Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

856E.01/6–547: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia

secret
u.s. urgent

Washington, June 5, 1947—8 p.m.

151. Dutch proposals May 27 impress Department as presenting timely and valuable opportunity achieve essential step forward towards attaining objectives contemplated Linggadjati. Dept believes that interests of US, as well as those of Indonesians, Dutch and rest of world require US exert influence in direction achieving utmost consideration these proposals and maximum efforts both sides towards breaking deadlock.

Although Dept sympathetic general objectives Dutch proposals which appear reasonable in most respects, it is concerned over suggestion of ultimatum accompanied by sanctions which it detects in Dutch note. Based on summary information available, Dept interprets proposals as threat of sanctions in that (a) preamble refers to termination of truce of Oct 1946 (b) Dutch insist on satisfactory reply prior to June 11 (c) essential alterations to the proposals are not admissible and (d) Dutch intend discontinue negotiations if their proposals are not accepted within the 14-day period. Points (a) through (d) imply that if Indonesians do not make satisfactory reply prior June 11 negotiations will cease, Linggadjati Agreement will be terminated and situation will revert to that existing prior to truce of Oct 1946. Dept will discuss these and other aspects Dutch proposals with Vredenburch who arrives Washington June 5.

Foregoing for your info and use in discussing with Dutch significance proposals, but not to be divulged Indonesians at this time.

You are instructed proceed immediately Djocja and deliver verbally to appropriate Republican authorities following message:

1. US Govt views with concern total lack of progress to date in implementation Linggadjati Agreement.

2. US Govt believes that further deadlock or dilatory tactics either side can only worsen situation all peoples concerned.

3. US Govt considers that Dutch proposals May 27 have been offered in good faith in effort implement Linggadjati, that proposals appear to offer reasonable basis effective interim govt, pending formation sovereign USI and Neth-Indonesian Union and that Indonesian Republic would be well advised to respond promptly in spirit of good faith and compromise, thus demonstrating sincerity pledges undertaken Linggadjati.

4. US Govt believes that if effective interim govt thus promptly established, attainment of ultimate objectives Linggadjati Agreement will thereby be facilitated. US Govt will watch with close interest attainment these long-range objectives, as well as immediate measures for restoration orderly govt throughout Indonesia.

In carrying out above instructions avoid giving publicity purposes of your visit to Djocja. You may at your discretion inform Van Mook substance of your message to Indonesians. You should time your trip Djocja so as not correspond with visit British Consul General.⁴

Sent Batavia as 151; repeated Hague as 271 and London as 2419. Hague and London inform respective FonOffs substance foregoing.

Acheson

4. As telegram 151 did not reach Batavia until nearly midnight June 8, after dispersal of the Indonesian Cabinet and after its counter-proposals to the Netherlands note had been handed to Mr. Van Mook, the Department instructed Mr. Foote in telegram 154, June 10, 5 p.m. not to take action (856E.01/6–947). Telegram 234, June 13, 10 a.m., from Batavia, reported that only discussions with the Dutch had taken place (856E.01/6–1347).