856E.01/7–747: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
260. Deptel 172, June 26. Following note signed personally by Soekarno received by me last night from hands of Dr. Tamzil, Indonesian Vice Minister Foreign Affairs:
“The aide-mémoire of the US Govt dated June 28, 1947, which the Govt of the Republic of Indonesia has studied with keen interest, justifies the opinion of the Republic of Indonesia, that the Indonesian problem is not only concerning Indonesia and the Netherlands themselves, but also concerning the whole world.
From the note of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, dated June 27, 1947 to the Netherlands Govt can be proved that the Govt of the Republic of Indonesia is prepared to establish immediately an interim central govt for Indonesia on the principles of federation, as proposed by the Netherlands Govt and accepted in principle by the Indonesian Republic. The Indonesian Govt recognizes that during the transition period (between now and ultimately on January 1, 1949) the Netherlands is to retain sovereignty and ultimate authority in Indonesia. According to the Linggadjati Agreement, this recognition, however, may not endanger the de facto authority of the Republic of [Page 972] Indonesia, which has been recognized. Therefore, the Republic of Indonesia always shows her spirit of good-will to cooperate without delay on immediate formation of an interim federal govt. The sending of more Dutch troops to Indonesia, however, endangers the possibility to solve the problem peacefully. To guarantee cooperation for establishing an interim govt on the basis of mutual benefits, the withdrawal of the reinforcements of the Netherlands troops is of much importance.
The Indonesian Govt never doubts that the establishment of the interim govt will benefit both sides and will give to the country the political stability essential to the development of a positive program of economic rehabilitation. We are very glad to know that the US Govt is willing to give to the Indonesian people all possible financial aid to assist in the economic rehabilitation of Indonesia.”
Republic reply handed Van Mook yesterday. Have not seen text thereof but it been described as unacceptable. Van Mook says it can be divided into three categories of replies to his questions: evasions, rejections, and acceptances conditional on Dutch acceptance of other unacceptable points. Indonesian note referred Hague for further instructions.36 In meantime, Indonesian Minister who brought note borrowed Dutch airplane and returned Djocja today in effort have Indonesian Cabinet write new more acceptable note.37 Expect receive text Indonesian note tonight.
- Telegram 472, July 8, 9 a.m., from The Hague, reported that the British Embassy there had advised that the Dutch position was regarded as reasonable and that the Indonesians should not delay longer implementing the Linggadjati Agreement (856E.01/7–847).↩
- In telegram 261, July 8, noon, Mr. Foote reported having stressed the contents of telegram 181, July 3, p.m. He had just been informed that Indonesian instructions had been sent to say a new note acceptable to the Dutch had been drafted. Mr. Foote added: “I feel hopeful that we have averted war but must wait for contents new Indo note.” (856E.01/7–847)↩