Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

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

Djakarta, August 4, 1956—noon.

355. Mytel 338.² Entirely on his own initiative Prime Minister this morning brought up procurement US military equipment, mentioning especially small moth ball patrol type warships. (Second paragraph mytel 3283³ and last paragraph subparagraph numbered 3 mytel 106⁴). He said Naval Attaché had been most cooperative giving technical advice on availability matériel desired by Indonesian Navy as had other Service Attachés with respect matériel desired by Army and Navy. He said he wanted me to know that all these approaches had been made with his knowledge and approval. Point he wished to mention now, however, was that despite fact his service technicians busy at work compiling list of needs, he felt he was making no progress towards setting in motion machinery for actual procurement and referred to our conversation 26 June reported mytel 3283. I refrained from expressing surprise that Ali apparently unaware my conversation of 12 July with Foreign Minister reported mytel 106 and repeated to Ali appropriate information contained Deptel 15.

Prime Minister expressed great pleasure and asked how we might “make progress” without at this stage engaging in formal negotiations (later in conversation he explained his desire avoid formal negotiation due, first, to prematurity, second, desire avoid arousing suspicions possible Indonesian critics and, third, desire be in position deny negotiations and avoid embarrassment from foreign sources).

I told Ali that in my personal opinion best way would be for Indonesian Army, Navy, Air Force compile list of requirements earliest possible moment even if not in finished form; then for list to be given me informally by Foreign Minister or himself without commitment by either side. I said it would also be helpful if at same time he or Foreign Minister could also tell me that “assurances” required by our legislation could be given by Indonesian Government.

I believe that for first time Prime Minister now understands situation since he expressed great interest in point that assurances need not be in form bilateral agreement and that credit is possible certain conditions. He said he would call service chiefs together as soon as possible and would get in touch with me perhaps after August 17 Independence Day celebrations.

Cumming

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/8–456. Secret; Limited Distribution.
2. Telegram 338 from Djakarta, August 3, reported that since Indonesian military officers were continuing to approach the U.S. service attachés with inquiries about the availability of U.S. military equipment, Cumming had given Air Force Chief of Staff Suryadarma and Admiral Subijakto oral summaries of the first paragraph of telegram 15 to Djakarta, Document 164. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/8–356)
3. See footnote 2, Document 164. Ali had specifically mentioned interest in light offshore patrol vessels.
4. Telegram 106 from Djakarta, July 13, reported that Cumming had discussed the possible supply of U.S. arms to Indonesia with the Foreign Minister, as instructed in telegram 15 to Djakarta, Document 164. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/7–1356)