110. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State1
575. Before departing for New York to attend UNGA Hanifah called in Embassy officer during my absence on short trip to Sumatra to discuss government’s new approach toward Dutch. (Embassy telegram 511.2) Stated Indonesian Government changing its policy toward Dutch and “extending to Dutch its hand” hoping Dutch will also take measure which will tend lessen tension between two countries. Stated that on instructions from Prime Minister and Foreign Minister he had held conversations with Dutch HICOM and informed him that Indonesian Government will attempt before elections to conclude trials of Dutch Nationals, settle problem of Ambonese in Netherlands, and begin negotiations on financial and economic clauses in round table agreement. On trials he referred to shortage of judges but hoped they would be concluded soon suggesting that if defendants found guilty they might be deported. Also stated he has informed Dutch High Commissioner that government is prepared to consider issuance of visa to Dutch Attorney and that High Commissioner’s office should present official request for such. Since present law, ironically of Dutch origin, prevents issuance of visa to Dutch lawyer government in this case considering promulgation of emergency law as solution.
As to West Irian Hanifah confirmed that [what]Natsir had previously told me that present government is in dilemma and embarrassed by actions taken by Ali Cabinet (Embassy telegram 5243). Since Irian included in UNGA agenda by A–A countries Indonesia not in position to withdraw item, Indonesian Government wishes to find formula whereby both governments can “save face”. Government suggesting therefore to Dutch that both governments agree that no matter what decision UNGA there will be no hard feelings as result. Indonesian Government however would like to see some friendly gesture from Dutch Government on this matter. Even if it is mere “negotiations on how to negotiate” for solution of problem.
Hanifah scheduled stop Istanbul presumably to acquaint Turks with new approach of Indonesian Government and then proceed Amsterdam. Foreign Minister Luns has asked that he call on him in [Page 187] Hague while in the Netherlands on September 7. In approaching us as well as the representatives here of several other Western countries including Sweden, Norway and Australia, Indonesian Government wishes we approach Dutch and suggest they not ignore Indonesian effort to improve relations between two countries. Hanifah states that government taking new look at foreign policy and that reaction Western powers especially Dutch in this case will have serious bearing not only on policy present government but also on that which will be formed after elections in which Masjumi will also play leading role. Embassy officer made no comments but promised to report Hanifah’s approach Washington.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/9–255. Secret. Repeated to The Hague.↩
- Telegram 511 from Djakarta, August 25, reported indications that the new Indonesian Government was adopting a more moderate approach toward the Netherlands. (Ibid., 756D.02/8–2555)↩
- Telegram 524 from Djakarta, August 27, reported a conversation with Natsir. (Ibid., 756D.00/8–2755)↩