856E.00/1–2646: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State38
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[Received January 27—12:36 p.m.]
31. General Christisen relieved of his command here. Members British General Stall informed me today this means firmer attitude towards Indonesians and stern methods to break present hopeless impasse, restore law and order and bring Dutch-Indo agreement. He is alleged to be anti-Dutch. This may not be true but his soft attitude and gentle methods in dealing with Indos allegedly led to much of present chaos. Dutch are also cleaning house: Admiral Helfrich returning Netherlands in near future; Generals Van Oyen, Van Straten, Uhl and Schilling all relieved of duty in Netherlands East Indies. Schilling will head Dutch Military Mission in Tokyo.
These changes may brighten prospects for Van Mook–Sjahrir agreement but it is too early to draw conclusions. Van Mook reported very pleased since his relations with Christisen were not too happy.
Van Mook reported arrived Batavia late today but I have not yet seen him.
- Repeated by the Department as telegram 75, January 30, 5 p.m., to The Hague and as No. 1030 to London.↩