856E.00/12–3046: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
rush
[Received December 31—6:05 p.m.]
496. Soedirman made statement38 quoted mytel 462, December 2, at same time Soekarno was trying gain supporters for Linggadjati agreement. His attitude and actions had been thorn in side of British forces Java, and his subsequent anti-Dutch speeches and orders to troops caused Soekarno call him on carpet to tell him adopt new attitude. One result was conference at Soekarno’s palace Djocja on December 23 attended by Soekarno, Soedirman, his Chief of Staff, and Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjarifoeddin. On December 26 Soedirman broadcast new orders to Indonesian Army to following effect:
- (1)
- Continue fighting and not be discouraged by actions Dutch troops and their supporters.
- (2)
- Increase national unity to improve cooperation of all forces.
- (3)
- Send as many Lasjkars (irregulars) as possible to certain front lines.
- (4)
- Send as many arms and supplies as possible to front lines.
- (5)
- Increase organization and not act on self initiative.
- (6)
- Continue be prepared, strong, cautious and ready.
Soedirman closed broadcast with these words: “Siap, madjoe, djalan, merdeka” (Be prepared, advance, march, freedom).
Soedirman is personally opposed to agreement, but will probably obey Soekarno if he sees his own position jeopardized. He will align himself with extremists if he thinks same will be successful. One Indonesian leader told me Soedirman was one of bad apples which Soekarno may be forced remove from basket to save good ones. His ambition will probably give way before Soekarno’s orders unless he thinks Soekarno losing prestige.
Indonesian radio and press trying minimize effects Soedirman’s remarks because [apparent omission] and other countries may think Indonesian leaders not in agreement. Soedirman and others being watched closely, and any important developments will be reported.
- In telegram 379, December 27, 7 p.m., to Batavia, the Department requested clarification of General Soedirman’s position; it had been given various interpretations since November 21 (856E.00/12–546).↩