501.BC Indonesia/5–2848: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
440. Gocus No. 284. Vredenburch in Steering Committee today endeavored have removed from agenda GOC letters on Bandung conference (Gocus 2811). GOC agreed omit discussion this item but stated it wished make statement on conference subject willingness parties hear it. Vredenburch agreed with obvious reluctance, reserving his position on any such statement. Accordingly, secretary read statement (which prepared by USDel) as follows:
“In raising certain questions connection federation conference Bandung, GOC considers its interest two-fold:
First place, GOC enjoined by report political developments West Java and Madura. Inasmuch as Wali negaras 2 of Madura and Pasundan invited participate conference, GOC considered if conference empowered make decisions or recommendations which could affect West Java and Madura politically, it would have no option but take cognizance work conference in report SC.
Second place, GOC had taken note Article 3 truce agreement, sixth of twelve political principles and fourth of 6 additional principles. These principles in GOC view imply it cannot be known this stage what states, if any, in addition Republic will be formed Java, Madura, Sumatra. Having in mind particularly first of 12 political principles providing continuation assistance GOC in working out and signing agreement for settlement political dispute Java, Madura, Sumatra, GOC considered certain questions would inevitably arise regarding own position should it transpire representatives of states other than Republic, formed provisionally these territories, could make decisions or recommendations bearing upon structure federation in which these states themselves may have no part.
If, however, GOC understanding of Netherlands letter May 26 correct and federation conference Bandung merely consultative in character and without power make decisions or recommendations on matters now subject discussion between Netherlands delegation and Republic delegation, GOC will agree foregoing considerations do not require discussion conference under GOC auspices.
However, Republic delegation in letter May 23 stated it intends submit report federation conference to SC and has forwarded to GOC [Page 191] copy letter to president SC setting forth certain statements by Netherlands Indies authorities which gave impression contrary to that conveyed in Netherlands delegation letter May 26.
Parenthetically this connection, GOC would like raise question whether Republic delegation has already instructed its representatives Lake Success raise matter federation conference in SC and moreover whether it has brought to attention president SC the holding of conference.
GOC considers in view letters from Republic delegation it will be required comment on proceedings Bandung in report SC on basis discussions with parties.”
Vredenburch reaction clearly most unfavorable. He stated proper method handling matter would have been direct informal discussions GOC with Netherlands delegation and that he very much regretted issuance statement. Roem stated Republic had not yet sent letters Lake Success but wished do so earliest and hence wished GOC and Netherlands delegations’ comments soonest. GOC will meet with parties May 31 consider matter.
We feel position taken by GOC is only one possible and should give Netherlands delegation forewarning serious embroilments likely in SC if Netherlands attempts lay foundations USI at Bandung. USDel view as set forth in GOC is that provisional states formed by Netherlands in Java, Madura and Sumatra must be regarded purely as means enabling Indos participate in governments these areas present period and that this was certainly USDel point view in judging Netherlands actions in setting up Madura and Pasundan states. Determination form USI by representatives such states would cause USDel regard method creation these states in entirely different light.
USDel had hoped assumption initiative by GOC respect inquiry into Bandung conference would forestall Republic report to SC. We regret this evidently not possible owing deep anxiety Republic over implications conference.
Department pass Hague.3