856E.01/6–447: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State 1
us urgent
3037. 1. As stated our 3015, June 3,2 we met Dening and Vredenburch that evening. In response latter’s request, Foreign Office has sent telegraphic instruction British Consul General Batavia to consult Van Mook after which he to proceed Jogjakarta to urge Republic authorities to accept new Dutch proposals.
[Page 939]2. In course conversation Vredenburch stressed desperate situation in which Dutch now find themselves, saying Dutch now have four alternative courses action: 1) continue negotiations (which he emphasized could not be continued indefinitely); 2) withdraw from Indonesia (which he thought would be disservice to Holland, Indonesia and to United States and United Kingdom); 3) resort to UN (which he said Dutch would reject for obvious reasons); and 4) resort to “limited” military action (which he thought was unlikely unless all possibilities peaceful settlement exhausted). Vredenburch categorically stated Dutch not contemplating all-out military action. He also denied Dutch seek “arbitration” as contrasted to good offices or mediation.
3. Vredenburch expressed hope United States, like United Kingdom, will use its influence to prevail upon Republicans to accept new Dutch proposals. He stated in event Republicans reject new proposals he unable state probable Dutch action. We gathered from way he talked Dutch would either withdraw from Java and Sumatra or would resort limited military action with probability latter course would be followed. Dening strongly advised against latter course.
4. Vredenburch stated he willing proceed Washington to discuss situation if so desired by Department. His present intention is to return Hague June 4th, noon, by air.
5. It obvious from conversation with Vredenburch that Dutch hopes now pinned on British efforts to induce Republicans to meet latest Dutch proposals. It equally obvious Dutch hope United States will follow same course, in which event they feel Republicans may likely accept proposals.
Sent Department 3037; repeated Hague 31.