740.00119 EW/7–1646: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 16—2 p.m.]
298. Reference alleged rejection of armistice by Dutch. Since press and radio recently gave much publicity this subject, following are the facts:
On June 23, Van Mook and Sjahrir had personal informal talk during which latter suggested armistice. Van Mook agreed and asked Sjahrir submit proposal. On June 24, Sjahrir suggested cessation of hostilities; radio and press truce; no further recruiting by Indonesian Army; no further military operations of any sort; no more troops to come from Netherlands and inspectors from both sides to observe operations of the other.
On June 25, Sjahrir went to interior of Java.
Sjahrir kidnapped at Solo night of June 27 and 28.
Soekarno declared himself dictator June 30.
Sjahrir returned Batavia July 1, returned to interior July 3, returned Batavia July 8. Even now, it is not known whether Sjahrir has authority to negotiate with Van Mook since Soekarno is sole Indonesian authority.
On July 9, Van Mook replied to Sjahrir as follows: agreed with idea of armistice; agreed tone down radio and press propaganda: suggested lifting food blockade; said military clauses impracticable in present form because Dutch bound to replace British and Indian troops moved from NEI; said military matters not Dutch-Indonesian affair but sole responsibility of Allied Commander-in-Chief: and suggested military clauses be left to General Mansergh for decision. Part of story then reached local correspondent of United Press. Consulate General uninformed what UP story said, but British and Australian radios said Van Mook rejected Sjahrir’s armistice offer.
Have checked with Dutch and Sjahrir who say above are all the facts and that anything to contrary is false.
Not much hope further negotiations until end of Malino conference.94a Van Mook said he would not lead conference but would permit Indonesians from all NEI except Java and Sumatra take lead and express opinions freely regarding future. This would give him better understanding desires of regions represented at Malino.
- The Malino Conference met July 15–July 25 under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor General van Mook to consider reorganizing the Government of the islands.↩