Office of the Historian

501.BC/8–1247: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Johnson)

restricted
u.s. urgent
Washington, August 12, 1947—5 p.m.

345. With respect to Indonesian question Dept. believes you should take a position along following lines:

1.
The SC should, during the present phase of the Indonesian case, draw a sharp distinction between its interest in the cessation of hostilities and its possible interest in the ultimate political settlement in Indonesia.
2.
With regard to the cessation of hostilities, the SC’s interest continues. Accordingly, pursuant to its resolution of Aug. 1, the SC should ask the Netherlands Government and the Government of the [Page 1025] Republic of Indonesia whether such hostilities have in fact ceased and whether the parties consider some observation of the cease fire order essential. If both parties agree that observation is desirable, or if one party insists that observation is essential, the SC should arrange for observation, with observers as acceptable as possible to the parties. The SC might, for example, invite the parties to consult with the SYG in an effort to arrange suitable observation. If, however, no arrangement which is mutually acceptable to the parties can be reached on such a basis, the SC should itself name observers to assure that hostilities have in fact ceased. In Dept’s view a commission of the SC would be preferable in absence of agreement by the parties but a delegation from the Secretariat, or other observers, would be acceptable.
3.
With regard to the SC’s relation to the specific method of settlement of the political issues, the SC should expect the parties to use every available opportunity to agree between themselves as to the method of settlement. If the parties are unable to agree, they should inform the SC. Further action by SC would then depend on circumstances existing at the time including determination of the extent of SC jurisdiction.

Marshall