Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

856E.00/1–1546: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Batavia (Foote)

secret

Washington, January 15, 1946—8 p.m.

14. Hague reports Jan 12²⁴ that van Mook’s return London Jan 7 occasioned by Mountbatten’s orders to Helfrich re conduct Dutch forces Java. Dutch considered orders gave every advantage to Indonesians, deprived van Mook of any solid footing, humiliated Helfrich, reflected on his Dutch forces, and put Dutch in disadvantageous position on eve of critical negotiation. Dutch considered orders in bad faith, possibly result poor coordination Brit diplomatic authorities London and Mountbatten’s HQ. Van Mook considerably upset.

On return Hague Jan 11 van Mook reported Brit assured implementation decisions reached Singapore and Chequers and departed Jan 12 Batavia via Cairo, where will get few days much-needed rest. Policy van Mook bringing is substantially program he stated in Nov 8 speech but more specific in some details.

Hague FonOff informs Amembassy reports continue arrive Hague that Brit enhancing prestige Nationalists with corresponding loss Dutch prestige. Dutch deny Brit claim of policy differences between those stated by Dutch and those pursued by van Mook.

Amembassy for first time detected indications pessimism in FonOff Hague re developing situation Java.

Dept will appreciate being kept currently informed development negotiations Batavia.²⁵

Acheson

24. Telegram 45, 4 p.m., not printed.
25. Telegram 51, January 14, 5 p.m., from The Hague, reported the Netherlands Prime Minister had left for London in an attempt to clarify British policy, to enable Dr. van Mook to resume his trip from Cairo to Batavia (856E.00/1–1446).