856E.00/2–1147: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
45. Political situation is highly confused, reached impasse and pessimism growing. In spite all promises Indos have not yet issued cease-fire order,21 with result Dutch lost more troops since truce agreement of October 14 than prior thereto. Dutch patience, which being tried sorely, taken by Indos as sign of weakness. Republican Cabinet at Djocja stated last Saturday that Indo delegates authorized sign Cheribon Agreement on basis its wording minutes of meetings and correspond[ence] between the two delegations and that statements made by Jonkman22 or others at Hague not to be considered.
General Soedirman has issued orders to prepare for destruction bridges, factories, et cetera, on “Bandoeng front”. From February 4 to 8 Soekarno and Soedirman conferred with commanders of the seven Indo divisions in Java re “present critical situation”. Feeling is growing that Soekarno either does not want truce and general agreement or is unable enforce his desires on Soedirman.
Opinion prevails at palace and business circles that even if Cheribon Agreement is signed such will only be the beginning of the real troubles. No one believes that Indos will carry out article 14 of agreement with result that gloom is all pervading.
Commission General asked Indos what points of Jonkman’s statement they objected to. They could not or would not name them, merely [Page 899] maintaining that they did not like it and would not take it into consideration.
Indo Cabinet not yet returned from Djocja but I shall have personal talk with Sjahrir when he returns to obtain information.