856E.00/8–1247: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
325. Continuation my telegram 323. After several hours with Soekarno and Cabinet, he asked member my staff if could talk with me alone. We then went to another room and locked all doors. He then said, “I have been talking all day with American ConGen. Now I wish as younger man to talk as to my father. We are in terrible situation, having appealed to Security Council and accepted Australia’s offer good offices. How can we get out and save our face?[”] I admitted it difficult problem for him to solve. Only solution which appeared possible to him at the moment was ask Security Council’s approval our good offices which would make USA agent of Council. I made no comments thereon but said it impossible answer such important question without instructions my Government. Shortly after my plane took off for return Batavia, Radio Djokjakarta broadcast following: “Republic takes firm stand that USA should at Security Council meeting exert its influence to act as arbiter.” While this ambiguous it probably means that we should endeavor persuade Security Council appoint arbitration commission. If that is meaning, Soekarno had no influence with his Cabinet.
Continued my telegram 326.92
Department pass London.