Office of the Historian

501.BC Indonesia/4–1948: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia

secret
Washington, April 19, 1948—7 p. m.

159. Usgoc 88. Re last para Antara release enclosure ConGen’s despatch no. 95 Mar 3,1 Dept disturbed at implication by Hatta that US guarantees Jan 1, 1949 as “exact date establishment USI”.

Following suggestions designed (a) remove misapprehension that US has guaranteed exact date formation USI, (b) facilitate working out with parties realistic time schedule for various phases future work in order minimize danger disillusionment at later date. Suggestions not intended slow up schedule which, as implied Gocus 225 Apr 12, may be accelerated to meet original target date of Jan 1, 1949. If agreement can be reached regarding time schedule, Dept believes full public announcement should be made on this matter promptly.

[Page 149]

Phase 1. Agreement on essentials Republic’s participation Interim Federal Govt and Republic’s entrance Interim Federal Govt (target date June 1, 1948). Phase 2. Holding of plebiscites (target date beginning Dec 1, 1948, completion Jan 1, 1949). Phase 3. Calling of constituent assembly and drafting concurrently constitution USI and statute Neth-Indo union (target date Apr 1, 1949). Phase 4. Ratification USI constitution and Union statute by all parties, formal transfer of sovereignty to USI and inauguration Union (target date June 1, 1949).

Re Republic’s reported attitude that agreed interval before plebiscites runs from date signing Renville agreement (Gocus 219, Apr 6), Dept considers principles Renville agreement must all become effective simultaneously; therefore, Republic cannot expect interval before plebiscites to date from Jan 17, while at same time Republic refuses real adherence 1st of 6 additional principles, as evidenced by Republic’s reluctance discuss problems interim period (Gocus 210, Apr 2).

Dept believes you should continue use your influence to end that Republic enter Interim Federal Govt as first step, from which date interval before plebiscites should begin. Dutch should be encouraged make formal generous offer to Republic of terms and conditions for entrance Interim Federal Govt, holding negotiations beforehand with Republican leaders on form and powers such Govt, as distinguished from Provisional Federal Govt announced Mar 9.

Lovett
  1. Not printed.↩