501.BC Indonesia/5–3148: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
445. Gocus 288. From talks with Republican delegates and press representatives who have wide contacts Republican circles, it evident Republic hopes political settlement at extremely low ebb. Pringgo Digdo says progress negotiations political subcommittees nearly ended with parties still far apart. Republic appears regard eventualities without panic and to be steeling itself for Dutch military offensive which it would apparently rather face than accept present Netherlands terms, since these in Republic’s view would mean disappearance Republic in NEA [NEI?] Government.
While Republic clearly anticipates swiftness [loss?] all Java it probably expects hold out some areas Sumatra. In fact, it now endeavoring move officials to Sumatra from Java. There some belief that when Sukarno proceeds Sumatra later this month he will remain.
Republican defense will be two-fold:
- 1.
- In line importance attached by Republic to world opinion, it will undoubtedly endeavor continue broadcasts from Sumatra. Representative Republic already engaged getting officials to other countries who can maintain propaganda offensive. Some indication Republic has two Dakotas which engaged flying officials to Bangkok from Sumatra, which would explain Republic’s refusal accept Dutch control air traffic, although this is price Netherlands delegation has heretofore demanded for agreement permitting ships engaged foreign trade discharge and load cargoes Republican ports subject Netherlands regulations and inspection.
- 2.
- Current streamlining of TNI may be preparation for guerrilla war which Republic unquestionably expects wage. This connection first infiltration armed TNI soldiers into Netherlands areas since truce recently reported from Sumatra by Netherlands delegation. This movement will grow if atmosphere deteriorates much further although it does not yet represent policy Republican Government. In addition guerrilla warfare, Republic admittedly planning all-out scorched-earth tactics. Pringgo Digdo (who formerly chief statistician NEI Bureau Statistics, conspicuously a moderate, and good friend Koets as result lessons learned during police action Republic) expects economic sabotage to be extremely effective. Commenting on our observation that estates Netherlands areas still require protection by troops, he said present difficulties Dutch give no indication capacity Republic inflict damage since Republic genuinely doing best cooperate with Dutch present period. (NEI economic review for April shows only 36 percent Dutch estates West Java reoccupied after seven months police activities and two of truce.) Pringgo Digdo reiterated unanimous Republican view that Netherlands has not yet attracted single Indonesian leader to Dutch side, only some civil officials. He stated that regardless Netherlands military successes, Republican movement would continue [Page 200] both above and underground, that Netherlands could not impose order on Indonesia except by exterminating all Indonesian intellectuals, and that Republic was confident it could render Indonesia untenable to Dutch. Gani expresses same view Republic’s ability bring Indonesian economy to standstill by scorched-earth policy and says he doubts US can pour sufficient money into Netherlands to enable Dutch hang on in Indonesia should hostilities be resumed.
Some information indicates Republican Cabinet will soon be reformed with addition Left-wing FDR ministers, possibly including Sjarifuddin or Setiadjit, and that original intention was effect reshuffle this week but that move may be delayed to avoid apparent tie-up with Soviet recognition. New cabinet would be responsible to parliamentary working committee (present cabinet is responsible president). Change over would be result demonstration national solidarity which took place May 20 in celebration 40th anniversary Indonesian nationalist movement. Declaration signed by representatives all major political parties called for maintenance Republic’s foreign relations, increased consciousness on part whole people of necessity continuing struggle for independence and for large scale training of army and coordination military effort with industry and agriculture in order resist enemy attack. Joint declaration represented closing of Republican ranks after months of sharp discoid between Left and Right-wings.
Brackman of UP, who arrived Indonesia just over year ago, says atmosphere and current developments Dutch-Republican dispute present unescapable parallel with those exactly year ago.
Department pass Hague.1
- This was done the same day.↩