501.BC Indonesia/2–2748: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)1
99. Following confirms Bancroft’s telephone conversation with Barco2 Feb 27 re Indonesian case.
Dept is informed that resolution may be offered to effect SC disapproves conference now being held West Java for purpose setting up autonomous West Java state. Dept considers West Java conference not inconsonant Renville Agreement so long as conditions of free speech prevail and would therefore oppose resolution, if offered, condemning West Java conference.
Dept considers it highly important for sake of further agreement in Java that this matter not be introduced in SC at this time. Dept therefore suggests that Graham confer with Indo-Rep delegation with view to dissuading it from pressing for introduction such resolution, using following argument. Since US does not regard West Java conference as inconsistent with Renville Agreement, US could not support such resolution if offered. Effect of defeat of such resolution in SC might be to encourage other autonomous movements in disputed territory or Republican territory. US does not wish to encourage further fragmentation. Therefore US believes that this matter should not be put to vote in SC.
It is of course clear to US, as well as to parties to Renville Agreement, that whatever autonomous states arise in disputed areas will be subject to free expression popular will at time of plebiscites.