The Gilchrist Document

AROUND 10 am, May 27, 1965, President Sukarno abruptly summoned Army Commander Achmad Yani and several other generals to Merdeka Palace. Also present was Subandrio, who was then Head of the Central Intelligence Body. "Does your military force still have personnel who maintain ties with Britain and America?" Sukarno asked Yani.

Yani hastily answered. "No, Sir, apart from personnel whom I have assigned special tasks: Brig. Gen. Sukendra in charge of liaising with the United States and Maj. Gen. S. Parman with Britain to obtain information," he said. Only later did they find out that Sukarno had been upset with a draft telegram said to be penned by the British ambassador, Sir Andrew Gilchrist. Subandrio handed him the draft telegram the day before.

October 6, 2015