656D.006/5–747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 66
u.s. urgent
123. In response to repeated inquiries Dept has urged U.S. shipping companies not to send ships Republican ports pending anticipated early agreement joint economic committee because one major U.S. objective is development Netherlands-Indonesian cooperation in accordance spirit Linggadjati Agreement. Delay in reaching agreement causing Dept embarrassment as Dept cannot prevent privately owned American vessels going Republican ports. In order that Dept may deal with present situation prompt replies desired following inquiries which you should transmit through FEO Batavia to both Netherlands and Republican authorities:
- 1.
- With what legal requirements must American vessel comply since Linggadjati Agreement to enter and depart Republican port?
- 2.
- Is joint committee for economic affairs now functioning with respect to import-export controls?
- 3.
- Will joint committee appoint inspectors to check cargo during loading?
- 4.
- Will their approval of cargo assure issuance necessary export license?
- 5.
- If agreement reached between Netherlands and Republican authorities regarding export estate products, what are its terms?
- 6.
- If no final agreement reached, can ad hoc arrangement be effected to deposit in bank in joint account value such items of cargo so that these funds may be substituted for estate products, with understanding they shall be distributed in accordance with general policy decided later?
Explanatory telegram follows.67