323. Telegram From the Commander in Chief, Pacific (Stump), to the Chief of Naval Operations (Burke)1
Honolulu, December 12,
1957—6:33 p.m.
130433Z… . For example if the reins of government were turned over by Sukarno to some one else. This might occur if Sukarno’s health broke down, if he elected to take a trip while things cooled off, or if he were forced to leave. Under such circumstances, the US should move quickly and boldly to capitalize on the situation. A démarche could be made to the new leaders stating in unmistakable terms:
- a.
- A communist government in Indonesia would in fact negate the independence of Indonesia and newly won freedom from colonial exploitation.
- b.
- The US will use all necessary means to prevent the establishment of a communist government in Indonesia and to overthrow such a government if one should temporarily get into power.
- c.
- The US insists on a strongly anti-communist government in Indonesia. The US will give maximum support to such a government.
- d.
- To prevent the seizure of power by the communists certain
steps are required. These include:
- 1.
- Elimination of communists from the government, the army and the police.
- 2.
- The communist party (PKI) should be outlawed.
- 3.
- The diplomatic cultural and commercial delegations from all communist countries should be declared persona non grata and given their walking papers.
- e.
- When the steps in para d above are taken the US will be prepared to conclude military and economic aid agreements with Indonesia and to render such additional support feasible to restore the economic viability of Indonesia in the free world.
- Source: Department of Defense Files. Top Secret; Routine; Limited Distribution.↩