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

856E.00/8–1947: Telegram

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

confidential
us urgent

Batavia, August 19, 1947—11 a.m.

334. Mytel 333, August 17. Following are my comments on Indonesian reply:

1. Reply is and is meant to be rejection of our offer good offices. Have since learned from Tamzil, Vice Minister Foreign Affairs, that Djocjakarta instructed Sjahrir to press in Security Council demand for appointment international committee to settle Dutch-Indonesian troubles. Message was sent about same time Indonesian reply was given to me.

2. Department’s attention invited mytel 302, August 1. Indonesians have not observed cease fire order and Dutch have lost more men since order given than during operations which began July 20. At same time Indonesians have said Dutch forces consist of Chinese, Arabs and other mercenaries—statement which everyone knows untrue.

3. Republic and its friends, countries like India et cetera, now regard USA as weak country catering to new oriental countries for fear losing some economic advantages. This causes radical and extremist elements of Indonesia to oppose USA good offices and at same time creates hope for de jure recognition.

4. Mytel 302 contained accurate estimate of possibilities. Indonesians do not want our good offices and each additional approach lowers our prestige not only here but in other Orient.

Foote