501.BC Indonesia/12–1347: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
534. From Graham No. 58. Informal talks held December 11 by GOC with Indo delegation and Netherlands delegation separately. In order set pattern further discussions and isolate areas disagreement, both parties were asked explain why Linggadjati failed prevent development current situation and whether they regarded selves still bound by Linggadjati.
Indo delegation took view “picture existing time Linggadjati has ceased exist” but that Republic regarded principles Linggadjati still morally binding. As reasons for breakdown Linggadjati, Indo delegation reiterated familiar charges Dutch violations. These mostly related two basic areas disagreement, namely, legal status Republic and formation other Indo states. Two-hour discussion held on articles Linggadjati related these points.
Indos manifestly found it difficult admit limitations de facto authority. In particular, they charged Dutch interference their rights to foreign representation. Upon GOC query basis such rights, they made distinction between diplomatic and foreign relations, citing trade commissions as example latter, and finally yielding to extent admitting Republic under Linggadjati could expect only nonpolitical relationships other countries and then only until establishment USI. Re recognition mere existence de facto authority under Linggadjati, Indos contended Dutch seizure bank [?] and Dutch insistence joint composition gendarmerie all levels (rejecting Indo counter-proposal for joint staff over Indo gendarmerie) was inconsistent event this limited definition and that articles 1 and 16 clearly implied continued and extended Republic authority.
While Indos complained of unilateral formation by Dutch of states east Indon and east and west Borneo, it appeared they did not question admissibility separation of territories from states to form new states or non-inclusion of particular territories in USI provided such questions settled by territories themselves in accordance “democratic procedures” specified in article 3. Such procedures they construed to mean plebiscites. GOC took pains obtain clear statement that Indos regarded as entirely practicable the holding of plebiscites even under present conditions and despite illiteracy rates. Only conditions Indos attached were (1) month’s preparation and (2) international supervision, along lines Amfoge.62
Sjarifuddin, Sastroamidjojo and Salim took equal parts in discussion.
[Page 1083]In Netherlands delegation talk, Vredenburch reiterated that Linggadjati not still binding in present form but that “we intend carry out political program based principles underlying Linggadjati”. Regretted inability be more specific but stated full clarification Netherlands position re Linggadjati expected from Hague few days and would be given GOC. Meanwhile, could state basic principles Linggadjati were (1) full rights for all peoples and minorities and (2) cooperation and full equality Netherlands and Indon. Vredenburch recapitulated events leading police action, dwelling particularly Netherlands efforts obtain “silent good offices” two foreign Govts in situation which Netherlands convinced “could not last” and unless remedied would require limited police action. Asked GOC if it wished to receive under pledge secrecy Netherlands documents presented these Govts. GOC felt this unnecessary. (Possible implication whether or not intended that Netherlands exonerated in this action and that action condoned by two other Govts.) Koets described frustration by Republic of Netherlands program economic rehabilitation prior July 21. Ascribed difficulties with Republic to (1) Republic elements opposing any agreement and lack other constructive elements Republic and (2) Republic claim of sovereignty over all Indon. Stated he thought July 15 difficulties at end when Sjarifuddin accepted joint police to supplement states police and to be used only when latter unable maintain law and order and (3) agreeing make statement that agreement reached with Netherlands and that subversive acts must stop. He stated, however, Republic failed carry out either undertaking.
Informal talks to continue. [Graham.]
- Allied Mission To Observe the Greek Elections; for documentation on this subject, see Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. vii, pp. 88 ff.↩