Copy of N.S. Khrushchev's Notes to the CPSU CC Presidium about His Stay in Indonesia

Copy of N.S. KHRUSHCHEV'S notes

to the Presidium of the Central Committee

about his stay in Indonesia

20 February 1960

[page break]

[Handwritten: “Copy”]

TO MEMBERS OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE CPSU CENTRAL COMMITTEE

AND CANDIDATES OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

You know from the press about our visit to Indonesia, our meetings with the people, how we are being received here, and how the people are reacting. However, it is hard for the media to convey the warmth and hospitality of both the civilian and military personnel, as well as the President. 

So far, there have been no formal conversations or negotiations with the Indonesian state officials, except for a brief exchange of views with President Sukarno during a car ride. However, the President seems to be preparing the ground for negotiations as he occasionally asks questions that he apparently intends to bring up later.  He jokingly or half-jokingly says that he will ask such-and-such a question or will request this-and-that, and uses other similar expressions.

First of all, Sukarno says that he intends to bring up the topic of obtaining a loan for the development of heavy industry and hopes for our support. He did not specify what exactly he has in mind, but our previous conversation about iron ore and still production suggests that the Indonesians might request a loan to build a still mill. But, I repeat, there were no specific discussions about this. 

I asked the President about the percentage of iron in the ore in Indonesia. He said he could not provide me with an answer, but later in Bandung, he told me that he had received information that the iron content percentage is between 60-65%. According to his data, reserves of ore of such quality amount to 20-30 million tons. I said that these reserves are insufficient, but it is still possible to build a still mill based on these reserves.

Sukarno brought up the issue that the Indonesians would like to buy bombers from us but did not specify which ones exactly. I also did not inquire about which ones and how many. 

Cde. Skachkov said that the Indonesians had made repeated inquiries about purchasing Tu-16 bombers from us. I suggest that in case this question is raised by the President, we should listen to his request, inquire about the number of bombers he has in mind, and, if necessary, agree to the sale. The Tu-16 was mainly used for specific purposes, such as carrying missiles. We have discontinued its production, and it is not a big secret anymore. If we do not sell them, others will sell bombers of a similar type and our attitude towards Indonesia may be judged based on our position on this matter.

Sukarno mentioned Indonesia's interest in acquiring military ships from us, such as cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. He said Indonesian sailors were satisfied with the performance and combat qualities of our ships. However, the President complained that our ships are not suitable for tropical conditions and require the installation of air cooling systems. 

Sukarno suggested that the financing provided would not be sufficient to build a stadium. However, our experts, who spoke to me, confirmed that the financing was adequate and that construction was provided for both by us and by the Indonesian side. 

During our conversation, Sukarno mentioned that Indonesia has a shortage of textiles. There used to be a thriving textile industry here, but the Dutch hindered its growth. Sukarno identified an Indonesian island with ideal conditions for growing cotton and mentioned that he may seek our assistance with this matter. It seems likely that the Indonesians will bring up this issue. We will need to consider it. 

However, it was just a passing remark, and nothing specific can be said yet.

We believe it is reasonable, in order to strengthen our relationship, to listen to the requests of the Indonesians. However, at the moment, we should not commit ourselves to any specific amount or obligation. Instead, we should declare that we will gradually consider their requests in a friendly manner.

This is a brief overview. However, these are only hints, not negotiations. Negotiations will apparently take place on 27 February. 

Please discuss and inform me of your opinion.

N. Khrushchev

_____ February 1960

[page break] 

[Handwritten: “Copy”]

TO MEMBERS OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

We are currently in Bandung, having arrived by car from Bogor via a very picturesque mountain road. The trip is going well. 

Taking advantage of the plane flying to Moscow with the mail for you, I am sending you Indonesian fruits. Please try them as we enjoy eating them here.

President Sukarno spoke very highly of our fruits and grape juice. I believe it would be appropriate to send him some grapes and melons on the next plane from Tashkent, and various types of grape juice, mineral water (Narzan, Borjomi), and fruit-flavored water Sayany from Moscow on the same plane. 

I believe that this would have a positive impact, [illegible]. 

Warm wishes to you, dear friends, and all the best.

N. Khrushchev

20 February 1960