106. Letter From President Nixon to Indonesian President Suharto, Washington, February 1, 1974.1 2

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

His Excellency
Gen. Suharto
President of Indonesia
Jakarta

February 1, 1974

Dear Mr. President:

Our joint concern with regional security in a framework of world peace causes me to write to you on a subject of growing importance to all nations. The continuing success of your efforts to develop Indonesia’s economy, an interest which I share with you, depends in part on the maintenance of regional security and expanding world trade. We share an interest, therefore, in efforts to reach international accord on questions affecting these concerns.

As you know, the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the sea will begin its substantive session this summer. Both our countries have a strong interest in a successful Conference which satisfactorily resolves outstanding issues in a way enabling all states to become parties to the resulting treaty.

One of these items is the “archipelago principle” advanced by your country. I understand the economic and political interests which underlie Indonesian advocacy of this concept aid understand your nation’s strong interest in securing its recognition. On the other hand, I am equally sure you will under stand that my country, as well as other members of the international community, have a strong interest in the protection of navigation rights and the maintenance of high seas freedoms that are so essential for the protection of the security interests of all nations. Consequently, the way the archipelago question is resolved is of great concern to all of us.

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I believe a satisfactory accommodation of all our interests is highly desirable for our two countries as well as for the international community. An appropriate formula should be sought which adequately accommodates navigation and overflight rights along with the interests of archipelago states. Such an accommodation could serve as the basis for agreement among all concerned states and would be a positive step, contributing to the resolution of other complex issues. Moreover, I believe that such an accommodation could enhance our two countries’ mutual security.

Because of our mutual interest in an appropriate resolution of this issue, I would be pleased to send a small delegation to visit Jakarta to explore with your representatives ways in which this issue might be resolved as soon as possible to our mutual satisfaction. If this proposal is agreeable to you, the U.S. delegation would be prepared to meet with your representatives at the earliest convenient date.

With warm regards.

Sincerely,
[signed] Richard Nixon

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 755, Presidential Correspondence, Indonesia, Suharto [1970–1974]. Secret. Kissinger sent this letter to Nixon under a covering memorandum, January 28, recommending that he sign the letter as proposed by Deputy Secretary Rush. (Ibid.) For Rush’s recommendation, see Document 103.
  2. Nixon offered to send a delegation to Jakarta to discuss the Law of the Sea.