501.BC Indonesia/6–248: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
niact
462. Gocus 295. Du Bois lunched with Hatta today. Hatta reiterated Republic has no intention exchange representatives with USSR.
[Page 208]He said letters exchanged Silin and Suripno did not bind Republic, that Republic could do nothing until letters received and would then not submit them for ratification by Parliament but would put them in a box. Du Bois asked if they would be kept there indefinitely. Hatta said yes. Du Bois called attention statement by Roem that Republic would not enter new relations other or more than those established or under way and asked if nevertheless statement in Republican press release that at this time there will be no extensions scope Republican foreign relations still stood. Hatta said it did.
Hatta stated tension and apprehension increasing in Republic. He had received reports that Dutch were moving troops from Batavia up to Semarang, Poerwokerto and Malang by train. After giving orders recently for removal of all demolition bombs from factories in Republic in order resume production, Hatta now had reports local populace spontaneously putting bombs back. (This connection, Djuanda says removal and destruction plans equipment on Republican side status quo line Malang area are local reaction to Dutch troop movements.)
USDel considers Republic has gone as far as it can be expected at this time in disavowing relationship USSR, that it has, in fact, shown considerable in West [restraint?] by attitude taken, and that incidents should be regarded as closed. We also believe that Republic, despite tempting opportunities, has not in real sense expanded its foreign relations since giving assurances 2 months ago it would not do so. We feel very strongly there no reason suspend negotiations this time and that to do so would bring its disaster.
USSR [ USDel ] urges Department inform Netherlands Ambassador soonest that all talk of suspending negotiations should cease instantly, that any movements Netherlands troops toward status quo line be immediately terminated, and that any troops already sent forward be withdrawn soonest and that US will not tolerate repetition events last July.
Du Bois did best allay some of damage done by talk of suspending negotiations by giving Hatta some idea of plan for political settlement now under consideration GOC and by stressing USDel determination negotiated settlement be achieved and emphasizing USDel confidence.
Department pass Hague.1
- This was done on June 3.↩