656.56D/12–351: Telegram
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Secretary of State
priority
804. Subardjo called me to his office noon today. He said notes had been recd from Brit and Australian Govts asking Indo not raise Irian question. Furthermore, Subardjo said Neth High Comm Lamping had spoken to him at airport today when they were seeing off Supomo for Hague and Darmasetiawan for Paris. Lamping had told Subardjo Neth Govt unhappy over Indo sending such large del as decided by Indo Govt last week. [Garble] was coming to FonOff at 1 p. m. to discuss this further.
I asked Subardjo if there cld have been any misunderstanding his end as to Stikker “agreeing” to sending of Indo del to discuss both Union and Irian questions. Subardjo explained he had gone from Paris to Hague Nov 22 for specific purpose getting precise answer from Stikker on this question. Stikker had definitely agreed and had said ready receive Indo del any time. Subardjo said however he had told Stikker he wld endeavor keep Indo del to reasonable size. Stikker, as I understand story, wanted fire-man del. Subardjo said that while his intention had been to keep group small, pressure from polit parties had made it necessary expand to total about 17, 6 of whom already in Europe. He said Supomo was only member departing today. He contemplates going ahead with plans to despatch remainder as approved by Indo Govt, but will count only five as dels, list five as alternates and remainder as advisers. He thinks it not unreasonable for Indo have del this size considering vital importance to this country of both subjs on agenda and fact mtgs will be held Hague where Neth del has entire Neth Govt, Parliament et al available for consultation.
Subardjo adheres to position he has constantly taken with me namely, that failure for Indo now to have opportunity discuss Union and Irian questions with Neth wld lead inevitably to early unilateral Indo actions. He aware US interest in maintenance order and security in Pacific. He believes best method clear up dangerous differences between Indo and Neth is to have full and frank discussions thereon. He realizes difficulty of negots but believe this method offers only chance avoid serious trouble.
Dept pass Canberra; sent Dept 804, rptd The Hague 36, Canberra 5.