8. Editorial Note
On January 22 at the 352d meeting of the National Security Council, Allen Dulles briefly discussed Indonesian developments during his intelligence briefing:
“With regard to Indonesia, Mr. Dulles pointed out that the dissidents on the island of Sumatra have decided to postpone for the time being their plan to set up a rival government to the government at Djakarta. On the whole, we think that this was a wise decision.” (Memorandum of discussion by Gleason, January 23; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)
At a State–Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting on January 24, Indonesian developments were again considered. According to a memorandum of discussion, prepared by Richard Finn (Robert Murphy’s Special Assistant), the discussion was as follows:
“General Twining said that the Joint Chiefs are greatly concerned about Indonesia and wanted the views of the State Department. Mr. Murphy said that there has been some encouraging news involving Sumatra but that it is too early to predict with assurance what future developments will be.
[Page 15]“Admiral Burke wondered whether there might not be a blow-up in the next few days. Mr. Murphy replied that in his view it is too soon and that any blow-up would be more likely in February rather than in the next three or four days. Mr. Murphy commented, However, that in some respects the trend in Indonesia appears to be favorable from the U.S. point of view.”(Memorandum of Substance of Discussion at a State–Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting; Department of State, State–JCS Meetings: Lot 61 D 417)