501.BC Indonesia/8–1348: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
369. Usgoc 132. Policy Committee on Arms and Armaments now has before it request of Neth Govt for export licenses covering 6000 .38 revolvers with 50 rounds ammo per revolver for use civilian, state, and municipal police in Java, Sumatra, Celebes and Borneo.
As you know, similar request for export licenses covering 10,000 carbines and ammo, Submitted several months ago, still in suspense pending developments in Indonesia.
Dept recognizes a legitimate need of Neth as sovereign in area for adequate weapons with which to equip police forces, stated by Neth to be largely composed Indonesians. In view recommendation contained Gocus 299 of June 7,1 however, Dept does not wish to approve these applications if such action in your judgment would be prejudicial to success negotiations toward political settlement. Pls advise your estimate effect upon situation there of authorization export licenses covering either or both lots weapons described above. In both cases, approval export licenses is prerequisite Neth’s placing orders with private US manufacturers. Estimated time of delivery of weapons approximately 6 months after placing orders.