501.BC Indonesia/5–2548: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
435. Gocus 281. GOC May 23 sent letter to parties stating that in order keep abreast developments Java, Madura, Sumatra affecting its work, it would appreciate early opportunity obtain information on Federal Conference Bandoeng through discussions with parties. Letter set forth topics special interest chiefly concerning (1) reasons for convening Bandoeng Conference, (2) whether delegates have representative capacity and, if so, whom or what they represent, (3) power SC one [sic] to make decisions or recommendations with regard matters which are subjects negotiations with Republic.
Letter is second result growing USDel conviction GOC must assume more positive role if political agreement to be reached. First result was GOC press release on police action against Budiardjo and Salim (Gocus 2801) which is first GOC release to which one party specifically objected (Netherlands objected 4th paragraph). USDel suspects NEI authorities this case attempted see how far they could go.
USDel believes that by more assertive role GOC may be able (1) forestall any intention on part Netherlands to ease dispute out from under GOC via Bandoeng Conference and give it aspect internal Indonesian conflict, (2) obtain moderation extreme Netherlands demands and (3) restore expiring Republican confidence GOC with result it may be less inclined refer every issue SC and be able exert more control over elements lacking faith negotiations and prone direct action.
As next step, USDel intends press for full hearings with parties as to why, 4 months after truce, trade still at complete standstill and no procedure evolved permitting legitimate Republican shipping go unmolested. Subject Department concurrence, USDel will proceed attempt get GOC backing [apparent garble] interim period outline Gocus 275.2 At same time we shall seek full hearings on reasons why Republican cannot stop infiltrations and incendiary propaganda [Page 186] and cannot (if Netherlands charges are correct) live up to understanding it would not expand foreign relations (Gocus 2773).
If no progress results these efforts, future reports to SC can scarcely preserve reassuring tone since GOC can hardly put itself position allowing its failure to drop on SC out of clear sky.
Department pass Hague.4