501.BC/9–347: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
344. Re para 2 mytel 341, August 30,9 all career consuls have now received instructions from their Governments. Most are so vague that officers are in doubt what action to take.
Consular meeting been held and following decided:
Both Dutch and Indos been asked to name danger points—points which been scenes of trouble or which are now or may be trouble spots; both sides requested furnish facilities to enable members consular mission [Page 1045] to proceed to any place decided upon either singly, in groups or as body; all reports to Security Council to be joint reports to be made as often as may appear desirable; joint reports do not affect right of any officer to report to his own Government, members of mission to have access to both Dutch and Indo officials.
Decided that consular officers alone would be helpless in efforts perform mission effectively. In view thereof Consuls have recommended to their Governments that four military officers be furnished by each power member of SC represented in Batavia by career Consuls. Such military personnel to be scattered through troubled areas to observe cease-fire order and to report thereon and on any other pertinent subject of interest to consular mission. Dept may desire consider advisability sending one or two C–47 planes with crew. May also be advisable have few army officers available to send to new troubled spots that may arise. Present proposal is to send one or more officers to such fronts as Modjokerto, Ambarawa, Surabaya, Banjoemas, Medan, Padang, Palembang, or any other areas where operations might occur. Consuls and/or military officers also to visit occupied areas to observe conditions and obtain pertinent data.
Both sides requested furnish allegations of cease-fire violations.
Dutch have agreed furnish all necessary assistance and data desired.
Australian and French ConGens flew to Djocjakarta today to obtain data from Indos, such as allegations of violations, list of danger spots and assurances that Indos will extend same facilities and freedom of movement to member consular mission.
If Dept agrees send 4 to 10 military officers skilled in observation, it suggested this be done earliest possible moment.10
I have been selected by Consuls as Chairman of Security Council Consular Mission.
Dept may desire instruct how reports should be sent to Security Council. Some may be telegraphic and others written.
- Not printed; it mentioned that the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, China, Australia, and the United States were represented at Batavia, with Mr. Foote as senior member (501.BC/8–3047).↩
- After further exchange of telegrams, the Department’s No. 247, September 12, 6 p.m., to Batavia, stated that the Navy Department was sending two officers, the War Department six officers and one C–47 plane E.T.A. about September 20 (501.BC Indonesia/9–847).↩