856E.01/7–1047: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
488. Vredenburch said today that he had instructions to tell me officially that the Netherlands Government was appreciative of timely assistance of US Consul General Batavia, adding that Government considered his efforts had played important part in helping resolve present phase of Indo situation.
Reference is also made in Government statements issued this afternoon of “friendly advice” rendered by US Government. This statement being released to press late today. Vredenburch describes it as long historical review which discloses no new information. (Summary of concluding paragraphs follows in another telegram.) He said that it had been drafted by Cabinet Ministers and that tenor of statement reflects the not inconsiderable controversy which arose in Cabinet discussion just prior its release.
Vredenburch again expressed anxiety lest further period of procrastination would materialize before Republicans showed disposition to activate Linggadjati, and added that Netherlands Government couldn’t consider program for withdrawal Dutch troops from Indo until such time as Indos themselves had shown unmistakable measure good will towards implementation.
The statement issued by Evatt46 has been “source of annoyance” to Netherlands Government and Netherlands Minister in Canberra has been instructed to tell Evatt that Netherlands Government does not consider the moment chosen by him proffer good offices either timely or helpful.
Sent Department 488; repeated London 68; Department pass Batavia.
- Herbert V. Evatt, Australian Minister for External Affairs.↩