856.E.00/12–2445
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—10:59 a.m.]
12557. ReDept’s 10147, November 20 and Embassy’s 12323, November 24. FonOff has now replied officially to our inquiry re proposed approach by American Ambassador at Hague on Java situation. Reply is in form of “oral communication” and expresses appreciation of the helpful intention of proposed US approach to the Dutch. However, FonOff states situation has now changed considerably since Lord Halifax28 spoke to Mr. Byrnes on November 9 and since Sterndale Bennett had talked with Allison29 re situation. According to communication, there is no present difficulty from Dutch side as regards meetings with Indonesian leaders. A joint meeting took place on November 17 when it was hoped Van Mook’s statement of policy issued on November 6 would form basis of further meetings. Present difficulties are said to be unwillingness of Indonesian leaders to attend further meetings with Dutch and their inability to control the extremists which has resulted in serious deterioration of situation throughout Java. In these changed circumstances FonOff believes proposed US approach at Hague would no longer be appropriate.
FonOff asks however whether State Department would be ready to make some public statement, not addressed specifically either to Dutch or to Indonesians, but expressing concern at the cessation of conversations which seemed to have made a promising start? The statement might perhaps suggest generally that no dispute of this kind is likely to be settled satisfactorily by standing aloof instead of getting round a table and that a broadminded and cooperative approach to the question is likely to be in the best interests of the welfare and progress of the NEI.
FonOff states it would be helpful if any such statement could include an acknowledgment of fact that British troops had gone to Java to carry out an Allied task and if it could emphasize the importance of completing the Japanese surrender and especially of insuring the safety of the many thousands of internees whose fate is a source of serious anxiety under present conditions.
FonOff communication concludes by saying that if State Dept felt it possible to give some such public indication of US views it would be of very great assistance.