856E.01/4–547: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands
168. Para 2 Deptel 159, Apr 3.55 Late Apr 8 Neth Emb informed Dept that FoMin by telephone had requested US not have AmConGen Batavia deliver message Sjahrir. FoMin suggested message be delivered through Far Eastern Office FonOff Batavia opened Apr 1.
Inform FonOff that Dept anxious avoid creation any difficulties or confusion in successful implementing Linggadjati, wired immediately ConGen Batavia withhold delivery Sjahrir message pending further instructions.56 Accordingly, you are instructed request FonOff convey Indo Republic substance message, para 2 159, Apr 3 through its own channels.57 This procedure discussed with Neth Emb Wash which agrees it most satisfactory in circumstances. Explain to FonOff that message drawn in consonance Linggadjati Agreement and in no way intended derogation Neth sovereignty NEI. Matters pertaining to foreign relations will, in accordance with that Agreement, be taken up with Neth authorities. Dept expects ConGen deal with de facto Indo authorities on local matters within competence those authorities.
Dept would, of course, expect any of its consular officers in the territory under the de facto authority of the Republic to follow usual practice of dealing directly with local authorities on local matters within their competence such as protection U.S. nationals, property, shipping and commerce.
Dept contemplates no issuance public statement foregoing.
For your information our request that FonOff convey substance US position to Indo Republic rather than using Far Eastern Office Neth FonOff Batavia determined after consultation Neth Emb first because FonOff should now fully understand US position and second Dept not clear functions, powers or procedures FonOff branch Batavia. Dept has requested Neth Emb secure clarification and any info will be appreciated you can secure on relationship branch office to FonOff, and to NEI Govt, Republic and other component parts projected USI.58
Repeated Batavia as no. 97.
- See telegram 89, April 3, to Batavia, and footnote 49, p. 112.↩
- Telegram 92, April 8, 6 p.m., not printed. Telegram 120, April 9, 4 p.m., from Batavia, stated that the messages had not been delivered and further instructions were awaited. (856E.01/4–847, 4–947)↩
- Telegram 247, April 10, 7 p.m., from The Hague, reported that the Netherlands Foreign Office had promised to convey the message to the Indonesian Republic (856E.01/4–1047).↩
- Telegram 258, April 16, 11 a.m., from The Hague, reported the Foreign Office’s explanation of its branch at Batavia as a liaison and coordinating office directly responsible to the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs (856E.01/4–1647).↩