856e.01/6–1148: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to Secretary of State
496. Dubois and Ogburn arrived Batavia yesterday 1:30 p. m. Former had meeting with Governor General 5 p. m. but did not contact me beforehand. Latter came office routine business but when asked purpose conference said “secret”.
At 6:30, Van Vredenburch called member Consulate General staff and requested him Palace urgently. This was done and Van Vredenburch said briefly as follows:
Dubois saw Governor General and handed 18 page plan with covering letter, signed by Dubois and Critchley only as Belgium had reserved position. Hatta also received identical documents. Neither NethDel or KepDel given prior notification and GOC had gone over their heads completely to Governor General accepted document but did not discuss, NethDel cannot act until instructions from Hague in premises received. Van Vredenburch says most confused re Departmental thinking as his information from Washington does not coincide with present action. Indicated he felt USDel acting in purely personal capacity and not upon Departmental instructions.
In evening I called on Dubois (also subsequently during night to show him latest Deptel just decoded) at hotel. He informed me of his presentation documents to Governor General. Said he had followed his conscience this matter after most earnest deliberation and that in fact he would have presented document even had AusDel refrained. Dubois tells me received long distance call from Department this morning during which he reported action he had taken. Expects return Kalioerang tomorrow 12th.
Consulate General had no prior knowledge of what was to take place at Dubois-Van Mook meeting.