Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Far East, Volume VI

856E.00/8–147: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State

top secret
us urgent

Batavia, August 1, 1947—11 p.m.

302. In talk with Van Mook today he said word from Netherlands indicated White House and Department considering offer of US good offices in Netherland-Indonesian troubles. If such is case, I most solemnly submit following:

1. Republic was ideal which Van Mook and others favored; Republic has some good, efficient and sincere men but they have lost all influence or power to carry out any promises made. Republic fell into hands of class of men holding such power, such as Soetomo and Soedirman, that good men have no authority of any sort. Promises may and will be made but they cannot be carried out with present setup at Djocja.

2. Truce of October 14 was signed but never carried out because Soedirman radioed his forces disregard truce and carry on fighting (mytel 462, December 2, 1946⁷²). Later Sjarifoeddin visited Medan and other fronts to stop firing but when he left areas fighting redoubled. Republic civil authorities have no power and never have had and it sank into hands of fanatics and others who thought chiefly of their personal welfare.

3. When USA recognized de facto Republic govt more power was placed in hands these same men. Truth is there never has been de facto Republic and neither does it exist now except in name only because of fact civil officials from Soekarno to lowest subordinate have no authority over Sumatra or roving gangs or Indo army in Java. One proof thereof is Indo Govt promised safeguard American property with all power at their disposal (mytel 267, July 10) but they proceeded destroy our property in Palembang. This is because Indo cabinet has no power to control Indo army which works independently of govt. Indo scorched earth policy not new. It been going on since May this year as condition rubber and other plantations in Java testify. It has been policy to eliminate foreign capital interests.

4. Press reports of Dutch ultimata are biased and incorrect. So-called ultimata consisted of definite agreements entered into by Van Mook on one hand and Prime Minister Sjarifoeddin on other in order stop chaos and destruction (mytels 271 and 272, July 15 and 17). Sjarifoeddin pleaded for this agreement (mytel 278, July 22) but he and other delegates voted against it because of extreme danger them personally Djocja.

5. I solemnly warn Dept that offer good offices now will surely result burned fingers since there no Republic officials competent to implement any promises made. Soetomo, Soedirman and other such leaders will only demand that Dutch retreat to lines held before July 20. Such would only strengthen hands of same men who chief causes of failure to implement Linggadjati Agreement and would throw country back into worse chaos than ever before. When Djocja has been taken, if such should be decided, and decent men placed in charge Republic government, then will be time to offer good offices. Van Mook would be willing have American supervision of implementing Linggadjati Agreement and establishment United States of Indonesia. I fear good offices now would be great error and do irreparable damage this country.

6. I still maintain my old thesis that 95% of Indonesians are sick of republic and its terrorizing tactics and want only return to pursuits of peace. Proof thereof is that tens of thousands of natives are streaming daily into areas recently taken by Dutch. Republic is an ideal and easily workable if can be placed in hands of decent, sincere men and not gangsters who build up enormous bank accounts abroad from goods smuggled from country.

7. In order prevent embarrassment later, Department is urged not offer good offices until better class Indonesians installed as heads of Republic.

8. Newspaper clippings received today from USA show that press reports are either biased or completely erroneous. Sensational headlines and front page stories are grossly exaggerated if not deliberately misleading.

9. Attitude of Australia and India are difficult to understand. Statements by officials are generally false in fact and implication. It difficult understand purpose such malicious press reports and radio broadcasts and it equally difficult understand why certain governments have declared policies or threatened actions based entirely on false foundations. British, Australian and Indian Governments appear determined maintain present setup at Djocja despite fact they must know that both east and west Java are opposed strongly to middle Java and that east Indonesia and Borneo are likewise opposed. Interference now will create more chaos than this country can now stand. On the other hand 10 days more of present operations will restore peace, place country in hands of decent Republic officials and make offer good offices worthwhile.

Foote

72. Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. viii, p. 856.