188. Editorial Note
On March 19 British Prime Minister Macmillan and Foreign Minister Lloyd arrived in the United States for a series of consultations with U.S. officials on matters of mutual concern. During one of these meetings, held at Camp David on March 22, Indonesia was discussed:
“The President asked Mr. Allen Dulles for a report on the situation in Indonesia. Mr. Dulles said that Sukarno has moved somewhat away from dependence upon the Soviets. He is moving back toward the old constitution. Their economic situation is bad, and they have been unable to put down the rebels in Sumatra and the Celebes. He commented that the rebels include many of the finest men in the leadership ranks in Indonesia. Exports of rubber and tin remain disturbed by the continuing rebellion. He thought there was advantage in trying to bring both sides together, and suggested that the British might be in better position than we are to attempt to do so. Mr. Lloyd said he understood the United States is providing some arms to the Indonesians. The UK is doing the same, he said. This creates a most difficult situation with the Dutch who recognize but are not persuaded by our argument that if we do not provide these arms the Indonesians will turn to the Soviets. Sir Frederick Hover Millar commented on one new factor in the situation—the Australians said, about two months ago, that they would accept any solution relating to New Guinea that was agreed upon by the Dutch and the Indonesians.” (Memorandum of conversation by Goodpaster, March 28; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Eisenhower Diaries)
Millar was the Permanent Under Secretary in the British Foreign Office, [text not declassified]