335. Letter From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Irwin) to the Secretary of State1
Dear Mr. Secretary: The Department of Defense has been increasingly concerned in recent months by political developments in Indonesia and with the probable effectiveness of U.S. policy and action to forestall or cope with the rising influence of Communism in that country. In time of crisis in Java, it is probable that Indonesian military forces, particularly the Army, will be a decisive factor. Although it is known that the Communist apparatus has infiltrated the Indonesian Air Force and Army to some degree, the latter continues to be the principal stabilizing force within the nation and the element which has the most promising capability of maintaining a national orientation favorable to the West.
In the event moderate elements gain ascendancy, have the support of the military, and indicate their opposition to Communism and the present radical actions, active and quick U.S. support could be a major factor in solidifying their control.
In order to be able to act quickly, all preparatory actions should be completed as soon as possible so that the Department of Defense will be able to implement without delay a policy decision to provide aid. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have provided a recommended token military aid program for Indonesia. Attached is an equipment list2 covering items of a total value of $6,757,592, exclusive of packing and delivering costs.
Since the United States has no Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement with Indonesia, that country is not eligible to receive grant aid under the military assistance program except by resort to emergency measures. Accordingly, it is recommended that the Secretary of State initiate action requesting the President, pursuant to Section 401(a) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended, to make the necessary determination so that token military assistance may be provided to Indonesia during the current fiscal year (1958) from funds made available under Section 103 of the Act, in the amount of approximately $7 million (includes PCH&T).
It is recognized that Indonesia is eligible to purchase military equipment under Section 106 of the Act. However, Indonesia may not in this time of crisis have the capacity to pay, nor is there time to work out the special administrative arrangements which are characteristic of transactions under the authority of Section 106. In any [Page 567] case, it is believed the only procedure which could suit the urgency of the situation, if it were necessary to act quickly, is that available under Section 401(a).
The Department of Defense further recommends that notice of determination be given to appropriate Committees of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate pursuant to Section 513 of the Act, as amended.3
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/12–2657. Top Secret.↩
- Not printed.↩
The Department’s reply was sent in a letter of January 27, 1958, from Robertson to Irwin, which reads in part as follows:
“I agree that the U.S. should be prepared to extend quickly to Indonesia military assistance should it be decided to do so, and that we should continue contingency planning for such a course of action. I feel, however, that it would be premature to seek a 401(a) determination at this time. Such action will, of course, be kept under continuing consideration, and, should we decide to proceed with token aid, could be undertaken if it appeared necessary in the light of the Indonesian response to notification of U.S. preparedness to make arms available and the internal political situation at that time. In any event, the Department of State would wish to be certain that any arms made available by the United States would not be used in support of Indonesian claims to West New Guinea.” (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/12–2657)
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