856E.00/2–1346: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State52
[Received February 14—12:45 p.m.]
51. At second meeting of Dutch and Indonesians held at Clark Kerr’s residence yesterday evening, Sharir accepted the proposals mentioned in my telegram 47 of February 9 as the basis of discussion. He had discussed all these proposals with certain members of Cabinet and other Indonesian leaders. He did not reject any one proposal but asked additional information on a few points mostly of minor importance. He raised the question of the length of the transition [Page 810] period but indicated that there would be no trouble in reaching an agreement since he is trusting in the sense of justice of Clark Kerr. He also drew attention to fact that the army is not mentioned in proposals but was assured by Van Mook that an agreement on these basic proposals would easily lead to a satisfactory one regarding the armed forces. Van Mook told me today that political amnesty clause will be included in agreement and that its terms will be decided upon before end of negotiations.
Clark Kerr told me today that he felt much more optimistic concerning outcome of negotiations and that he knew Van Mook’s optimism had risen greatly. He said that he has very genuine respect for ability of Sharir and confidence in his integrity. Van Mook also expressed confidence in Sharir, and latter has voiced not only confidence in, but personal friendship for, Van Mook.
Clark Kerr has impressed on Sharir the advisability if not necessity of quick agreement in order to begin the reconstruction so badly needed throughout Java. Some circles believe that 2 months may be required but others believe it will be reached much sooner. I have heard no adverse reaction even from Dutch concerning proposals.
- Repeated by the Department as telegram 118, February 18, 1 p.m., to The Hague and as 1599 to London.↩