Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Indonesia, Volume XVII

257. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Indonesia⁰

Washington, May 18, 1960, 6:12 p.m.

2006. Re The Hague’s 1460 to Department¹ being repeated Djakarta. During Puerto Rico visit Parsons had no discussion with Sukarno on Karel Doorman or related matters although soon after arrival he had opportunity tell Ambassador Moekarto that he had certain points of interest to make to Subandrio at convenient time. One such point was appropriateness of timely Indonesian reaffirmation non-use of force policy West Irian dispute. Moekarto subsequently told Parsons Subandrio would like have talk with him on plane enroute New York on 16th.

In resultant talk on 16th Parsons made four points covered Deptel 1975² repeated to The Hague 1639. In addition he referred to intimations he had seen that US had prior agreement with Dutch and supported Karel Doorman trip. He said these intimations totally unfounded and so far as he knew Dutch had given us no advance information of their intent dispatch vessel to Far East.

Subandrio’s reaction to four points was responsive and understanding, but he made no commitments. Actually it would have been surprising if Subandrio had done so because Parsons told him Chargé in Djakarta was making démarche to Government there and also Subandrio had indicated Karel Doorman one of subjects he wished to raise with Acting Secretary in Washington on 19th.³

Subandrio made it clear that he did not regard renewed request for public reaffirmation of non-use of force policy as indicative of US lack of faith in Indonesian promises. He said he quite understood value of such reaffirmation in connection with forthcoming US efforts with Dutch. Surprisingly he did not mention his remarks in Cuba of which Parsons then had no knowledge. In course of discussion he did indicate puzzlement and concern over Dutch motivation in sending ship at time when it bound to cause sharp repercussions in Indonesia. If it was Dutch intention provoke incident and force showdown, Indonesia of course would be ready. He hoped this would not be case and Parsons assured him that he did not think Dutch had any such intention.

Dillon

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 798.11/5–1460. Confidential. Drafted and approved by Parsons. Repeated to The Hague.

1. In telegram 1460, May 14, Young suggested that Parsons should use the greatest caution in his talks with Sukarno in Puerto Rico, and that Jones should exercise the same caution in his talks with the Indonesian President in San Francisco. (Ibid.) See Supplement.

   In an April 25 memorandum to the President Herter noted that Sukarno planned to make informal stopovers in Puerto Rico (May 14–16) and San Francisco (May 22–23) as part of his worldwide tour. He recommended that Eisenhower designate a personal representative to greet Sukarno in Puerto Rico and deliver a personal letter from Eisenhower welcoming Sukarno to the United States. Eisenhower approved Herter’s recommendation and designated Assistant Secretary Parsons to greet Sukarno in Puerto Rico on May 14. He also approved, with minor changes, a draft letter to the Indonesian President, which Parsons delivered on May 14. (Department of State, Central Files, 798.11/4–2560) See Supplement.

2. Document 254.
3. Indonesian Foreign Minister Subandrio was scheduled to meet with Acting Secretary Dillon in Washington on May 19.