307. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State1
1427. Joint Embassy/USIS message. Vicious “smear” campaign against Chief of Mission and American Embassy, now 10 days old in left-wing press, gives signs of abating only as more sensational events crowd story off front page. Groundless accusations of subversion stemming from old Blitz articles now compounded with stories smuggled arms Sumatra, Sulawesi. All believe here, as does GOI, that refutations would prolong polemics, revive issue which apparently headed for discard as speculation Sukarno assassination attempt preempts headlines and public discussion. Unfortunate fact is that these stories tend become bound up with speculation concerning causes anti-Sukarno plot, and apparently some part of public not unwilling believe US behind murder attempt. Harian Rakjat encourages this belief. Believe President Eisenhower congratulatory message to Sukarno, which received good news play, even in Communist press, helped considerably allay this suspicion many quarters, but current US public relations position, already reeling from Little Rock, Sputnik and Muttnik, not particularly enviable. Sukarno reportedly told family Sunday2 evening does not wish to have US involved in speculations origins assassination attempt, as feels it most unwise “insult US” and make another powerful enemy at moment of all out campaign against Netherlands here. Accordingly, public position Embassy, US in general, may not worsen much more, but this is cold comfort at moment.