756e.61/5–2648: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia1
228. Soviet announcement agreement exchange consular reps between USSR and Indo Repub occasions Dept great concern. Dept would appreciate comments you & DuBois significance influence on [Page 192] present negotiations such agreement. Following views offered for your consideration and immediate comment: (1) Both. USSR and Repub have by this act contravened Renville agreements, to which Repub voluntarily subscribed and which has been accepted by SC of which USSR is member, (2) As Soeripno departed Jogja for Prague in Dec as Repub plenipotentiary to negotiate agreement with USSR, it would appear that initiative came from Repub side (Hague’s 315, May 26, rptd to Batavia), (3) USSR doubtless desired by this act to minimize offense to Muslim world resulting from USSR recognition Israel.
Dept has for some weeks feared that Repub in no important sense desires to implement Renville agreements, having realized fact that truce has immobilized Dutch military; that Repub determined successfully to avoid obligations imposed on it by Prin 1 of 6 additional prins and to present embryonic USI with overwhelming power Repub possessing all important attributes of sovereignty incl foreign representation and foreign trade. USSR–Repub exchange consular reps naturally deepens Dept’s fear. Dept remains convinced full honest implementation Renville agreements both parties offers best possible solution dispute.
USSR, obviously determined from outset to subvert Renville agreements against which it has been waging propaganda war in press and radio, doubtless considers this move successful step in this direction.
Dept would appreciate comments you and DuBois on desirability using this occasion energetically to catechize Repub on genuine character its intention implement Renville agreements, adding that Dept continues to assume that Repub, having entered voluntarily into Renville agreements, has always intended and intends to implement all those agreements.
Sent Batavia as 228. Rptd The Hague as 215.
- Repeated in telegram 621, June 1, 6 p. m., to Moscow.↩