856E.00/12–246: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
urgent
[Received December 3—9:55 a.m.]
462. Local reactions to Dutch-Indonesian draft treaty are varied and indicate high degree of confusion. Some Dutch believe draft agreement is fair and just, others believe its ratification will end Dutch and other occidental influence here, some have confidence in Indonesian leaders while others have none, some believe Indonesians will live up to agreement and others believe they have no intention of doing [Page 857] so and all believe that with each day’s delay in Netherlands chances of success tend to fade out.
Eurasians are opposed, claiming Dutch letting them down.
Indonesian reactions are still more varied and often violent. Soekarno says: “Republican areas are now completely independent since Dutch have given Indonesians authority over Java, Sumatra, Madoera, Bangka, Billiton, et cetera.” Fact is Bangka and Billiton not handed over to Indonesians.
Sjahrir says: “Agreement is merely one step towards complete independence of Indonesia.”
General Soedirman, Commander-in-Chief Indonesian armed forces, addressed his troops on November 20 saying, “never mind about the agreement, just keep on fighting for independence of Indonesia”.
Indonesian newspaper Merdeka said: “Agreement is diplomatic defeat for Indonesia. If we ratify, it must be with understanding that it is necessary temporary step. Queen is merely symbol so there no objection to Article 8. Republic may handle its own foreign affairs.”
Soetomo, east Java leader, is violently opposed to Article 8.
Indonesian Republican radio announced that approval of agreement would not end struggle for independence.
Hadji Agoes Salim, strong Moslem leader, said draft treaty gives Indonesians more than they expected.
Two of strongest Indonesian political parties, Partai Nasional Indonesia and Mohammadijah, have voted against draft agreement.
Sarwono, Indonesian leader east coast of Sumatra, says, “Even if Nationalist Party agrees to treaty, youth movement will continue to fight”.
Violent discussions have occurred in Indonesian Cabinet re position of the Queen and restitution of private property in Java and Sumatra.
Indonesian Govt information service at Djocja gives following official outline of propaganda policy: draft treaty is first phase in obtaining 100% independence; name USI was accepted to bring outer possessions closer to Java and Sumatra; Kingdom of Netherlands influence will be liquidated, sovereign Indonesia will come into existence and will not belong to Kingdom of Netherlands; Dutch crown is related to the union only and has nothing to say re internal problems of the state.
Congress of Pemoedas (youth movement) resolved that agreement is disappointing; cooperation with Dutch in organizing United States of Indonesia is possible so that USI may all become sovereign Indonesian republic.
My opinion is with exception of small group moderate leaders, Indonesians have no intention living up to agreement and will circumvent it in every way possible. Even if agreement is ratified, struggle [Page 858] will continue with armed clashes and increased chaos for at least two years. Moderate Indonesians are struggling for ratification but they are outnumbered ten to one by extremists. On other hand, unexpected often happens here and if Soekarno and his moderates can control the others peace may be restored. At any rate I am not optimistic re next two years.