501.BC Indonesia/3–2548: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
249. Gocus 201. At meeting Steering Committee 16 March which Netherlands survey paper discussed (Gocus 1861), Vredenburch requested further discussion at next meeting Steering Committee purpose assigning agenda items based thereon to main committee. At meeting Steering Committee March 19 Netherlands delegate raised matter and it was decided have special meeting Steering Committee this purpose. At special meeting Steering Committee March 24 Indonesian delegation showed that either unprepared or extremely reluctant accept additional agenda items at this stage.
For first time since return from Hague, Vredenburch permitted himself show exasperation, devoting effort remainder meeting getting on record Indonesian delegate’s reluctance discuss elements political agreement which Republic appears find unpalatable.
At US delegation’s suggestion, meeting adjourned permit GOC draft agenda items which parties would accept for assignment main [Page 128] committees. Day before, US delegation had prepared and GOC had agreed submit parties letter containing such a list. Letter also contained proposal that another subcommittee of Political Committee immediately study Netherlands delegation’s two working papers (Gocus 186) and Indonesian delegates comments thereon purpose ascertaining points on which agreement already exists. Letter presented both parties meeting Steering Committee afternoon March 24. Netherlands delegation accepted immediately. Indonesian delegation accepted after two-hours discussion items dealing with interim period.
Basis recent private conversations members Netherlands delegation, Australian delegation and Indonesian delegation, we of opinion Republic may be developing firm stand respect their position during interim period. Critchley, for example, sees no absolute necessity Republic join Provisional Federal Government. Vredenburch believes Republic definitely would prefer remain isolated throughout interim period provided this means maintain present attributes sovereign government. Vredenburch has so far failed completely reduce [induce?] them discuss Republic’s position interim period even in private conversations. Since it obvious way must be found by which Republic can accept position Provisional Federal Government, US delegation continuing efforts persuade Netherlands delegation utmost make details conditions appealing.
Department pass Hague.2