Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume VI

756D.5/6–750: Telegram

The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Secretary of State

secret

Djakarta, June 7, 1950—6 p. m.

757. Have talked with Hatta, Djuanda and Sukanto recently on plans for military and economic aid. My comments on draft bilateral agreement with respect aid contemplated by Griffin group set forth Toeca 30.¹

Following are my ideas on acceptability draft agreement discussed Deptels 359,477 and 478.²

Hatta has consistently kept secret his request to US and our endeavors to provide military equipment civil police constabulary. As developments progressed to point where Washington obliged make some revelations I got Hatta agree he and political chief Sukanto could no longer be only officials having cognizance of plans. Consequently Defense Minister Sultan Jogja was informed and some of his closest associates now have knowledge thereof. Washington press items mentioning possible provision police equipment have not attracted local press comment.

Hatta has agreed to necessity and desirability small technical group coming Indonesia for spot survey constabulary needs, particularly RD electrical equipment. Defense Ministry well as chief police will cooperate with such group. Hatta will nevertheless endeavor avoid publicity such visit. In Embtel 726³ I gave Hatta’s indications as to how material should be addressed. Arrangements he prescribed would still keep responsibility for equipment to himself and Sukanto. Department is of course aware political struggle now preceding formation unitary state with certain elements endeavoring push Hatta to one side. Whatever the result, Hatta’s future position should be considered incidental to basic purposes US arms supply program. Essential purposes are to enable civil police provide more effective law and order and protect state against any Communist armed internal attack. Assumption is still valid that whatever central government may eventuate in foreseeable future, it will be willing cooperate US execution these aims. However, believe government would be embarrassed by bilateral agreement which would commit it to mutual defense obligations. Without reference to other authority Prime Minister can sign agreement which would seem binding and cover all points mentioned Deptel 359. If agreement goes much beyond those points and particularly if it has aspects mutual defense, or if it involves extensive publicity then Prime Minister might have to obtain Cabinet approval and possibly defend position before Parliament. With Indonesian press generally critical present government and with recent wave of anti-colonialism, Hatta’s position in this particular instance, as well as position any future government might be seriously endangered if Prime Minister endeavored draw Indonesia into published agreement of type US has negotiated with full-fledged allies Western Europe.

Think Prime Minister would find acceptable agreement with preamble substantially as follows:

“USA and RUSI, realizing necessity improve and stabilize conditions for maintainance law and order in Indonesia through provision to new state of military assistance in form of constabulary equipment, have decided to concluded agreement to govern such assistance.”

Believe agreement could include language along following lines, some of which taken from Deptel 359 some from Deptel 478;

1. USA shall furnish to RUSI military assistance in form constabulary equipment. There shall be no transfer of possession or title of equipment by RUSI to third party without consent two parties concerned.

2. RUSI will accept such military assistance on basis of negotiated detailed arrangements necessary to carry out provisions of this agreement. Equipment shall be used exclusively by Indonesian civil police forces.

3. Proper technical security shall be observed.

4. All administrative expenses of program entailing disbursements, specified in accordance with mutually agreed maximum amounts, shall be paid in Indonesian currency.

5. Such US technical personnel as may be required by mutual agreement shall be admitted to Indonesia to instruct RUSI police forces in operation and maintenance of equipment. Such personnel shall be exempt from taxes and customs.

6. Periodic observation and inspection by US personnel of use of equipment by RUSI shall be permitted.

Believe Prime Minister would find difficult accept Article 7 Deptel 478 since this includes matters ordinarily covered by commercial or special treaty or agreement.

While there is no objection to survey group, best plan for US Government personnel required in Indonesia discharge responsibilities under agreement would be attach such individuals assistant military attachés.

Believe Prime Minister would find impossible accept secret codicil as set forth final paragraph Deptel 478. While I consider unitary state with Hatta retained in Premiership would have direction cooperating more closely and openly with US, I know it is Hatta’s opinion RUSI too weak at present enter undertakings which might entangle state or possibly involve it in armed conflict.

Cochran

1. Not found in Department of State files.
2. Telegram 359, not printed (756D.5–MAP/4–1750), asked for Cochran’s views on the content of an agreement between the United States and Indonesia covering constabulary equipment; regarding telegram 477, see footnote 1 to telegram 478, supra.
3. Not printed; it stated that equipment for the constabulary should be addressed to the Prime Minister. (756D.5–MAP/6–250)