856D.00/11–845: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Hornbeck) to the Secretary of State

186. ReEmbtels 166, November 3, 1 p.m. and 169, November 4.25 Foreign Office official Helb, in charge of Far East section commenting on Netherlands East Indies crisis, informed Embassy officer that Van Mook has not acted contrary to Government’s instructions and that in fact no divergence of views exists between Lieutenant Governor and Dutch Govt. In meeting arranged at General Christison’s residence between Indonesian Nationalists and Dutch officials, former group brought along Soekarno to embarrassment of Van Mook who was faced with choice of leaving meeting which would have further complicated existing impasse or remaining to present Netherlands Govt’s views for its possible solution. He chose latter course and press correspondents telegraphed stories that he had started negotiations with Soekarno. Upon correspondent’s query in the Hague, Government stated that reported meeting was contrary to Van Mook’s instructions. Van Mook’s report on unexpected meeting with Soekarno subsequently received put meeting in proper perspective and Government issued further statement October 5 absolving Lieutenant Governor of charge he disregarded instructions.

Helb stated Government makes distinction between Nationalist groups and believes only small percentage condone terroristic techniques which have lead to recent outbursts resulting in murder of General Mallaby and other white officers; affirmed that Van Mook has authority to deal with leaders of Nationalist movement but not Soekarno who personifies rebel element which had Japanese support throughout occupation; remarked that foreign press has indulged in unwarranted criticism of the Dutch as being stubborn and blind to realities of situation in Indies; declared that Van Mook has been given wide latitude by the Government to deal with Nationalists; [Page 1173] and in comparison with British attitude toward India cited broad representative government which Dutch proposed for Netherlands East Indies containing substantial majority of Indonesian members, a Council of Ministers under the Governor General as representative of the Crown.

Helb took occasion to reiterate surprised shock of Netherlands Government at United States order prohibiting shipment to Java of ammunition stocks purchased by Netherlands terming it arms embargo against friendly Allied nation which had placed all her resources at disposal of the Allies in Far East upon outbreak of hostilities and as result of tremendous losses inflicted by the common enemy now finds herself impotent to assume her full share in restoring order in the Indies. He mentioned also pained surprise at American Government’s refusal to equip several thousand released Dutch prisoners of war in Philippines now waiting to be transported back to Java.

Hornbeck
  1. Neither printed.