501.BC Indonesia/6–348: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
240. Usgoc 103. Your views re following requested.
Dept considering long-standing application of Neth Govt for export license covering 10,000 carbines and 10,000,000 rounds 30 cal. carbine ammunition. Order placed with private US firm. Neth Rep has stated that this order is required to adequately equip police force to act in first instance for interim Govt and subsequently for USI.
Should Dept withhold export license, such act would doubtless be interpreted by Neth as reflection Neth intentions re fulfillment truce.
[Page 210]In present circumstances Dept requests your views as to (a) decision in principle and (b) timing.1
- Mr. duBois replied in telegram 471, June 7, 8 a. m., from Batavia (Gocus 299), strongly advising “that in principle no arms should be shipped this country until they can be consigned sovereign USI Government. As to timing, present could not be worse.” (501.BC Indonesia/6–748)↩