Office of the Historian

283. Memorandum From Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)0

Washington, August 1, 1962.

McGB:

Here is a copy of the “Preliminary Understanding” between Indonesia and The Netherlands.1 Salient points are:

(a)
As soon as UNGA Resolution passed, Dutch will transfer administration to UN Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA).
(b)
It will have discretion to start transferring administration to Indos any time after 1 May 1963.
(c)
Indo forces in WNG will be at disposal of UNTEA.
(d)
UNTEA may use Dutch and Indo officials.
(e)
One year before “self-determination”, which must be no later than 1969, UNSYG will appoint a representative and staff to advise and assist in relevant arrangements.
(f)
Indo flag can be hoisted beside UN flag beginning 1 January 1963.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed but if Sukarno comes through, as seems likely from his response when Jones delivered President’s letter, we seem to be over the hump. Further problems will inevitably come up but I foresee none comparable to present crisis.

Once Sukarno’s approval comes through, I think the President might call Bunker, whose performance has been outstanding. Jim Bell, his principal back-up in Department (and my chief pressure point), also deserves a hand. I’ll have suggestions later.

Bob Komer
  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, West New Guinea, 8/1/62–8/6/62. Secret. A copy was sent to Robert Kennedy. A note on the source text indicates the memorandum was part of the President’s weekend reading, August 8.↩
  2. Attached but not printed. The final agreements, signed at U.N. Headquarters on August 15, are printed in American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1962, pp. 1121–1129.↩