501.BC–Indonesia/12–147: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 49
495. From Graham No. 43. Indonesians November 29 urgently requested GOC investigate reported advance Dutch troops November 9–11 across Van Mook Line in Madura from Pangkatan and Pamekasan to Soemenep. Indonesians claim their forces resisted Dutch advance and that Dutch using food as military weapon in occupation East Madura.
First information Dutch action came November 22 in Dutch communiqué stating distribution food and textiles across demarcation line Madura made possible by absence Republican forces. AusDel reaction this time was to pass over incident, apparently considering it unfavorable for investigation from Indonesian point of view, particularly in view evidence Madurese welcome Dutch. USDel position (subsequently supported by AusDel and finally adopted as policy by GOC) was not investigate any alleged violations cease-fire except on complaint one of the parties. Dutch, evidently eager give publicity Madurese situation, arranged tour of islands by foreign correspondents November 25 and unsuccessfully pressed GOC visit Islands for purpose witnessing bull races.50
Reuters, AP and UP correspondent (who are all generally highly critical Dutch) brought back reports from Madura indicating significant Dutch “violations” of resolution. AusDel then reversed position. Kirby confided member USDel he had earlier advised Indonesians not raise matter but that rectification this mistake would “present no problem”. Exceptionally well-drafted Indonesian request for GOC investigation followed.
In response, GOC has requested full information from Dutch. If Dutch-Indonesian disagreement on basic facts develops, GOC will probably send observers, as it obvious Indonesians completely out of contact their forces Madura and their charges based reports correspondents. [Graham.]
- Repeated by the Department to The Hague in telegram 575, December 3, noon.↩
- Telegram 512 (No. 49 from Graham), December 6, noon, from Batavia, reported the GOC had replied that it would send a group to inquire into the situation. The GOC proposed inviting both parties to send representatives at the same time. (501.BC Indonesia/12–647)↩