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

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

Djakarta, February 8, 1955—3 p.m.

1305. Deptel 990.² Understand that early December Australian, Indian and Pakistan representatives informally approached Indo Foreign Office re desirability take steps frustrate dangers inherent in inciting anti-Dutch feeling over Irian question. British Chargé made a similar approach but in indirect language and very informally. Australian approach made under direct instructions from Canberra after Chargé here expressed view that he saw no immediate threat and did not anticipate any outbreak at that time.

In conversation with Prime Minister (paragraph C 1 mytel 919³) I indirectly touched on same point.

Have also learned that during end of November or early December Dutch acting High Commissioner here telegraphed very moderate estimate of situation to The Hague and was considerably upset when The Hague distorted his report into a picture of imminent danger to Dutch nationals. This connection see paragraph number 4, mytel 1150, April 7, 1954, repeated The Hague as 37.⁴ In conversation last week Dutch High Commissioner repeated same observation.

Referring to last paragraph of memorandum December 30 conversation between Ambassador Van Roijen and Assistant Secretary Robertson⁵ I can think of no better way to reduce such little influence as I possess with Indo Government and lessen possibility attainment our objectives Indonesia than even in the most informal and personal way to try to dissuade present or any other Indo Government from letting up on their admittedly unreasonable and emotional attacks on Dutch business here. As I have several times pointed out to the Department our own not inconsiderable investments in Indonesia are getting along not too badly and their continued protection and advancement which in no way harm Dutch interests are in large measure dependent upon the degree to which American investments are separated from Dutch investments in the Indo mind.⁶

Cumming

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 656.56D13/2–855. Secret. Repeated to The Hague.
2. Telegram 990 to Djakarta, January 19, referred to a conversation of December 30, 1954, between Assistant Secretary of State Robertson and the Netherlands Ambassador to the United States, J.H. van Roijen, during which the latter expressed the hope that the United States would indicate to Indonesian officials its concern over the dangers inherent in Indonesian incitement of anti-Dutch feeling. Telegram 990 instructed the Embassy to report any diplomatic approaches paralleling or supporting the Dutch representations. (Ibid., 656.56D13/1–1955)
3. Dated December 15, 1954, not printed.
4. Telegram 1150 reported a conversation with the Netherlands High Commissioner in Indonesia, W.F.L. Bylandt. Paragraph 4 reported that Bylandt had told Cumming that the Dutch Foreign Office tended to take a more pessimistic view of Indonesia than he did. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.00/4–7654)
5. See footnote 2.
6. Telegram 1198 to Djakarta, February 21, reported that the Department agreed that representations on the basis of mere allegations of Dutch danger were undesirable, but instructed the Embassy to report any further approaches to the Indonesian Government. (Department of State, Central Files, 656.56D13/2–855)