856D.00R/3–2751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Secretary of State
1315. In its Ecato 1431 dated Mar 21 Djakarta ECA indicated submission STEM budget for Indo wld take place around Apr 5. With present Cabinet crisis and prospect for altered govt and revision budget, am convinced implementation any ECA aid program will be further complicated and delayed.
Dept and ECA fully informed as to my recommendations for reduced program for 1951 and for sharply curtailed or even eliminated program for 1952. Fall of Natsir connected in no manner with question of US aid. Selection Cabinet former and constitution of govt will not be contingent upon or related to prospective US aid. Believe therefore that present interlude offer ideal time for announcement revised ECA program which cld not be interpreted as aimed against any particular govt this country. Natsir Govt is only caretaker. Altho quite possible some time may be required select and install new govt, recommend [Page 630] US announcement be made earliest practicable date. Thus, it wld not appear reflect on choice cabinet.
- Not printed.↩