856E.01/6–2347: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands
confidential
us urgent
us urgent
Washington, June 26,
1947—8 p.m.
316. Embtel 423, June 23.22 On basis incomplete info received from several sources, including Neth and Brit Embs here, it appears Republican Dels have accepted most May 27 proposals but not provisions for joint police force. You should inform FonOff as follows:
- (1)
- This Govt encouraged by reports that current negotiations Dutch-Indos have made substantial progress overcoming major obstacles establishment interim Govt Indo.
- (2)
- As mutual tolerance essential to success of agreement, this Govt hopes Dutch will not insist on Republican acceptance provisions which will obviously provoke future disagreements and thus impede successful functioning of federation (Embtel 423, para 2). We believe it important also that Dutch not push for acceptance their position to point likely to strengthen extremists who feel Republic has already made too many concessions and to weaken moderates among Republican Del who seek agreement.
- (3)
- It is this Govt’s expectation that establishment interim Govt on basis mutually beneficial both sides will provide political stability essential to development positive program of economic rehabilitation. This Govt is prepared therefore after interim Govt is established and mutual cooperation along constructive path assured to discuss if desired with representatives of Neth and of interim Govt (including representations of the Republic and other constituent areas) financial aid (Deptel 231, May 16) to assist in the economic rehabilitation of Indo.
For your guidance should any of following become pertinent in your conversations with FonOff, it is Dept’s opinion:
- (1)
- The Dutch should not insist upon unanimity in voting procedure of interim Govt and its federal bodies since majority principle [with Dutch as sovereign power casting deciding vote in case of tie]23 important element development successful functioning of a federal government.
- (2)
- In view preponderant population Republic allocation to it of 50 percent membership interim council and federal bodies reasonable with Dutch as sovereign presiding and retaining power cast deciding vote in case of tie.
- (3)
- Dept apprehensive lest use Dutch troops in joint gendarmerie in peaceful areas under Indo Republic control may in fact engender local difficulties. Agreement that joint gendarmerie would be used only if Republic unable maintain law and order as pledged would seem preferable.
- (4)
- Immediate reduction armed forces would constitute timely contribution to establishing mutual good faith.
Sent Hague as 316. Repeated Batavia as 173 for info and similar representations Van Mook. Repeated London as 2762.
Marshall