Djakarta Embassy File: Lot 55 F 17, Box 31
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Director, Office of Philippine and Southeast Asian Affairs (Lacy)
eyes only
Dear Bill: Reference is made to my cablegram No. 442, dated September 18,1 in which I reported that I had talked frankly with General Sukanto, Chief of the Indonesian National Police, along the lines indicated in the Department’s cablegram No. 317. I recalled to him [Page 704] certain disappointments and difficulties experienced with trainee groups which the Indonesian police had sent to the United States in the past. I took strong exception to the Indonesian idea that such trainees were being unduly restricted. I stressed the seriousness of the situation in the United States, with our Government concentrating on problems pertinent to the defense of our country and to cooperation with our allies. I said that if the Indonesian Government desired to take advantage of the expert and costly training which we have to date seen fit to grant, the Indonesian Government should assume the responsibility for selecting first-class candidates, with demonstrated ability, sufficiently serious-minded to devote full attention to the technical courses which are to be given them, and with a minimum of thought to extra-curricular activities. I said that we did hope that all trainees in the past had acquired happy impressions of the United States, and in the natural course of their training had benefited from contact with our people. It was certainly not our thought to be unduly severe, but we could not countenance further petty complaints on the part of trainees, or cater to whims or extravagant ideas.
On the other hand, I recalled to General Sukanto that it had been my good fortune to be with the Republic in Jogjakarta in 1948 when plans were being formulated for equipping and training the mobile constabulary of the Government of Indonesia-to-be. It had been a pleasure for me thenceforth to cooperate with Vice President Hatta and General Sukanto toward the end of procuring equipment as well as expert training. I felt that we had made the proper choice in supporting the mobile constabulary. I was willing to recommend further training, provided the Indonesian Government genuinely desired it and General Sukanto would meet our terms with respect to character and mental attitude of trainees, and would be quite specific in setting forth the type of training actually sought. I requested General Sukanto particularly to expand that part of his letter of August 15, covered by Point d.2
I have now received from General Sukanto a letter dated September 24, whereof two copies are attached,3 in which more detailed information is provided, with respect to both paragraphs c and d of the original communication of August 15.4 It will be noted further that [Page 705] General Sukanto intimates that effort will be made to utilize trainees who have had the benefit of instruction in the United States for teaching more Indonesians upon their return to this country. Additionally, General Sukanto hopes to be in a position to request the sending of foreign experts and advisors to Indonesia, once the question of salaries and allowances for such experts and advisors can be more favorably resolved by the Indonesian Government. General Sukanto indicated to me orally the acute needs currently for experts and advisors in radio, telegraphy, and coast surveillance in connection with illegal entry and exit of persons and things. General Sukanto will communicate with us further on this subject if and when he is able to offer attractive compensation and living arrangements.
While the cooperation we have obtained from the Indonesian officials, including the civil police, has not been as generous as we might have expected in the past, I am of the opinion that improved results can be anticipated in the future, as the Government and its various security agencies become better organized and surer of themselves. I have been gratified at the vigorous measures that have been taken recently by the Indonesian Government, and particularly its security forces, to apprehend dissident elements, most specially communist groups and leaders. I believe this is an appropriate time to give new encouragement to the Government of Indonesia, and know of no more concrete manner or medium than further extension of training courses for Indonesian civil police.
Faithfully yours,
- Not printed.↩
- See footnote 4, p. 701.↩
- Not printed; Police Chief Sukanto recommended that a certain percentage of the trainees get specialized training in criminalistics, and a certain percentage get a concentrated course in internal security and intelligence techniques. General Sukanto also proposed that the program continue so that those sent to the United States could train their colleagues after returning to Indonesia, and that foreign experts come to Indonesia to assist in the training of the National Police. (Djakarta Embassy File: Lot 55 F 17, Box 31)↩
- See footnotes 2 and 4, p. 701.↩