756D.5/11–950: Telegram
The Chargé in Indonesia (Beam) to the Secretary of State
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635. In discussing minor question at his request this morning, I availed myself opportunity take up with Vice Premier Jogja Sultan matter outlined Deptel 391, October 12. I explained that while we hoped tensions Far East would not grow we considered it possible should crisis arise Communists would endeavor to strike at US through Indonesia. I referred tin, rubber, petroleum enterprises and dock facilities against which local Communists might attempt sabotage. I stressed our joint interest in protecting these properties, ours from standpoint need such materials and Indonesian interest from standpoint continuing receipt largely dollar payment for materials in question and protecting most valuable productive enterprises. I said while we had no desire interfere internal affairs we would be willing make [Page 1094] pertinent interesting material available in industry such as tin and also be in position offer un obtrusive specalist assistance.
Sultan said was glad I brought question up and he wished communicate to me most secret basis his military and security plans for the future. Fifteen battalions now fairly seasoned troops had been employed Ambon operation, five in taking city itself. Resistance completely broken and APRI now engaged mopping up between city and south also on Ceram where Soumokil has fled with some: two or three, hundred green and red caps Main body APRI troops to be shortly withdrawn for security operations principal islands. Sultan said security situation most serious and government was contemplating aggressive action on scale equal or greater than Madiun. Communists Medan, west Borneo getting armband working with all kinds dissident groups Java whom Sultan described as red, green (Darul Islam) and black (including Dutch adventurer). Earfy December government will take action against bands around Merapi, will then clean up east Java and concentrate as soon as possible on west Java. Scale of future operations indicated in suggestion Sultan making to Foreign Office that foreign diplomats would be required request military, escort on road Bandung. After Java government forces will then turn their attention east Sumatra possibly month January.
Thereafter, in February would, clean up Riouw archipelago and Banka and Billiton. Sultan said contemplated complete shakeup civil, military and police administrations latter area. Would assign five patrol boats police adjacent waters but these far from adequate and Sultan said need was desperate for more fast patrol vessels. I said I would communicate his statement this effect to Washington as plain fact without being in position to make request for assistance. Summing up Sultan said quietest place main islands was south Sumatra, although Communists now attempting infiltrate there.
While promises in matters of this kind have sometimes surpassed performance, it looks as if government this time may mean business. Sultan indicated action would batmen against militant Communists including those in SOBSI and among Chinese especially against persons with unauthorized arms. I thanked Sultan for his confidence and with reference installations we had first discussed I said we might get in touch with him again concerning way they might be affected by future developments. He declined commit himself now re offer US assistance and I believe we must let this idea simmer for awhile at this end. With respect present safeguards he simply said government conscious importance this matter; Sultan, said government as yet has taken no stand oil Chinese intervention Korea and was awaiting information and recommendations from Roem.
Sultan confident and in good humor and in conclusion mentioned Ambonese demonstrators Djakarta transported by Dutch Army and [Page 1095] Garuda Airways trucks. Said apparently some Dutchmen will never learn.
Believe Embassy should quietly discourage trips US citizens to interior next few months. Possible effect above developments on question delay withdrawal Dutch troops will also be watched.