501.BC Indonesia/5–2148: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
421. Gocus 277. By letter May 20 Republican Delegation informed GOC that at 1:30 that morning house of AM Budiardjo (member Republican Delegation Political Committee and Republican representative Drafting Committee West Java and Madura reports) was searched by Dutch military and police forces “to trace elements conducting subversive activities” and that these forces also arrested Taufik Salim (son Hadji Salim and member secretariat staff Republican Delegation) same night on charge conducting subversive activities and confiscated 4 typewriters and 1 multigraphing machine in his house. Letter asks GOC request Dutch refrain such actions and release Salim.
At Steering Committee meeting today Roem stated he had yesterday informed Abdul Kadir of Salimos arrest, that no formal charges preferred and that Salim forbidden wear shoes by his jailers. Owing unpreparedness Netherlands Delegation discuss matter, it was referred to special Steering Committee meeting called for tomorrow.
Political meeting followed immediately today’s Steering Committee meeting. Vredenburch recalled assurance given by Roem Steering Committee meeting April 19 (Gocus 2381) that Republic would not expand foreign relations and stated Netherlands Delegation had hoped since January 17 Republican representatives would be inconspicuously and tactfully recalled. He stated hopes evidently groundless and assurance valueless in view (1) recent recognition of Republic in some form by Yemen, (2) Sjahrir press statement that Republic opening office Penang, Malay Federation, (3) elevation Palar to status plenipotentiary representative, (4) document which had “come into Netherlands hands” stating Republic sending plenipotentiary to USSR to achieve closer relationship and (5) Republican rejection Netherlands invitation to assign representative to delegation Kingdom Netherlands to ECAFE Conference India and statement Republic would not participate conference except through own delegation as associate member. Vredenburch repeated invitation for Republican Delegate to be one of Indonesian Delegates all Indonesia as member Netherlands Delegation ECAFE, then requested Roem use his intermediary with his Government to ascertain whether Republic would adapt itself to sovereignty Netherlands over all Indonesia in accordance 1st of 6 additional principles.
[Page 185]Owing unpreparedness Republican Delegation discuss foreign relations, matter referred to nest meeting Political Committee. Sent Department 421; Department pass Hague.2