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

756D.5 MSP/1–1253: Telegram

No. 241
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Department of State

confidential
priority

Djakarta, January 12, 1953—4 p.m.

1239. In accordance instructions contained Deptel 1007,¹ I handed personally to Foreign Minister Mukarto 12 noon, Jan 12 two signed notes bearing same date, Nr 117 constituting acceptance proposal for new agreement on economic and technical cooperation and 118 consummating agreement on undelivered balance of constabulary equipment, following outlines provided Deptel 1008.²

Mukarto expressed satisfaction at conclusion these arrangements and thanked me for assistance I had given both in Wash and Djakarta. He assured me he had cleared draft texts of agreements with Cabinet members and PNI leaders. In answer my further question, he said he had also provided Cabinet members with info which he had been given by Dept following his visit to Washington with respect to type of note that would be required for obtaining reimbursable aid (ref Deptels 811 and 812).³

Mukarto said he felt his US visit and that of Sidik and other associates had brought better understanding by Indos and particularly his PNI party of same attitude and he was confident our relations were definitely improving.

I raised question of publicity on new agreements. Mukarto said he intended give notice to press this afternoon of consummation thereof. I pointed out that Merdeka and certain papers of left are already expressing critical interest as to terms of replace[ment] agreement and that pressure would undoubtedly be heavy for release of full details and actual texts. Foreign Minister said he did not expect much opposition as result careful preparation he has made. He said he would submit texts to Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament at next meeting that group but he did not feel free to make these documents public prior thereto. He promised give me translation his press release by 2 pm today (see Embtel 1240).⁴ I told him I hoped this might reflect improved relationship which he had mentioned and might even indicate Indo appreciation of US efforts to extend constructive aid to Indo.

It was agreed Embassy would give out no statement on consummation of negotiations and that any local inquiries would be referred to Indo Govt for answer. I feel this especially desirable in view possible repercussions from any statements this Embassy might make. I have followed strictly spirit and letter of Deptel 1007 in transmitting notes soonest possible, notwithstanding my concern over unstable military and political conditions obtaining here.

Foreign Minister stated he would instruct chairman Darmawan of coordinating committee thirteenth get in touch with acting director TCA on aid program (ref Totec Deptel 1030).⁵

Cochran

1. Document 238.
2. Document 239.
3. See footnote 4, Document 235.
4. Telegram 1240, Jan. 12, transmitted the press release which stated that the U.S. aid program had helped Indonesian reconstruction in the past and hoped that on the bases of the new agreement a more extensive program of aid could be arranged in accordance with the foreign policy of the Indonesian Government. (756D.5 MSP/1–1253)
5. Not printed. For text of the exchange of notes, dated Jan. 5 and 12, providing for the continuation of the agreement on economic and technical cooperation, see TIAS No. 2762; printed in 4 UST 18. A Department of State press release, Jan. 12, outlined the terms and background of this agreement and also summarized the terms of the exchange of notes converting from a grant to a reimbursable basis the transfer of the balance of equipment due under the Constabulary Agreement of Aug. 15, 1950. (Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 9, 1953, p. 220)