Office of the Historian

184. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, October 19, 19561

Washington, October 19, 1956

SUBJECT

  • New Guinea Resolution in UNGA

PARTICIPANTS

  • The Under Secretary
  • NEA—Mr. Rountree, Assistant Secretary
  • FE—Mr. Sebald, Deputy Assistant Secretary
  • Sir Percy Spender, Ambassador of Australia
  • Mr. F.J. Blakeney, Counselor, Embassy of Australia

Ambassador Spender said that with the admission of new members to the UN, the problem of New Guinea is likely to arrive at a critical stage. He briefly reviewed the origin of this problem arising out of the Indonesian-Dutch agreement and stated that its eventual solution is of the utmost importance to Australia.

[Page 314]

Sir Percy said that the Australian Government and especially Mr. Casey have been working very hard to improve relations with Indonesia. Mr. Casey’s efforts have even been criticized in Australia. An effort has been made by his Government to isolate the New Guinea problem from its general relations with Indonesia. On the other hand, in the interim, Indonesian-Dutch relations have greatly worsened.

Sir Percy said there is some feeling on the part of the Indonesians that the Australian views concerning New Guinea have weakened, and in fact Indonesian representatives do what they can to spread this impression. He said that Australia’s position has not weakened in the slightest, as it considers the New Guinea problem of the utmost importance to its security. Sir Percy reiterated the Australian position to the effect that the UN is not the place to solve this problem which should probably be taken to the ICJ. The Australian appreciation is that West New Guinea (1) should be for the people of the area and (2) should not go to Indonesia in any event. It is the hope of his Government that the debate in the General Assembly can be kept within reasonable bounds. In this connection, his Government hopes, while understanding the U.S. desire to be neutral in this problem, to have U.S. support in the event that the vote on the resolution should become close. He especially had reference to U.S influence with some of the Latin American countries, and suggested that a few words at the proper time would be helpful.

Sir Percy said that as he is return to Australia shortly he would like to take back some “good words” for Prime Minister Menzies and Mr. Casey, to the effect that the United States would be of assistance in this problem.

Mr. Hoover replied that in view of our neutral policy in this instance, we could not do that, but as Sir Percy knows, he is a great admirer of both Mr. Menzies and Mr. Casey.

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/10–1956. Confidential. Drafted by Sebald. Hoover’s initials appear on the source text, indicating his approval.↩