856E.00/8–647: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State 82
us urgent
311. Paragraph 2, Deptel 209, August 4. Re good offices and capacity both sides to carry out US recommendations, it my opinion offer good offices must involve more than acting as intermediary as did Lords Inverchapel and Killearn. Indonesians have broadcast from Djocja that arbitration by UN Commission is desired. Van Mook has expressed opinion to me that good offices must at least go far enough to make direct recommendations for settlement and that action similar to Inverchapel’s and Killearn’s is doomed to failure. He believes best way attack problem is for high calibre internationally known man come to Batavia and become thoroughly familiar with all ramifications of entire problem. This he thinks can be done by careful study of facts of situation and listening to opinions and arguments both sides. Our representative after becoming familiar with problem and listening suggestions of both sides would then be able bring them together in attempt reach agreement. If agreement appears impossible, he thinks [Page 1016] recommendations by top flight US representative would have considerable weight. I gained impression Dutch would abide by reasonable recommendations. It also probable Soekarno, Sjarifoeddin and few other Indonesian officials would accept reasonable settlement but for reason stated in mytel 302, August 1, there will always be danger that some Indonesians, who now appear holding power at Djocja, would either fail follow recommendations or sabotage agreement reached. It difficult prophesy ability or willingness both sides carry out possible recommendations, especially ability of Indonesians. If decision our representative should appear anti-Dutch, as they think it would be if the matter should be handled by Australia or India, objection may be expected. On other hand, if Indonesians should feel that decisions did not meet their full aspirations, more radical and extremist elements would ground [charge?] they came from “capitalistic and imperialistic USA”. In efforts implement our offer good offices, our representative may expect one of toughest jobs known in many years.
Negotiations should at least begin at Batavia because of housing accommodations, transportation and availability of records, personnel, et cetera. Am positive that Dutch will insist on Batavia as choice at least for first few meetings. Our representative can then feel his way and decide whether advisable be move to another city.
- Repeated to The Hague in Department’s telegram 395, August 8, noon.↩