36. Memorandum From Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)1

McGB—

We’re slowly nursing Indo-Malaysian talks along (with Thai and Phil help), not because of any great optimism but in hopes something may turn up.2

Indos and Malays still growling at each other, but neither seems disposed yet to make a definite break. I’m fascinated that Indos, though continuing infiltration, seem more defensive and unsure of selves.

Talk now is about Lopez formula: (a) disengagement, i.e. gradual withdrawal; (b) simultaneous renewal political discussions; (c) agreement in principle to Summit after Malaysia 25 April elections. Indos boggling at withdrawal w/o clear understanding Malays will talk; Malays adamant against talking w/o substantial Indo withdrawals.

I’m urging State find quiet ways to clue Indos we’re getting fed up, as just about last lever we have on Sukarno (it ain’t much). Somehow we haven’t gotten through to the Bung that he can no longer count on us. But as long as this pot just simmers, let’s not stir it up.

RWK
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Malaysia, Vol. I, Memos, 11/63–3/64. Secret.
  2. Reports of the Maphilindo Ministerial meeting and on the respective attitudes of the leaders of the governments participating are in telegrams 1496 from Bangkok, March 6; 795 from Kuala Lumpur, March 6; and 1855 from Djakarta, March 7. (All National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 3 MAPHILINDO)