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

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

Djakarta, August 30, 1957—5 p.m.

570. Reference Manila tel 789 to Department, repeated information Djakarta 102, Singapore 78.² Embassy has had other reports Sumual seeking arms. He is reported to have obtained jeeps …

On basis discussions number prominent leaders including Subandrio, Djuanda, Hatta and Sukarno and other sources consensus here is that unlikely Communists could take over country on short notice. Despite results provincial elections Java, unlikely they could find technique for achieving power legally prior to election two years hence, if then. All our sources who have commented on Army believe that it remains anti-Communist and would prevent illegal assumption of power by Communists.

Sending of Java troops to Sumatra in March 1957 resulted in no violence and they were shortly withdrawn. At this time it is unlikely responsible officials will order military action against dissident elements in Sumatra or Sulawesi or that Army here has any desire to engage in military action against Sumatra or Sulawesi. Djuanda has told me force would not be used against Sulawesi and Sumual apparently has confidence this is so or he would not have come to Djakarta August 28 on summons from Djuanda.

Opinion among responsible sources are [on] possible success regional round table meeting divided. Hatta not over optimistic.

We do not anticipate complete and immediate settlement all outstanding difficulties. However, mere fact of recognition by central government that provinces have legitimate complaints should have psychological effect tending to ameliorate tensions. We are hopeful that conference will constitute step toward eventual typical Indo compromise.

. . . . . . .

Allison

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.56/8–3057. Secret; Limited Distribution. Repeated to Manila and Singapore.
2. Telegram 789 from Manila, August 28, reported an approach to an Embassy officer by an Indonesian who said he was attempting to purchase arms in the Philippines for dissident military commanders in Sumatra and Sulawesi. (Ibid., 756D.56/8–2857)