Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Southeast Asia, Volume XXII

178. Telegram From the Embassy in Indonesia to the Department of State¹

Djakarta, September 11, 1956—4 p.m.

667. Mytel 355.² During call on Prime Minister this morning for maintenance contact Ali on own initiative said he had recently held meeting with Chiefs of Staff as result of which Colonel Hidajat, Secretary General of Ministry of Defense, had been appointed to compile consolidated list of Indonesian military requirements which they wished obtain from US. He said definite decision had been reached that especially Indonesian Army equipment had to be modernized and standardized and that US should be looked to as source of supply because of our technical proficiency and also of “trust in US motive”. Ali mentioned in this connection very favorable impression made upon him by Indonesian Army officers trained in US who had absorbed American standard of professional competency and attitude towards relationships between civil and military authorities. (Comment: This is another example of the importance to attainment our objectives in Indonesia of US training of Indo Army, Navy and police officers.)

Ali said assurances required by our legislation (Deptel 15)³ posed no difficulties on Indonesian side.

He specifically asked (a) that I inform my government of the foregoing, (b) that some Embassy officer—he suggested one of service attachés—be authorized establish contact with Colonel Hidajat of [for?] “technical explorations” and (c) that I be authorized discuss with him or Foreign Minister broad questions of government-government arrangements. With reference to (c) he thought that this stage would not be reached until technical explorations had been completed.

I reminded Prime Minister of our previous conversation (mytel 539⁴) in which I had specified that any conversations which took place could at this time involve no commitments on either side and he said he thoroughly understood this point which was agreeable to him but that he wished to get ahead as quickly as possible.

Ali said that he had heard of Japanese manufacture American type equipment but did not wish to explore before consultation with US. Having in mind Department CA–3483, November 2, 1955,⁵ I said that I would look into this matter and let him know.

Instructions requested.

Cumming

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/9–1156. Secret; Limited Distribution.
2. Document 168.
3. Document 164.
4. In telegram 539 from Djakarta, August 22, Cumming reported that in all his previous conversations on the subject, he had specifically emphasized that no commitments on either side were implied. (Department of State, Central Files, 756D.5–MSP/8–2256)
5. Airgram CA–3483 reported that the Japanese Government had requested U.S. support for a Japanese mission to several countries in Southeast Asia to study the possibilities for the sale of Japanese arms and ammunition in that area. (Ibid., 490.948/11–255)