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

501.BC Indonesia/12–147: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State ⁵¹

restricted

Batavia, December 1, 1947—3 p.m.

496. From Graham No. 44. Republican Government November 27 submitted memo to GOC on Republic’s economic plight highlighting (1) intensification by Dutch blockade of shortages created by Japs, (2) effect of police action in successfully cutting Republic off from main food-producing areas Java and Sumatra, and (3) technique Dutch in posing as liberators by distributing supplies to alleviate shortages for which they responsible. Memo (which carried in full by Antara) urged GOC, in order Republic not be at serious disadvantage in forthcoming discussions, to consider measures to (a) provide equitable distribution of food and commodities throughout areas of Republic’s pre-July 21 de facto authority, and (b) relieve interruption Republic’s economic relations and communications. Further stated belief these matters should be brought SC’s attention soonest.

In response, GOC November 29 sent letter Netherlands delegation as follows:

Re (a), urged favorable consideration this humanitarian, nonpolitical request and suggested use such international agencies as IEFC, ECAFE, and Intercross. Re (b), requested Netherlands Government’s concurrence in early implementation May 1947 Netherlands-Indo commercial agreement for distribution Indonesia of Dutch goods Australia including several hundred trucks which in accordance agreement would be allocated both NEI and Republican Governments. GOC agreed resumption economic and commercial contacts Republicans with outside areas would speed restoration peace. Further agreed report SC after week’s time result its intercession with Netherlands authorities.⁵²

USDel supported GOC action on conviction its acceptance by Netherlands authorities might serve lessen importance attached both sides question troop dispositions and mitigate tendency either sides toward inflexible attitude this matter. [Graham.]

Livengood

51. Repeated by the Department to The Hague in telegram 574, December 3, noon.
52. In telegram 344 (No. 28 to Graham), December 3, 6 p.m., to Batavia, the Department expressed its hope that such report would not at this early stage lead to substantive discussion in the Security Council. In telegram 353 (No. 31 to Graham), December 5, 7 p.m., to Batavia, the Department pointed out that neither IEFC nor ECAFE undertook operating tasks. (501.BC Indonesia/12–147, 12–547)