856E.00/1–546: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Hornbeck) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 6—8:39 a.m.]
15. In recent conversation between a Secretary of the Emb and officer in charge Far Eastern Affairs Political Section FonOff, official stated that his Govt’s plan to make public at this time its statement of policy re Neth East Indies had been discarded, there being fear that publicity now would lessen Van Mook’s chances of negotiating successfully with Indonesian leaders; but that leading members of Neth Provisional Parliament would be informed in secret of Govt’s program which has received Cabinet approval.
In more recent conversation, official said he would appreciate indication of personal reaction to suggestion that State Dept make public comment on Neth Govt’s statement of policy: He expressed opinion that public comment by Dept to the effect that American Govt had been kept fully informed of recent conference between Dutch and Brit, that Neth Govt had made known its intentions to meet legitimate Indonesian aspirations, and that American Govt was favorably impressed with Neth proposals [that] would go far toward creating favorable atmosphere in which acceptable solution might be reached. In reply, opinion was expressed that there might be reluctance on Dept’s part to comment on unpublished proposals, as any comment which Dept might make at present would, when Neth statement is eventually made public, be regarded in the Neth as support for Govt’s proposals, which proposals will be criticized by left wing and extreme right wing parties.
In conversation yesterday official said that further consideration had been given to the matter with result that Ministry realized that Dept probably would be reluctant to comment while proposals remained unpublished. It being considered likely that as soon as Van Mook began negotiating in Batavia substance of proposals would leak out, Van Mook would be authorized to release statement in full should such contingency arise. At that moment Neth Govt would again consider approaching Dept through Ambassador Loudon with request for public comment.
Meanwhile, MinFonAff7 asked me to call on him and afternoon January 4 outlined situation and project. He said Govt is confronted with dilemma between Parliament’s desire to be fully informed and need for keeping statement of program secret until Van Mook begins negotiating at Batavia; Govt considering making a request for favorable [Page 791] comment by Dept of State but realizes Dept would wish to have text before deciding. He requested my opinion and suggestions. I suggested he telegraph full text to Wash for info Neth Ambassador there and communication to Dept. I also inquired whether, if Neth Govt feels it desirable to request comment by Dept, he might not find it advisable first to consult with Brit Govt. Van Kleffens replied that he thought these suggestions valuable, he would telegraph the text, he would on January 7 be in London and confer with Neth Ambassador there, and he would keep me informed of developments.
I have ascertained from FonOff this morning that full text of the statement of policy is being telegraphed to Neth Ambassador Wash today. Also Van Mook’s departure now scheduled for January 7 or 8.
Emb is of opinion that if in due course request is made for public comment by Dept a favorable response would be helpful in several obvious contexts.
- Eelco N. Van Kleffens.↩