856E.00/1–1047: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
12. Mytel 9, January 8. So-called constitution of East Indonesia which approved at Den Pasar now en route Dept by courier.9
Doctor Koets, Political Adviser and Chef de Cabinet to Van Mook, told Browne10 as follows:
Constitution of East Indonesia will be model for Borneo but not for United States of Indonesia. On other hand that for USI must be in agreement with others.
Powers listed in constitution for East Indonesia as reserved for state will be exercised by NEI Govt until distributed between state and USI.
Indo Republic not sovereign and will not have international status but will be analogous to a state of USA. The USI will be sovereign state.
Difference between Indo Republic on one hand and Borneo and East Indonesia on other will lie in fact that Republic will have constitution of own choosing achieved through revolution rather than by legal means. With establishment of USI, Netherlands will recognize de jure authority of Republic, thus legalizing present illegal situation.
At Malino, NEI Govt guaranteed form of independence for those areas not desiring be part of Republic.
Initialing Cheribon agreement Republic delegates recognized Malino principles and renounced claim to authority over Malino area. Den Pasar constitution is first putting into effect of Malino plan.
If Republic rejects Cheribon Agreement, NEI Govt will continue build East Indonesia and Borneo while trying meantime reach other agreement with Republic. NEI Govt will not permit Republic gain ascendency or establish control over other two states unless such be will of people thereof.
[Page 893]Koets also said Soekarno’s increasing size of Republic Central National Committee political maneuver obtain approval Cheribon Agreement.
My comments follow in later telegram.