501.BC Indonesia/6–148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
325. Question raised re Gocus 2861 in effect is that of nature proposed union. Problem of Netherlands Government is to negotiate agreement on this subject with Republic and with other entities which will make up USI and then secure two-thirds approval vote in Netherlands States General so that agreement will be binding on Netherlands Government. Constitutional amendments recently passed over two-thirds majorities both chambers are merely permissive, enabling government to continue negotiations along lines of necessarily vague Linggadjati and Renville principles application of which can give rise to widely varying types of union. States General now to be dissolved and new elections to be held July 7. Amendments to become part constitution must have approval of two-thirds new chambers meeting July 27. These new chambers will have also to pass by [a?] two-thirds vote on definitive constitutional arrangements such as union.
Government can count on opposition extreme right and Communists to any union proposal upon which it and Republic might agree. This means over 20 percent votes second chamber. In addition opposition parties controlling nearly 18 percent are pledged to support only “strong” union. Finally, government parties, i.e., Catholic with 32 percent and Labor with 29 percent vote in lower chamber, while they have so far agreed substantially on Indonesian policy have developed in recent parliamentary debates rather divergent views on nature of union with Catholics calling for an organism with clearly defined competence and authority while Labor views lay greater stress on ultimates [Page 203] sovereignty union partners. Netherlands delegation working paper is not known to parliament or public here. It reflects views of government experts embodying government’s appraisal of desiderata in forthcoming negotiations and of what could be approved in States General. Obviously there is room for bargaining.
Before deciding to give “US support for Republic position” on questions cited in Gocus 286, Department will wish to consider as one of pertinent factors that Netherlands Government to make any agreement effective must secure approval of two-thirds members States General. Our own interest in defense and economic development of Indonesia will also no doubt determine extent support Republic’s position which may be in conflict position other Indonesia entities. Embassy’s despatches 115 of February 24, 173 of March 19 and 296 of May 272 give pertinent background.
Department pass Batavia.3