501.BC Indonesia/12–3147: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
581. From Graham No. 78. GOC met December 29 and 30 consider Netherlands delegation reply GOC Christmas program.91
Van Zeeland read his notes on conversation held during overnight cruise December 27 aboard Dutch liner. Participants were three members GOC, Beel, Drees,92 Jonkman, Neher93 and Van Mook. Gist of remarks, mostly by Beel and Van Mook, were:
- (1)
- Policy Netherlands is creation full sovereignism composed number of Negaras of equal status
- (2)
- Geographical nature Indonesia requires federal form government if structure to have stability
- (3)
- Impossible accept any suggestion Netherlands withdraw from any territories now occupied without security population being thoroughly assured
- (4)
- Central and east Java might be included in single Negara, but discussion such possibility now might cause upheavals
- (5)
- Future Indonesia will be matter for self-determination by Indonesians
- (6)
- Present movements toward organization political units are spontaneous and Netherlands has no right suppress them
- (7)
- Republic leaders will pay [play?] part in union federal level
- (8)
- Netherlands wishes make its position clear to world through GOC and be committed through GOC to accomplish these ends.
At end conference with Dutch Ministers, Van Zeeland stated he considered these statements as constituting a true and faithful basis for political agreement. Graham then told Ministers GOC stood unanimously for Annexes 1 and 2 of Christmas program and he was sure would be willing stand for them before world.
Discussion on the GOC, in which Van Zeeland reaffirmed his faith in statements Dutch Ministers, hinged mainly on Dutch refusal cease activities looking toward creation states in former Republic territories. Graham and Critchley took view that preservation political status quo pending political agreement constitutes essential quid pro quo for Republic’s general acceptance Van Mook line. Both emphasized that under present conditions of military occupation free expression popular will is impossible while Dutch in fact taking active role creation new political bodies.
Critchley contended that Dutch in reply to Christmas program had not moved from their original position. Van Zeeland expressed view Dutch has actually accepted GOC principles “under pressure”. Consistently making distinction between principles and facts, he stated principles advanced by Dutch were unexceptionable and could not be challenged by GOC before stand that good faith either party could not be questioned without rendering negotiations impossible. Regarding facts, he stated he convinced autonomous movements were spontaneous but if GOC wished, he quite willing GOC accept Dutch suggestion that GOC visit east Sumatra and investigate whether separatist movement spontaneous and representative popular will.
GOC decided examine Annex 2 point by point with Dutch Ministers in effort find solution permitting preservation essential principles. [Graham.]