756D.00/10–250
The Acting Executive Secretary in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Kreps) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: With reference to the letter of 28 August 1950, from Assistant Secretary of State Rusk to Major General James H. Burns, regarding United States strategic interests in the disposition of Western New Guinea, there is forwarded herewith, on the request of the Secretary of Defense, the following views which the Joint Chiefs of Staff have furnished the Secretary of Defense on this question.
“The Joint Chiefs of Staff perceive no major United States strategic interests at this time in the disposition of Netherlands New Guinea so long as it remains in the hands of a nation friendly to the United States.
As stated in the memorandum to you from Assistant Secretary of State Rusk, the Acting Chairman, Netherlands Joint Staff Mission, did forward a memorandum to the Joint Chiefs of Staff under date of 19 July 1950 in which it was stated, among other things, that the Netherlands:
- ‘a. Is prepared to cooperate closely in the military field in the Netherlands New Guinea area with the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand.
- ‘b. Is prepared to take into consideration the granting of facilities to the United States for the establishment of military bases and other military installations.’ (presumably in Netherlands New Guinea).’”
Sincerely yours,
Colonel. USAF