76. Editorial Note
On May 1 at the 364th meeting of the National Security Council, Allen Dulles discussed Indonesian developments during his intelligence briefing:
“Turning to the situation in Indonesia, Mr. Dulles pointed out that dissident forces based on Menado had staged an amphibious operation and seized Morotai, situated in Helmahera Island and one of the best airfields in Indonesia. From the base at Menado the dissidents have staged a successful series of air strikes—almost too effective in certain instances, since they had resulted in the sinking of a British and of a Panamanian freighter. These raids were still run on a shoestring basis with a few P–51S and B–26s.
“Meanwhile, on Sumatra dissident resistance has now been reduced to guerrilla operations. The dissident leaders have stayed behind in the Sumatran hills.
“The Indonesian Army has given some indications, through various channels, that it would like to acquire U.S. weapons and then turn against the Communists. While such reports must be treated with reserve, there is still some hope that the regular Indonesian Army might turn against the Communists. The President commented that it would be a great success if the dissidents could seize Macassar.” (Memorandum of discussion by Gleason, May 2; Eisenhower Library, Whitman Library, NSC Records)