800.00 Summaries/8–946: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Batavia (Foote)
262. On Aug 6 Neth FonMin6 handed note Brit Amb7 setting forth basis on which Neth prepared resume negotiations with Indonesians. Document8 not being released must be regarded utmost secrecy contains preamble that points out Dutch indebtedness Brit for her assistance and states that while contd cooperation appreciated two factors which have occurred may change trend of events. These are (a) conclusions reached Malino favoring for large part of NEI period political reconstruction within Neth Kingdom on basis democratic partnership, and (b) recent events which have raised increasing doubts re authority Sjahrir Govt. Dutch declare this disintegration caused delay in negotiations. Provided evacuation internees resumed Neth prepared continue negotiations on following conditions: Indo “Republic” must be prepared take up its position in political structure of Indonesia as equal member with full partnership in reconstructed kingdom in which all members pledged to maintain fundamental democratic principles; Neth prepared reaffirm willingness recognize “Republic” as de facto admin of Java except for areas under Allied control; Neth proposals Feb 10 shall be understood grant Neth adequate cooperation in conduct Indo affairs basis shared responsibility; “Republic” shall give guarantees of determination to reach and capacity to implement solution question; Neth prepared recognize Sumatra as incl in area to be admin by “Republic” but only if preliminary survey indicates public opinion there prefers such solution to autonomous membership in Indo Federation as outlined Malino; maintenance present military positions and cessation hostilities; and agreement that further negotiations to provide machinery complete political settlement shall be made soon as these negotiations concluded.
Note to Brit states Neth intends send Commissioners Batavia soon as possible and that in declaring willingness resume discussions and send Commissioners Neth Govt has gone far as its responsibility permits. It trusts Brit Govt will cont efforts by urging on Sjahrir seriousness sit[uation] and need to reach agreement.
FonMin told Hornbeck statements outlined to Brit have full cabinet support, do not require Parliamentary approval, and if approved by Brit are expected to be passed on by them to Indos. FonMin added [Page 842] that Attlee had voiced concern of possibility USSR bringing up Indo question in Sep meeting Gen Assby UN and hoped it would not be brought up. FonMin skeptical reports China might bring up question in UN.