Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

756D.5 MSP/2–2252: Telegram

No. 194
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Department of State

secret
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Djakarta, February 22, 1952—7 p.m.

1253. Have just recd Deptel 923.¹

Invite Dept’s attention to Embtels 1249 and 1250² giving facts with respect maneuvering by Sukiman and Emb recommendations. Cld not believe that in light thereof, Dept wld risk such humiliation as wld inevitably result from efforts to carry out Deptel 923 with moribund govt and with only slight possibility Sukiman cabinet cld command sufficient support to conclude any sort MSA agreement with US. Request therefore reconsideration instructions which wld have gravest consequences on future course US-Indo relations.

Cabinet meeting scheduled for evening 22d postponed until forenoon 23d.

Cochran

1. Transmitted by the Department of State at 1 a.m. on Feb. 22. It reads as follows:

   “We note Subardjo’s reasons prefer MSA Sec 511 (a) to 511 (b) (urtel 1227 Feb 19), and we are keenly aware prime importance 511 (a) to totality of US policy toward Indo.

   “In view Subardjo resignation, however, and in view great interest being shown here in Dept, MSA and press, we desire that Indo Govt shld have ample opportunity understand that it is possible for Govt to give 511 (b) assurances, as stated Depts A110 Nov 23 or along lines Burmese formula Deptel 823 Feb 4 [not printed]. We are concerned lest in present superheated atmosphere 511 (b) be lost through over-identification with 511 (a).” (756D.5 MSP/2–1952)

2. Document 192 and supra, respectively.