856E.00/12–1946: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 21—4:17 p.m.]
487. Denpasar conference to establish government of state of East Indonesia (no longer called Great East) opened formally by Van Mook December 18. In speech of moderate length he urged delegates avoid discord and cooperate sincerely in setting up what will be first component of United States of Indonesia. Said important get basic [Page 859] organs such as legislature established quickly in order that East Indonesia may enter discussions with Borneo Republic and Netherlands on equal basis as a firmly founded and functioning autonomous unit.
He pointed out that delegates must now complete work begun at Malino and continued at Pangkalpinang and that result must be in accordance with Linggadjati.37 Said conference had opportunity to prove that more could be obtained by legal than illegal means. Asserted most difficult task would be deciding what powers granted to Federal government and what reserved to state, and that conference’s decisions thus not confined to state alone but would contribute to establishment of United States of Indonesia.
Admitting East Indonesia less advancing than other parts Netherlands Indies, speaker pointed out two characteristic advantages. Its formation of many islands has led to superior development maritime activities while especially large number diversity races, religions has produced extraordinary degree tolerance. Urged delegates display such self assurance as to impress and attract sinecure Republican opponents.
- Agreement initialed November 15.↩