U.S. and Freeport

I am writing in response to the unsigned letter to the editor of Sept. 30, which you titled "Freedom And Human Rights". I would like to assure that writer -- and all your readers -- that the U.S. government takes allegations of human rights violations in Irian Jaya most seriously.

While we find the allegations of great concern, we must note that the Human Rights Commission has only recently completed its investigations. We also note that the Indonesian Armed Forces has promised an internal investigation of these incidents.

Until we have had an opportunity to study the final results of these probes, we are unable -- in the interests of justice -- to do more than state that we are following the issue closely. To make a statement before all the facts have been collected would be to prejudge the case.

Your writer should also be aware of the fact that Freeport has denied any involvement by its employees in human rights abuses and is cooperating with the Indonesian Human Rights Commission in its investigation.

CRAIG J. STROMME

Press Attache

U.S. Embassy

Jakarta