856E.00/7–3047: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Patterson) to the Secretary of State
most immediate
914. ReEmbtel 903, July 29.66 On being received this p.m. by King Farouk, I thanked HM for condolences offered through Talaat Pasha on occasion death Mrs. Truman.67
King, on stating he had requested British Ambassador, Netherlands Minister and me call, remarked I had probably already guessed occasion which was Indonesian situation.
HM then read from a memo of which he said he would send me a copy as an aide-mémoire only and not as a formal communication citing reasons for Egypt’s concern with current hostilities. Among these he named humanity; Egyptian-Indonesian treaty of friendship; Moslem religion of Indonesians which was real bond with Egyptians; and fact that real war and not police operations as described by Dutch were in progress. According his information, 100,000 well equipped Dutch troops were opposing 200,000 ill trained levies. (King mentioned Mr. Bevin as having described the operations in Indonesia as military action.)
HM desired his views be brought attention US Government stating that if US did not do something to better situation in Indonesia, Egypt would think that US viewed Indonesia as merely an eastern country and US was not sincerely devoted to principles of UN. Development such attitude might result in split between East and West (point which HM stressed as being highly important). Egypt felt so strongly re Indonesian situation that had government not been involved presentation its own case before UN, Egypt would have brought Indonesia to attention of UN.
On my stating there were reports Nehru planned do so on behalf Indian Government, King stated he thought British had dissuaded him from such action.
[Page 1001]I endeavored assure HM that my Government was devoted maintenance stability in Far as in Middle East and on July 21 it had expressed profound regret negotiations between Netherlands and Indo Republic had been interrupted and has indicated its hope they will be resumed.68
- Not printed.↩
- President Truman’s mother.↩
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The Department replied in telegram 1134, August 4, noon, as follows:
“Reurtel 914, July 30. Express appreciation King Farouk his views Indonesian situation which now before United Nations Security Council; adding that US will continue take all possible steps secure peaceful settlement and that US has offered good offices to Netherlands Govt which offer in harmony UN Charter.” (856E.00/7–3047)
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