856E.01/6–2847: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
441. Text Republicans’ reply has been received here but only copies available are in hands Prime Minister and Minister for Overseas Territories. Vredenburch states that summaries now appearing in press somewhat off mark but repeats that general tenor of reply “most unsatisfactory”. Govt’s position and decision as to next move is subject to Cabinet meeting tentatively set for this afternoon. Embassy trying obtain copy soonest possible and will communicate context to Department.26 Vredenburch added that from brief opportunity to read text of reply it appears to him contain much “double talk” and certain passages not at all clear which presumably will necessitate further clarification.
Vredenburch denies that Van Mook authorized to take military action contingent on nature reply of Republican Govt. (London 42, June 27, sent Dept as 3526). He point out, however, that Governor General has power at all times as Commander-in-Chief to take military action in case of emergency.
Position of US Government towards military action as stated in Deptel 292, June 17 was again repeated to Minister in substance. He reaffirmed previous assurances that resort to force is not present Government’s policy although Govt confronted with dilemma how to resolve the problem in face of lack good faith on part of Republic on one hand and in face of fact on the other that Netherlands Govt is “broke”.
Sent Dept as 441, repeated London as 56.
Dept pass to Batavia.
- An unofficial summary by the Netherlands Press Agency was reported in telegram 442, June 28, from The Hague (856E.01/6–2847).↩