104. Memorandum From the Chief of Naval Operations (Burke) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson)0
SUBJECT
- Indonesia
- 1.
- Following is a quotation of a message received from Admiral Stump this date.
“There follows report of my first conversations with Indonesian Delegation and some random impressions: Immediately after arriving Lenqe Baguio, Subroto and Sukendro made it known they wanted to have private interview to which I agreed and saw them for 2 hours Sunday afternoon with their interpreter Sunario who speaks excellent English.1 I am keeping memoranda of conversations for later dispatch and will only pass highlights now.
- 1.
- It seems quite obvious that Sukendro is the spokesman and gives impression of sincerity and friendliness.
- 2.
- Subroto nodded assent to all that was said but took very little part in the interview.
- 3.
- Sunario although allegedly interpreter is bright mop [and?] glib and does not hesitate to throw in his own opinions and ideas.
- 4.
- There is no doubt that they have come to this demonstration to talk and have already indicated to some of my staff that they want to discuss matters further.
- 5.
- On the situation in Indonesia Sukendro says that they want to draw closer to the United States, and take steps to rid government of commies and isolate Sukarno from leftist advisers. They stress this will take time and imply that we must have patience in bringing this about for to be precipitous would invite failure. Their plan involves using Sukarno but controlling him.
- 6.
- They emphasize that everything depends upon an early cessation of rebel activities.
- 7.
- They indicate that a few of dissident leaders could be forgiven but feel very bitter toward Lubis. They refer to Sjafrudden as patriot.
Comment: Their presentation thus far could equally be explained as genuine attempt at reproachment with us or as clever device to affect [Page 189] dissident operations. I and my staff will try to assess this more accurately as time goes on. Sukendro has asked for special arrangement to go to Manila today which may mean he wants to send out some messages through his embassy. I would appreciate being kept informed of anything from Djakarta or Washington that would assist my discussions with these men this week. Signed Adm Stump.”
- 2.
- I think this meeting between Adm Stump and representatives of Indonesia attending the Weapons Demonstration will provide Adm Stump with an excellent opportunity to judge the future trend in Indonesian affairs. I also think it important that we give Adm Stump every bit of counsel possible in order that he can make the most of the opportunity to talk with these people and to elicit from them information which will help us plan our future actions vis-à-vis Indonesia.
- 3.
- I concur with the views expressed by Adm Stump above. I would appreciate your reactions. We stand ready to assist in any manner possible.