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

711.56356D/4–654: Telegram

No. 268
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Indonesia¹

top secret

Washington, April 17, 1954—10:45 a.m.

882. Limit distribution. Your 1142.² Department requesting Defense recommend officer type suggested your paragraph (4).³ If available and acceptable Indonesians, Department recommends he make initial survey training needs and possibilities, establish initial contacts with army leaders and submit recommendations.

Department also exploring with Defense possibility and feasibility providing MATS transportation Indonesian Army trainees (who could perhaps travel Garuda Djakarta to Manila for rupiahs thence MATS to training sites) (your paragraph (2)).

Department agrees availability suitable Filipino officers and their possible utilization Indonesia to promote Philippine-Indonesian relations should be studied.

At suitable opportunity you are authorized tell Ali we are willing explore availability suitable experienced officer who could be hired on individual contract to make survey and recommend training plan to Indonesians.

Department desires your estimate advisability suggesting to Ali that he consider possibility exploring with Philippines availability on contract or loan of officers experienced in infantry and light weapons and acquainted American methods and equipment.

For your information, Department believes this opportunity introduce American influence and improvement into Indonesian Army and assist achievement overall U.S. objectives Indonesia. Agrees your estimate necessity careful handling and avoidance pressure or hasty action, particularly at outset. Department also believes important Ali and other Indonesian leaders concerned be brought to understand a) our desire to help improve Indonesian armed forces in order strengthen Indonesian ability preserve order and maintain independence; b) our belief that to be effective and not compromise officials concerned or embarrass U.S., our assistance to military must be approved by President and Vice President, endorsed by Government and acceptable army and non-communist party leadership; c) no military assistance or training from Communist country may be utilized while U.S. assisting.

To Hague, Canberra, info only. Not for discussion outside Embassies.

Smith

1. Repeated to The Hague and Canberra.
2. Dated Apr. 6; the substance is in Document 265.
3. In a letter dated Apr. 19 to Secretary of Defense Wilson, Deputy Under Secretary of State Robert Murphy suggested that the feasibility of sending U.S. military instructors be explored by a U.S. officer of the rank of Colonel or above, preferably with experience in training Philippine or Puerto Rican troops, and possibly with some training in the Indonesian language. (756D.58/4–1954)