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

756D.11/2–254: Telegram

No. 262
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Indonesia

secret

Washington, February 12, 1954—12:46 p.m.

653. Your 828.¹ Department giving careful study question possible Sukarno visit. Copy your message sent Vice President. He agrees with your conclusions. In order that full weighing of the advantages and disadvantages may be made, desire your estimate following: (a) affect U.S. visit on Sukarno’s mass leadership and on his relationship probable Indonesian political parties; (b) extent Sukarno would hope through visit to advance his views on New Guinea, rubber, and increased U.S. technical and economic aid, together with effect on success of visit of U.S. inability respond to extent Sukarno would wish on foregoing issues; (c) extent visit would be conditioned by and affect forthcoming elections.

Whole matter being thoroughly explored against background U.S.-Indonesian and U.S.-Asian relationships and no consultations should take place with Indonesians pending decision. Even if favorable decisions reached, question of scheduling of visit in view other commitments here would be complex.

Smith

1. Document 258.