856E.00/7–1747: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
272. While Sjarifoeddin, Setiadjit, Gani and Leimena accepted Van Mook’s proposals as reported my telegram 271, July 15, while they publicly expressed satisfaction and while it known Soekarno likewise pleased, Van Mook informed me today he just received word from Djocjakarta that Indo Cabinet had rejected proposed settlement—thus leaving nothing accomplished.
Van Mook today cabled contents Indo answer to Netherlands Government at Hague. Hague’s possible decision thereon not known here.
It understood difficulty is Indo Government at Djocja unable issue orders mentioned point 4 my telegram 271. Indo Generals Soedirman and Soetomo, both rabid extremists, refuse obey orders.
Cold facts are that either with or without agreement the Republic is powerless to enforce anything not approved by Indo military leaders; if complete agreement reached, some military or police action will still be needed to eliminate roving bands of private armies or fighting clubs which have been and are now terrorizing natives inland; if agreement not reached, same bands must still be eliminated if peace and reconstruction desired; Indonesian educated and progressive leaders [Page 979] know this and are anxious for some action to eliminate looters and irregulars from east Java to north Sumatra.
Medan, Sumatra and many other areas are scenes of fighting every day. This fighting increases with each day’s delay and leads to further chaos and destruction. Unless police action taken soon to restore peace, law and order, there will soon be nothing to save.
Texts will be telegraphed when available.48
Department pass London and Hague.
- The Indonesian reply to the Dutch proposal of a joint constabulary or gendarmerie was quoted in telegram 273, July 18, 10 p.m., from Batavia. Mr. Foote concluded that this would prevent the use of any Dutch army or police units anywhere within the Republic’s area. (856E.00/7–1847)↩