In conversation with Dr. Oesman Sastroamijoyo, who is acting Chief
of the Diplomatic and Consular Section of Indonesian Foreign
Office and specially attached to Sjahrir, it appeared that the
Indonesians would welcome an opportunity to send a small party of
officials on an informal visit to Australia. informality stressed
by Oesman and he requests there should be no advance publicity. He
has discussed with Sjahrir who approves of the project. Oesman is
very well known to Ballard and is one of his best contacts and a
very intelligent and cultured man, educated in Europe. He would be
the leader and would propose to take with him two other officials
Dr. Saroso of the Foreign Trade Branch of the Republic Department
of Economic Affairs, and Mr. Halim, Vice Commodore of the
Indonesian Air Force. Halim's visit would be confined to civil
aviation enquiries.

2. Oesman asks whether the party could travel to Australia by the
Manoora, embarking at Cheribon on Friday, hence the urgency of
this message. Would need reply by Wednesday evening to prepare and
reach Cheribon. Oesman wishes the party to go the whole way to
Sydney by the Manoora as this would give me time to meet him
there, since my Lancastrian Singapore-Sydney is for 27th May. By
that time also shipping and repair problems, at present under
discussion here, should be settled.

3. The whole matter has been discussed without commitment and
Oesman agrees refusal would not be taken as an affront. I strongly
recommend the proposal which, without implying any official
representation, would give an opportunity for valuable contacts.

Matters such as your telegram 100 [1] and possibility Australian
advisers coming to assist the Republic in technical matters could
be discussed informally with appropriate Australia officials;

also, repair questions, etc. Ballard fully concurs.

4. Oesman suggested expenses in Australia be met by External
Affairs Department and repayment made here in guilders to the
account of the Consul-General.

5. Glad of most urgent reply. If favourable please instruct
Manoora accordingly. [2]