196. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations0
887. Following is summary uncleared memcon Secretary meeting with Subandrio, Oct 11.1
Subandrio made following points:
- 1.
- Trend of opinion in the Netherlands moving toward accommodation with Indonesia.
- 2.
- While Dutch proposal to be commended as step forward ending colonialism it did nothing to solve problems of Indonesian-Dutch relations and was in fact a device to deny Indonesian’s claim to WNG.
- 3.
- Indonesians believe Dutch not prepared to relinquish sovereignty WNG until some form of self-determination carried out.
- 4.
- The real reason why it is impossible to reach “accommodation” between Indonesia and the Netherlands is because of intransigent attitude of Dutch Foreign Minister Luns who is determined that WNG will not go to Indonesia.
Secretary made following points:
- 1.
- Dutch initiative in no way joint U.S.-Dutch proposal.
- 2.
- It is our understanding that Dutch offer would result in transfer of sovereignty to UN as soon as Dutch constitutional processes satisfied.
- 3.
- The Indonesians should not appear to be fearful of self-determination—by so doing they might arouse certain doubts.
- 4.
- They would be in a stronger position if they were to appear confident that self-determination would achieve result satisfactory to Indonesia.
- 5.
- Indonesia should try to advance the Indonesian position on the basis of Dutch offer to relinquish control of WNG. Relinquishment of control is first of two chapters and an important step forward. Second chapter is question of disposition of WNG.
- 6.
- Indonesians would strengthen their position if, on the basis of Dutch offer to relinquish control, they would suggest resumption of diplomatic relations.
- 7.
- Such positive attitude would also help trend of opinion in Holland.
- 8.
- Any building up of firm antagonistic public position would make improvement in Dutch-Indonesian relations even more difficult.
At several times during meeting Minister expressed preference for accommodation with Dutch privately rather than public confrontation at UN. Minister stressed Indonesians in no hurry for solution and avoided strong language which reportedly characterized his statement in New York yesterday. He seemed impressed and even somewhat discomforted as Secretary made his presentation. Secretary was persuasive but firm in indicating Foreign Minister should take advantage Dutch offer rather than refuse participate debate. When Minister cited objections to his suggestion that Indonesians consider re-establishment diplomatic relations with Dutch, Secretary said many more unpalatable suggestions regularly made to U.S. concerning conduct of its foreign affairs including recent mission to suggest we get together for talks with [Page 440] Soviet Union with which we have diplomatic relations and representatives of which we see on daily basis.