Office of the Historian

152. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Sebald) to the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Merchant)1

Washington, April 25, 1956.

Dear Livie: Walter has left with me your memorandum of April 19,2 on the Sukarno visit.

Given their current sensitivity, I believe we must anticipate that Sukarno will say some things during his visit which may raise Dutch hackles. He can hardly avoid references to “colonialism”, “struggle for independence”, “colonial past”, “liberation from colonial domination”, and the part the United States played in assisting Indonesia to gain its independence. At the same time, I agree that an emotional espousal of the Indonesian West New Guinea claim or an outright attack on the Netherlands from a forum provided by our Government would be most unfortunate. I am attaching a telegram to Hugh asking for his views on this subject.3

I feel personally that it is very unlikely that Sukarno would thus abuse his position as a guest of the United States. The Indonesians are an extremely courteous, considerate people, and I believe that Sukarno would be most careful in avoiding any public statement which would embarrass his hosts.

Bill
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.56D56/4–2556. Secret.↩
  2. Merchant’s memorandum of April 19 to Robertson stated that he was looking forward to Sukarno’s visit “with some nervousness” because of Dutch sensitivities and that he hoped Sukarno could be persuaded to avoid the subject of New Guinea in any public statements. In that regard, he suggested that Cumming might give Sukarno a discreet warning. (Ibid., 756D.11/4–1956)↩
  3. Not attached to the source text; presumably telegram 1990 to Djakarta, April 27, not printed. (Ibid., 756D.11/4–2756) A note on the source text in Merchant’s handwriting thanked Sebald and said that he had initialed the cable and sent it out. Cumming replied to telegram 1990 in telegram 2731 from Djakarta, May 4, that although Sukarno’s actions are often unpredictable, “I do not believe that he will embarrass United States by attacking its allies from public forums provided by United States as his host, although he may mildly chide the United State for over-concern with Europe as compared to Asia.” (Ibid., 756D.11/5–456)↩