501.BC Indonesia/6–2248: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
542. Gocus 319. Roem requested member US delegation call at his home early today. In hour conversation he explained that Republican delegation returned this morning to Jogja to discuss with Cabinet US-Aus working paper. Roem and Supomo remained Batavia in event Netherlands resumed meetings. He stated that while proposals did not meet Republican position 100 per cent, majority Republican delegation including Pringgo Digdo, Sastroamidjojo, Supomo, Budiardjo and himself believed that proposals represent a minimum that could be accepted and Republican delegation would recommend to Cabinet that Republican Government accept them fully and adopt as their own US-Aus proposals. Political parties represented present government would be able to agree he said to US-Aus proposals which to any fair-minded person were impartial and democratic. This connection he said that Dutch business interests would not oppose plan but that opposition would come from officials and Netherlands party leaders.
Roem stated that in opinion Republican delegation members who had negotiated with Netherlands since Linggadjati or before, no results could be expected from Van Mook-Hatta talks. Van Mook had made no offers to Hatta and had only agreed to refer topics discussion to Netherlands Government. Without pressure third party, Netherlands would not deviate intention eliminate Republicans. US delegation representative pointed out dangers inherent failure Van Mook-Hatta talks or breakdown GOC negotiations and asked if economic blockade continued whether Republican population could be kept under control. Roem replied emphatically Republicans had difficulty controlling people only when it appeared concessions being made to Netherlands.
Roem did not ask how much support could be expected from US Government for US plan but on contrary expressed his regret that some members Republican delegation had asked such “difficult” questions in conversations with US delegation. At conversation’s end he expressed his appreciation for US’s part in proposals stating the [Page 260] US-Aus plan had now made impossible Netherlands police action. Signed Dubois.
Sent Dept; Department pass to The Hague.1
- This was done the same day.↩