856E.00/7–2047
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation, by the Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs (Armour)
Ambassador Baruch called me by telephone from The Hague today. He said that the Dutch Government had reached a decision to embark on police measures in certain areas in the Indies, and that operations will begin at 8:00 a.m. (Dutch time) on July 21, and this decision would be communicated to the press at 9:00 a.m. (Dutch time). The Dutch Government, he said, claimed that this was the only alternative they have in view of the threat presented to the Islands by continuance of the present disorders. Mr. Baruch made the suggestion that possibly the appearance of an American warship—as he put it, the friendly display of our flag—in the vicinity might have a salutary effect. At this point the communications were interrupted.
While they were trying to restore the circuit, I called Mr. Vincent and reported the situation to him. Mr. Vincent said that we had made our position clear time and time again, the last occasion only three days ago, cautioned against hasty action, and said he did not feel that there was anything further we could do or that we might do which would have any effect on the Dutch Government; nor could he see that the appearance of an American warship at this time would contribute anything, certainly at Batavia although it might be advisable to consider having one of our vessels, if available, proceed to Palambang where American oil interests are centered.
When the circuit was restored, I spoke again to Mr. Baruch along these lines. He agreed, however, to make another attempt to dissuade the Government from taking precipitate action, while I told him we were planning to do the same with the Netherlands Embassy here.
Mr. Baruch explained that a telegram was going forward giving a full report on the situation. This has since come in. (Niact 522, July 20, 5 p.m.49)
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