Office of the Historian

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

Djakarta, November 13, 1957—2 p.m.

1227. For Robertson. Department telegram 1043.2 What I said to Foreign Minister and Prime Minister was to effect that no American government could under present conditions agree to support early transfer of sovereignty over West Irian to Indonesia. I added that before United States position could be expected to change there would have to be assurances to be confirmed over period of several years that Indonesian Government was taking adequate steps looking toward control Communism and creating more stable political and economic situation. I believe period of three to five years was mentioned but whole discussion was strictly understood as being my personal idea which had not been discussed with Washington. In my last talks with both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister I reiterated that present Indonesian conduct was making it extremely difficult for her friends to help Indonesia.

Allison
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 656.56D13/11–1357. Secret; Priority.↩

  2. Telegram 1043 to Djakarta, November 12, reads as follows:

    “For: Ambassador from Robertson. Indonesian Ambassador informed Jones today he had been advised by Djakarta that you had indicated to Foreign Minister and Prime Minister in successive interviews US Government favored transfer of sovereignty over West New Guinea to Indonesia within three to five years. Assume this result of misunderstanding but request your comments urgently.” (Ibid., 656.56D13/11–1257)

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