involving the use of force nor to oppose the establishment of a United Nations committee for investigation or settlement which would be bitterly resented by the Dutch and which could be exploited by Communist propaganda.
The best method of avoiding this difficult situation in the Security Council would be (a) for the Dutch Government on its own initiative to cease hostilities and begin to negotiate with the Indonesians, or (b) for the Dutch Government to accept an offer of mediation.
In view of the present situation, I believe it would be wise if you would authorize me to inform the Dutch privately that the United States would be willing either jointly with the British or separately by itself to undertake this task. If the Dutch were to accept this offer, then when the case came up before the Security Council it would be possible to state that methods of conciliation as envisaged in Article 33 of the Charter are already in progress and that Security Council discussion should be held in abeyance pending their outcome.
- Notation on the original by President Truman: “Approved Harry S Truman”.↩