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Overview
Here, published for the first time, is the story of Washington's role in one of the most significant turning points in Asian history - the turbulent transfer of power from President Sukarno to President Suharto in Indonesia, one of the world's largest and most important countries. After much speculation over covert U.S. action in the Indonesian drama, this book records with authority and candor precisely what the U.S. did and did not do.
Beginning in 1965, as the Vietnam war intensified, a series of dramatic events occurred in Indonesia leading to the collapse of Indonesia's Communist Party (then the world's third largest), the removal of the flamboyant, pro-Communist President Sukarno, and his replacement by President Suharto who has provided over twenty-five years of sound leadership.
The U.S. and its friends had an enormous stake in the outcome of the Indonesian crisis, but the U.S. wisely exercised restraint despite attacks on its Embassy and Consulates.
This fast-paced, lucid account, written with humor and human concern by one of America's most talented and experienced diplomats and illustrated with photos of key moments, captures the drama and significance of these events. Former Assistant Secretary of State William Bundy's foreword testifies from the Washington perspective to the author's courage and wisdom in action.
Editorials
Library Journal
Career diplomat Green, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia from 1965 to 1968, records in this slim volume the challenges, opportunities, and tenseness of U.S. relations with Indonesia during the overthrow of Sukarno and the rise to power of Suharto. He describes in some detail the push and pull of intergovernmental relations that were made additionally sensitive by the ongoing Vietnam War. Green, who advocated restraint and a behind-the-scenes approach rather than a flamboyant presence, shows the virtues of quiet diplomacy, and many readers will appreciate learning how the U.S. government functions in a Third World setting. For international affairs collections.--Donald Clay Johnson, Univ. of Minneso ta Lib., MinneapolisAmerican Acad. of Diplomacy Newsletter
'...a lucid, highly personal account ...[reflects] the skill of those who helped to manage our Eurasian policy at a critical moment.David D. Newsom
...not only a valuable addition to the history of Southeast Asia but also a diplomatic case study with relevance beyond Indonesia— Foreign Service Journal, August, 1991
Donald Zagoria
...a fascinating account by one of America's most able diplomats...a disarmingly honest judgement and certainly distinguishes the author from countless diplomats and politicians who claim to have altered history.' Foreign Affairs, Summer,'91Journal of Royal Societ
'Green's chronicle contributes to a study of Indonesia history... and also presents a lesson in prudent, effective diplomatic activity.' Small Press Review, Spring, 1992 '...a fascinating account...Sir James Murray
...should be required reading for any student of diplomacy...both illuminating and tactful.— KCMG Presidential Quarterly
Book Details
Published
June 1, 1991
Publisher
Washington, D.C. : Compass Press, 1990.
Pages
172
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780929590011