856E.00/9–1046: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 10—1:03 p.m.]
358. Re Dutch-Indo negotiations. Yesterday Van Mook sent letter to Sjahrir to effect that delay in negotiations regretted but unavoidable; that both sides now in better position to discuss problems since ideas clearer in Netherlands and Sjahrir’s position in Indo circles has improved. Van Mook suggested they explore possibilities now to be ready when committee general arrives from Netherlands. He also invited Sjahrir’s ideas whether Killearn’s good offices could be used and, if so, how. Sjahrir has not yet replied.
Indos suggested Dutch send mission to Djocja to talk with leader and look situation over for themselves. This mission headed by Van Mook’s well-informed American-born political advisor, Doctor Koets, will leave Batavia September 15. Koets has promised keep me fully informed results of trip.11
Indo, British and Dutch military officers now assembling at Batavia to discuss in hear future technicalities of possible military truce in Java and Sumatra.
Hadji Agoes Salim, prominent Moslem leader, Indo Under-Minister of Foreign Affairs and well known anti-Communist, is taking lead in Batavia because of fear Communists’ effects on both Moslem religion and native adat, the destruction of which would undermine everything which natives believe and understand.
[Page 844]The above constitute in my mind the first rays of light on Dutch-Indo problem and may lead to good results if waters are not again muddied by interference.12
- In despatch 124, September 25, from Batavia, Mr. Foote reported that the members of the mission had returned with optimistic accounts of what they had seen and were unanimous “in stating that they felt that some progress has been made towards breaking down the suspicions which have hampered all attempts to negotiate.” (856E.00/9–2546)↩
- In telegram 368, September 16, 10 p.m., from Batavia, the Department was informed that, instead of a written answer, the Indonesians sent a Cabinet Minister to talk with Dr. van Mook and to prepare for discussions preceding the arrival of the Netherlands Commission General, then en route to Batavia (856E.00/9–1646).↩