856E.01/6–1047: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
223. Yesterday evening discussed contents Deptel 151, June 5, with Van Mook. He appeared most appreciative of Dept’s position and statements but offered following suggestions re points (a) to (d).
- (a)
- Termination of truce does not mean termination of spirit thereof. Military truce should be unnecessary. There should be joint action or cooperation instead of armies facing each other and exchanging fire. Linggadjati should be beginning of peace.
- (b)
- Reply prior June 11 necessary to prevent further deterioration resulting from interminable discussion. Conditions so bad that action needed without delay. This to mend tempers and save people from starvation, disease and death from other causes. It is not meant as threat and Indonesians so informed but to emphasize emergency and need for action.
- (c)
- Every proposal been examined and discussed but Indonesians desiring peace too often thwarted by those who constantly bring up unacceptable issues.
- (d)
- 14-day period meant that Commanding General could go no further and other action to be directed from Vozt at Hague. Commanding General may receive new instructions. Indonesians understand this and reason therefor.
Above four points do not imply terminations of Linggadjati and [apparent garble] Contrary is true and agreement will be carried out and USI formed regardless of whether Republic helps.
Van Mook said he received Indonesian reply but not studied it enough to draw conclusions. He said from first reading he feared reply not satisfactory. Copy promised as soon as translated and copied. When received will summarize6 and telegraph as did Dutch note May 27 unless Department obtains copy from Hague.
- A summary of the Indonesian text was sent in telegrams 225–231, June 10–12, none printed.↩