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

756D.00/1–1053: Telegram

No. 240
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Department of State

secret
priority

Djakarta, January 10, 1953—1 p.m.

1234. Was received most cordially by President Sukarno this morning. He is in good health, calm and confident of his ability control situation. He said conference of military Territorial Commanders which met here yesterday moved smoothly and that Colonel Sugeng will remain as Army Chief of Staff.¹ He said trend toward amicable solution of differences within armed forces is gradually upwards.

Sukarno anxious to have my impressions of US following my two months there. He expressed satisfaction over official indication incoming government would give increased attention to Asia and strong hope Dulles² would visit Indonesia soonest.

Sukarno shared with me relief that solution acceptable to Indonesia now being worked out on TCA aid assurances. I told President I had appointment with Foreign Minister Mukarto for 12 noon Monday³ and would then deliver two US notes consummating replace[ment] agreement. President mentioned item quoted in this morning’s Indonesian press from New York Times indicating Indonesia would be interested in procuring arms in US on reimbursable basis.

President asked me for information regarding several chiefs of mission newly named to Indonesia by various European countries. When he indicated particular interest in new Netherlands High Commissioner I said Netherlands diplomatic mission obviously most important in Djakarta. Sukarno quickly reported that it was American and not Netherlands mission that held this place.

I told President I had been impressed by accounts my economic officers had given me of progress Sumitro making on budgetary and financial matters. Sukarno stated Sumitro was good technician. He was not happy, however, over idea of Socialist conference at Rangoon for Asian countries and possible participation therein by Sumitro.

I did not venture far into President’s problems on this courtesy call but President did confirm to me in strong terms that explanation which he had given me shortly after October 17 affair was correct, namely that Socialists in collusion with certain military elements were principally responsible (Embtel 769, October 22).

Cochran

1. Col. Bambang Sugeng was appointed Acting Chief of Staff of the Army on Dec. 16, 1952, replacing Colonel Nasution.
2. Secretary of State-designate John Foster Dulles.
3. Jan. 12.