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

501.BC Indonesia/12–447: Telegram

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

secret

Batavia, December 4, 1947—11 a.m.

504. Abbey,⁵⁵ Scott, and Ogburn had dinner Palace December 2 with Van Mook, Vredenburch and Koets. Dutch employed occasion express great resentment GOC action forwarding Indonesian memorandum on economic plight Republic (Graham tel 44, December 1⁵⁶) under covering letter asking favorable Netherlands consideration Indonesian proposals before asking Dutch comments these proposals, which they described as complete falsehoods. Accused GOC of lack impartiality and expatiated on difficulty getting fair hearing Dutch side of case, noting especially insulting behavior Reuters and American press representatives in Madura last week.

In response queries Van Mook spoke on plans Indonesian Federation, which he described as indigenous movement (ourtel 500, December 3⁵⁷), indicated some Republic officials now preparing change sides.

All three Dutch commented bitterly on complete unreliability Republic, its powerlessness control local officials, its intimidation opponent and incitement it continued offer to sabotage. Considered continuing destruction factories most serious aspect present situation.

If cease-fire order could be effected, Van Mook believed joint-gendarmerie might be formed deal lawless gangs. Stated event failure these measures, resumption police action would be indicated.

Possibly with reference question put Vredenburch previous day (mytel 503, December 4), Van Mook stated situation Indochina very different from that Indonesia. In former, popular animosity to Europeans very strong. Mass Indonesians not extremists or fanatics. Only significant anti-Dutch elements apart certain politicians are youths indoctrinated by Japs, numbering perhaps 200,000. He considered completion police action last August would have finished Republic resistance.

At close, Van Mook observed no Indonesians invited dinner out of deference possible view Americans that Indonesians working with Dutch are hirelings. He wished to point out these men true Nationalists, that many like Abdul Kadir had risked death at hands Republic to work for good of country.

Livengood

55. Glenn A. Abbey, Consul at Batavia, was assisting the Graham mission.
56. See telegram 496, December 1, from Batavia, p. 1076.
57. Not printed; it reported a Dutch plan to sign agreements, along lines of Linggadjati Agreement, separately with other autonomous areas of NEI (856E.00/12–347).