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

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

Djakarta, December 21, 1957—noon.

1722. After lapse 4 days since requesting interview, Djuanda yesterday suddenly found he had some spare time and sent for Mein who was in Third Deputy Premier Leimena’s office in same building as Prime Minister. Following is substance of most important points made by Djuanda in this talk.

Prime Minister said Sukarno “very sick man” on verge of nervous breakdown. He said that although Sukarno may give impression of being well he is in fact tired and those who have known him longer notice change in his condition. President often forgets his thoughts in middle of sentence and repeats himself in conversations. Government has therefore agreed that he should take vacation, traveling unofficially and incognito to undisclosed country. President expected be away at least 3 or 4 weeks and perhaps longer, depending on his health.² This is also confirmed by Leimena in separate conversation.

Djuanda said he also hopeful that by absenting himself from country President will be able to view Indonesian situation from distance and therefore in different perspective. He said Hatta more reasonable following his trip abroad since was able see Indonesia in different perspective while away.

Djuanda still hopeful Sukarno–Hatta collaboration. He said personal relations between two men are good now, with frequent meetings, and that at least one more would take place before President leaves. PM thinks nine-power Parliamentary committee on this problem did more harm than good, making bringing together of two men more difficult.

PM gave impression of harassed, overworked man. His failure see Mein earlier may well have been lack of time since he took initiative in arranging for meeting yesterday.

Allison

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/12–2157. Secret. Repeated to The Hague, Canberra, Singapore, and Bangkok.
2. Telegram 1702 from Djakarta, December 20, reported that Allison had that morning attended a ceremony in which Chairman of Parliament Sartono was sworn in as Acting President. (Ibid., 756D.11/12–2057)