501.BC Indonesia/2–449: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
137. For Rusk from Jessup: Earlier telegrams today, Nos. 131, 132,1 summarize delegation reactions here to New York Times story February 3, dateline Hague and our denial of it. As indicated our telegram No. 131 re telephone conversation with Cadogan, we are taking line that Dutch should have reasonable time but that time must be used to arrange compliance with SC resolution and not circumvention of it. At same time we have made clear to all that US supports SC resolution January 28 which it sponsored and has not changed its position.
Anticipate strong pressure for SC meeting sometime next week if UNCI does not report cooperative Dutch attitude in Indonesia. In dealing with other delegates here USUN will continue emphasize that US is committed to the principles contained SC resolution. In my [Page 207] opinion, US has secured important advantage in terms of relations with Asiatic and Near Eastern states through its position on this case in SC. Despite the many unfavorable press reactions believe also this action by SC over a peroid of time will have influence in strengthening UN and general US policy of support for UN. On other hand, any weakening of our position in support of action taken by SC would be highly injurious to UN, to our position in SC and to our relations with other delegations. Wish to emphasize specially our relations with Canadian delegation which is continually most helpful to us in SC. They extricated themselves from hampering Ottawa instructions to maintain support pledged to our joint resolution. Continued frank discussion and cooperation with them is highly important. Re such delegations as Australia, India and Philippines, they are supporting us now but would be quick to attack if they get impression that we are weakening.
We have throughout been conscious of difficulties of situation in terms North Atlantic Pact and other Western European problems. These difficulties were of course fully appreciated by Department in authorizing USUN to initiate SC action. Recognize that question of possible pressure for SC sanctions resolution would present added difficulties. Consider it practically certain France would veto such a resolution but question of US stand in SC debates if such issue arises may need to be faced. Final Van Roijen statement in SC and Van Roijen’s attitude in last few days of SC consideration strongly indicated readiness of Dutch to cooperate which attitude probably reflects Dutch Labor Party dissatisfaction with Dutch military action. Am convinced hope of solution and avoidance of further complications can be secured only through continued support of resolution and steady maintenance of pressure on Dutch through diplomatic channels including every effort to persuade UK, France, Belgium, Canada to make continuous parallel representations. Believe further all these governments fully recognize both sides of picture and fundamental US position of basic friendliness to Dutch and basic disagreement with their recent Indonesian policy. UK, Canada, US have by supporting SC resolution jointly taken stand that implementing program in that resolution is only way for Dutch to get out of dangerous situation they created for themselves. If any modification this view seems necessary as situation develops, believe USUN should have opportunity in advance frankly to discuss with Cadogan, McNaughton as well as Tsiang2 and other sponsors. [Jessup.]