856D.00/7–247: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
255. Have seen copy telegram from United States Military Attaché, Singapore, to Director Intelligence, Washington, reporting Lord Killearn’s30 remarks to him, essence thereof being that British Government policy is favor and assist Indos, that British Consul General Batavia is advising Indos in present situation, that Sjahrir has depended on British advice in handling crisis and Killearn fears military action in NEI would have unfavorable effect on nationalist movements in India, Burma and Malaya.
I am and have been convinced beyond doubt long time that Dutch-Indo problem would have been solved last year except for British encouragement to Indos; present deadlock caused by British who all-out pro-Indo and desire see Dutch evacuate NEI; British do not wish Dutch-Indo agreement and encourage Indos stall for time. British Consul General here writes Soekarno but does not do so always through FEO Netherlands Foreign Office. It is fact, and generally known locally, that British have been and now trying cause local Chinese become anti-Dutch and favor Indo cause. On June 30 in my presence British Consulate [Consul] General asked Van Mook “does Your Excellency have full authority declare war on Indos when time deemed appropriate?” Van Mook did not lose temper but answered abruptly that he in constant communication with Hague.
He advised plantations and other enterprises have advocated and now doing so that Sumatra and Malaya should go together—thus eliminating Dutch and taking Sumatra from Republic. Such remarks made to me many times over many years. Killearn’s statement he feared repercussions India, Burma, Malaya does not impress me. Fact is British want own or control Sumatra. They anti-Dutch because think can obtain more favors from Indos than from Dutch. There appears be no British neutrality in this situation. If Dutch and Indos fail to agree and if military action results, considerable responsibility therefor will rest on British because of almost constant interference. Commenting more fully by despatch.31