Office of the Historian

111. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State1

Djakarta, September 13, 1955—10 a.m.

631. Called on ForMin yesterday afternoon his request. He said Indo wished retain Irian question on General Assembly agenda but had proposed to Dutch that between now and end of November, when item might be expected come up for discussion, two countries initiate negotiations on outstanding issues. Contemplated such negotiations would include means of lessening tensions over Irian, financial and economic provisions RTC agreements, union question, etc. Proposed formula wording “means of lessening tensions” deliberately chosen so as to preserve Irian positions both countries. Anak Agung thinks that if Dutch will agree to such formula discussion need not necessarily touch directly upon question of sovereignty over Irian but that when General Assembly agenda item is reached, both Dutch and Indos could request deferment question on grounds that all questions between the two countries were under discussion. This would prevent provocative speeches in General Assembly.

ForMin said he understood our impartial attitude but asked me transmit his earnest hope that U.S. without impairing its position could suggest to both parties its hope that they would enter into negotiations on all matters outstanding between them. He thinks a word from U.S. would encourage Dutch take advantage of the conciliatory attitude of present moderate Indo Govt, which so far seems [Page 188] be reciprocated in Netherlands. I hope Department will agree with this moderate request of Anak Agung, which does not seem to me to compromise our impartial attitude on Irian but might assist progress towards attainment our stated hope that two parties could find amicable solution in interests of relaxation tensions this entire area. This telegram should be read in conjunction my telegram 620.2

Cumming
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 656.56D/9–1355. Secret. Repeated to The Hague.↩
  2. Telegram 620 from Djakarta, September 10, reported that Zairin Zain, the Indonesian Minister to the United Kingdom, who was in Djakarta for consultation, had told Cumming that the Indonesian Government was trying to develop a temporary formula on the West Irian issue that would make possible improved relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands. (Ibid., 756D.00/9–1055)↩