501.BC Indonesia/10–3147: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 36
423. From Graham 13. Committee flew Djocjakarta October 29 and after reception by Soekarno held formal sessions with Indonesian Cabinet and delegation. Latter under Sjarifuddin as Chairman, Ali Sastroamidjojo (Minister Education) Vice Chairman. Tjoasekin (Surabaya Chinese doctor) and Nasrun (Deputy Governor Sumatra) are members with Sjahrir and Salim also listed. Setyadjid (Vice Pri-Min) and Djunda (Minister Communications) are Deputies.
Committee made plain to Indonesians its exact status. Believe Indonesians first time clearly understood limitations good offices. Initial reaction palpably disappointment that powers Committee not arbitral. However in replies to Indonesian questions Committee also made clear how far it could go in proposing methods and terms settlement provided requested by both parties. We of opinion Indonesians reasonably content at end.
[Page 1066]Following also brought up:
- (1)
- Committee inquired Indonesians choice site negotiations. Indonesians stipulated not in Republic or Dutch-controlled area. Named in order Singapore, Johore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, Manila. Committee stated it would consider these suggestions together with these which Netherlands might suggest. Indonesians observed they would count on Good Offices Committee arranging safe conduct their delegation. At end meeting Indonesians asked if Committee had any suggestion regarding site. In personal conversation with me Soekarno suggested it [be] naval vessel, provided it US.
- (2)
- Indonesians asked if Republic and Netherlands were only parties to dispute, obviously with non-Republic states in mind. In reply Committee read relevant portions SC resolution, which satisfied them.
- (3)
- Indonesians expressed view Committee should endeavor bring about observance cease-fire order in order that requisite atmosphere goodwill be created. Committee replied matter was under consideration SC and Committee would be governed by its direction. Any case, however, Committee would be ready use its good offices bring about atmosphere goodwill.
- (4)
- Indonesians stated that they believed necessary establish common basis or point departure before discussions could profitably begin and asked if Committee did not think it should suggest a basis to Netherlands. In reply Committee expressed its hope it would be asked by both parties later to make suggestions on methods and terms of settlement and stated it meanwhile hoped settlement preliminary matters would not be delayed.
- (5)
- Indonesians asked Committee use good offices with Netherlands permit Republic communicate its representatives abroad including at SC and stated they must rely Committee provide means transportation between site discussions and Djocjakarta.
US Delegation content progress and conduct these meetings. Much due able chairmanship Van Zeeland. Earlier, Kirby37 approached Scott privately and stated Australian Delegation uncertain regarding procedures enjoined upon Committee by SC. At Kirby’s request US views were set forth along lines Department’s telegram 388 to New York September 6. Kirby replied these views “show first opening I have seen in clouds”. In painstaking exposition of precise nature Committee’s scope at meeting with Indonesians Kirby spoke with great skill and complete fidelity US SC resolution.
Between sessions several thousand Indonesians paraded into Palace grounds bearing placards calling for UN action and end colonialism. Manifestation widely vociferous but good natured. Soekarno addressed crowd in good spirit and then dismissed it, which effected quietly.
[Page 1067]Following state dinner of over 100 guests, Committee returned Batavia next morning to hold first formal meeting with Netherlands representatives. Following this meeting will return Djocjakarta endeavor obtain agreement on site of discussion. [Graham.]