Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIII, Southeast Asia

295. Letter From President Kennedy to President Sukarno⁰

Washington, November 2, 1962.

Dear Mr. President: I have recently had a long talk with Ambassador Jones, in the course of which he told me of your invitation for me to visit Indonesia. Having heard so much of your country from my brother, Bobby, and from many others who have visited or lived there, I want very much to visit Indonesia.

Although I cannot accept your kind invitation at this time, I have not given up hope of eventually visiting your country when my duties permit. In the meantime, you have my warmest thanks for your invitation.

I am encouraged by the course of developments in Cuba since my letter to you on October 22,¹ although, of course, much still remains to be done before we can consider the episode closed. In this connection, I am aware of the restraint exercised by your government throughout the Cuban crisis. It unquestionably contributed to the atmosphere which made a peaceful settlement attainable. Let us hope that we can now turn the perilous events of the past weeks into a real advance toward the free and peaceful society for which we both strive.

From all reports, the transfer of administration in West Irian is proceeding smoothly within the terms of the August 15 agreement. It took mature and imaginative statesmanship both on the part of your Government and that of the Netherlands in reaching agreement for the peaceful settlement of this longstanding dispute, and I am glad to see a conciliatory atmosphere at the start of its implementation. As you know, I have instructed United States authorities to cooperate closely with the United Nations in providing logistic support for the United Nations Temporary Executive Authority in West Irian.

As you know, Secretary Rusk and Assistant Secretary Harriman discussed economic problems briefly with Foreign Minister Subandrio in New York in September,² and conversations between other Indonesian and American officials are continuing. I am sure that from these and other contacts an effective program will emerge.

You certainly face a challenging and exciting task in this great endeavor. There was a time, of course, when economic matters appeared less dramatic to many than political affairs, but this is certainly not true today. I can think of few better measures of the greatness of a nation and its leaders than their success in developing its resources for the benefit of all its citizens. I know that Indonesia, under your leadership, is well embarked on this adventure.

I was delighted to hear from Sargent Shriver of your long talk with him last month and the enthusiastic reception you gave him.³ I understand that preparations for establishment of a Peace Corps program are well under way. I am convinced both that the Peace Corps can make a real contribution to the continued development of Indonesia and that my country, in turn, will be much the richer from the knowledge of Indonesian life and culture which returning Peace Corps volunteers will bring. They will also be able to learn much in the way of new, practical techniques from your people.

Aside from the matter of economic development, there are a number of other major issues in which our two countries share a deep interest. The various forces shaping events in Southeast Asia, for example, have long been a source of considerable preoccupation to both of us. In this particular field, it seems to me that it would be most useful if those officials of our two countries who are most directly concerned with Southeast Asia could periodically exchange views on the general problems of the region and our mutual interests there. If this idea appeals to you, you might wish to discuss it with Ambassador Jones.

I am asking Ambassador Jones to carry this letter to you on his return to Djakarta,⁴ and to give you the warm personal regards of myself and my family.

Sincerely,⁵

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Indonesia, Vol. III, 11 /62–12/62. No classification marking. Drafted by Forrestal and Bell at the instruction of the President after his meeting with Jones; see Document 293. Komer had hoped that President Kennedy would decide that the salutation to this letter should be “Dear Bung Karno,” the familiar term used by Sukarno’s friends and associates in Indonesia, but the decision was left to the President. (Memorandum from Forrestal to Kaysen, October 22; Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Indonesia, Vol. III, 11/62–12/62)
1. Not printed. (Department of State, Presidential Correspondence, Lot 66 D 204)
2. See footnote 1, Document 291.
3. A memorandum of the Shriver—Sukarno discussion has not been found.
4. The letter was sent to the Department of State for telegraphic transmission to Djakarta.
5. Printed from an unsigned copy.