Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Indonesia, Volume XVII

254. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Indonesia⁰

Washington, May 14, 1960, 3:54 p.m.

1975. Deptel 1976.¹ Dept believes mounting Dutch-Indonesian tension over projected Karel Doorman cruise and augmentation Dutch armed forces West New Guinea could lead to developments prejudicial to U.S. interests and policies in area. We concerned particularly that (1) as result some incautious act by either party Dutch-Indonesian armed incident might occur and (2) continuation existing tension may further stimulate Indonesian domestic political developments inimical to our objectives in Indonesia.

In view foregoing and in view our overall desire keep West New Guinea dispute quiet in interest our relations with both Netherlands and Indonesia, we propose try moderate Dutch and Indonesian attitudes and actions in present situation. To this end you instructed seek earliest possible appointment with Acting FonMin Leimena and tell him following:

1. In response his informal plea to you and Indo Embassy Washington approach to Dept U.S. prepared discuss with Dutch implications of Doorman cruise and reinforcement West New Guinea defenses. Begin FYI. You should make sure Leimena understands that U.S. deems it impracticable seek cancellation these Dutch actions and therefore will not attempt persuade Dutch to cancel them. As set forth below we will seek Dutch steps short of cancellation to minimize unfavorable impact. End FYI.

2. We believe likelihood our conversations with Dutch having useful results would be greatly enhanced were GOI now to restate publicly and formally its existing policy of not resorting to force to resolve the West New Guinea dispute. We strongly hope GOI will find it feasible promptly to issue such policy restatement.

3. We would also hope GOI will take all feasible steps to moderate Indonesian official and public reaction to projected Dutch actions, with a view especially to preventing recurrence acts such as vandalism at Dutch Embassy Djakarta, which can only serve inflame issue and reduce Dutch receptiveness to our suggestions re calming current furor.

4. It is our continued understanding, concerning which we would appreciate renewed GOI assurances, that military equipment obtained by Indonesia from U.S. will be used for internal security and legitimate self defense only, not in any attempt resolve West New Guinea dispute by force.

Report niact results your conversation with Leimena.²

Henderson

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 790.5856/5–1460. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Moore and approved by Steeves. Repeated to The Hague, Canberra, CINCPAC for POLAD, London, and Paris for Herter. Secretary of State Herter was in Paris for the Heads of Government and Chiefs of State meeting May 15–19.
1. Printed as telegram 1640 to The Hague, Document 255.
2. Henderson met with Leimena at his home on May 15 and outlined the four points contained in this telegram. He reported on this meeting in telegram 3251 from Djakarta, May 15. (Department of State, Central Files, 790.5856/5–1560) See Supplement.