856E.00/7–2247: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
278. Deptel July 19, 9 p.m., relayed from Hague.51 There appears some misunderstanding because [re cause?] decision leading present operations.
Facts obtained by me from both Dutch and Indonesians are: Van Mook and his staff on one hand and Sjarifoeddin, Setyadjit, Gani and Leimena on other held conference at Batavia and mutually agreed that Dutch proposals were fair and sincere. Sjarifoeddin then addressed meeting Republican intellectuals at Batavia and asked them support Dutch in order end chaos and speed rehabilitation. Indonesians then requested Van Mook furnish airplane take them Djocjakarta to put matter through Cabinet. When they arrived Djocjakarta, Cabinet rejected plan re joint constabulary and even those who made agreement with Van Mook voted against it. On other hand, break not caused by matter of constabulary but by fact that Cabinet voted as Soedirman and Soetomo wished. Fact is, according Van Mook, Indonesian Cabinet or civil authorities may promise anything but can implement or carry out nothing. For example, Sjarifoeddin ordered lifting food blockade at Medan where 40,000 Chinese starving but Indonesian military around Medan refused obey orders. Indonesian authorities ordered cease fire many times but firing only increased. Van Mook said not one promise made by Indonesians had been carried out probably because Indonesian military leader disregarded orders. He said it therefore impossible for Republic to implement Linggadjati or to carry out any promises.
Van Mook, Schermerhorn, Van Poll and General Spoor informed me they will not destroy Republic but will establish it in hands decent sincere men who have interests people at heart; that they determined form sovereign United States Indonesia and Netherlands-Indonesian Union at earliest possible moment so rehabilitation can begin.
[Page 985]Am assured that when agreement recently seemed achieved, Indonesian Army was busiest destroying bridges, factories, et cetera, thus indicating their intention that there would be no agreement.
It appears definite fact that most intellectuals of Republic are disgusted and desire assistance to eliminate certain element among themselves. General Spoor estimates that the limited “police” operations which to be carried on in certain areas only will be completed within 14 days and there will then be excellent chance to establish Republic on firmer basis and implement Linggadjati in way which cannot be done now.
Abdullah Dirwidjojoat Modjo,52 well-known Nationalist and who is known to Department, appointed Chief Administrator of West Java by Van Mook.