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

856E.00/7–2546: Telegram

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

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Batavia, July 25, 1946—3 p.m.
[Received 7:23 p.m.]

312. Malino conference July 23 adopted following seven resolutions:²

(1) Conference is convinced that a defined period of cooperation within framework of the Kingdom is necessary to enable United States of Indonesia to complete organizations in political, economic, social and cultural fields to permit the creation of a free and independent decision on the continuance of relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia.

(2) Some delegates think 5-year period is sufficient, others think the period should not exceed 10 years while remaining delegates think it should be defined by coming state conference.

(3) Hope was expressed that at coming state conference the relations between The Netherlands and Indonesia be defined by statute to be effective during the period of preparation and rehabilitation. Said statute to state that Netherlands and Indonesia have separate constitutions.

(4) Conference is of the opinion that even at the end of the period of preparation it will be expedient to continue free and voluntary cooperation between Netherlands and United States of Indonesia.

(5) A number of delegates expressed the conviction that at the end of the period of preparation Indonesia should remain a part of the Kingdom as an equal ranking partner while the other delegates thought that continued cooperation would be best guaranteed by treaty with The Netherlands.

(6) Some delegates wished to state emphatically that their readiness to remain part of the United States of Indonesia depended on the maintenance of the ties with the Kingdom.

(7) At the last moment motion by representative of South Celebes was adopted unanimously to the effect that it is desirable that representatives of the Great East attend any further discussions between The Netherlands and Sjahrir and his party provided that both parties agree thereto.

(8) Local press describes the above as showing friendship resealed, mutual respect, cooperation on a new base and ultimate self-government for Indonesia. The seven resolutions were adopted one at a time but without debate.

(9) Conference decided that matter of Indo citizenship would be left to Committee of Experts to be selected. Borneo and Great East were then requested to register available and suitable talent to be employed at Batavia to work out details.

Foote

2. Texts of resolutions and motions adopted on July 22–24 were transmitted to the Department in despatch 96, August 13 (received September 19). Despatch 100, August 22, from Batavia (received October 3), reported further discussions implementing the decisions of the Malino conference. In a memorandum of August 13, the Chief of the Division of Southeast Asian Affairs (Moffat) regarded “the work of the. Malino conference as a forward, constructive step.” (856E.00/8–1346)