501.BC–Indonesia/6–2348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
387. In view possibility that GOC will (see Usgoc 1091) be able, acting unanmiously, to present parties with plan consistent with Renville principles as basis agreement between Netherlands and Republic and in view fact Department studying detailed provisions Dubois-Critchley plan with view to formulating comments, Embassy submits its own preliminary comments. These are for Department’s own information and not for repetition to Batavia, since it is believed that for comments to reach GOCUS from both Department and this Embassy would cause only confusion.
Embassy has obtained, on secret and personal basis, copy of proposal. Netherlands Government is making a careful study of its merits (Embtel 370, June 15 and Deptel 254, June 162) and first reaction not completely unfavorable.
Embassy believes that in view current atmosphere Batavia, Department may find it helpful to allow this Embassy to discuss Department’s comments when evolved informally with Netherlands Foreign Office in order obtain maximum clarification and harmony before new proposal is finally evolved by unanimous GOC. Embassy feels strongly that current proposal suffers from fact lack sympathy between GOCUS and Netherlands Delegates has prevented consideration Netherlands political problems, at least as worthy respect as those of Republic. In fact Embassy believes GOC, prior to evolving new proposal, could profitably visit this country, or at least send representative here to discuss situation with local experts and politicians.
Embassy believes principal feature of proposal consisting creation elected provisional government and constituent assembly is wholly desirable when favorable atmosphere created. Technically Republic has no more democratic foundation than allegedly Dutch created Negaras and Daerahs , with result currently Netherlands Government only party to negotiations enjoying advantages and disadvantages responsibility to democratic institutions and freely expressed public opinion.
Following specific comments presented with full realization limitations on value comments from this distance:
- (1)
- Embassy agrees emphatically that “outstanding obstacle to settlement between Netherlands and Republic has been disagreement [Page 264] between them as to who, in fact, is qualified to speak for Indonesian people”. Proposed elections should remove this obstacle. However, generally speaking, Dubois-Critchley proposal presupposes GOC has decided this point in favor Republic. For example, Embassy notes proposal provides that immediately after parties have reached political agreement, which would provide for elections within 3 months, they are to proceed to constitute a number of joint commissions to work on problems of pre-election period. Would not acceptance by Netherlands of these commissions prejudge question of who represents Indonesian people in a way difficult for Netherlands Government to accept? It appears to this Embassy that some problems to be handled by proposed commissions might well be held in abeyance during pre-electoral period and then be turned over to commissions which would represent elected delegates on one hand and Netherlands on other hand, and others could be handled through existing negotiating machinery. It would, of course, be necessary to have joint electoral commission as soon as political agreement signed. Indonesian representatives on this commission could presumably be selected on geographic basis and should have benefit GOC cooperation as offered in proposal for working out of “electoral procedure”.
- (2)
- Question of division of powers in pre-USI period most complicated. Netherlands constitution and related legislation definitely limit powers which Hague Government can relinquish. Embassy understands Netherlands authorities preparing detailed working paper this subject. For further relinquishment of powers additional legislation having approval two-thirds States General would be required. Embassy suggests, however, that maximum transfer constitutionally possible in interim period might be made acceptable to Indonesian people on basis establishment time limits to which both Netherlands Government and constituent assembly would be expected adhere plus “gentleman’s agreement” on Republic army and foreign relations. Embassy agrees with objectives set forth in Usgoc 105.3
- (3)
- This Embassy does not see how detailed union statute can possibly be drafted by Republic and Netherlands delegates at present (see numbered paragraph (4) of Usgoc 105). Text of such statute would depend in part upon constitution of USI. Furthermore objections contained in numbered paragraph (1) above would also be applicable to drafting of union statute by Republican and Netherlands delegates alone. However, proposed principles for such statute contained in proposal seem most promising and represent perhaps maximum goal to be sought at present.
Essence of Embassy’s thinking on this question is that agreement with Republic at this time should as far as possible be limited to agreement (a) for elections so as to give Indonesian people truly representative body with which to negotiate with Netherlands and to draw up constitution of USI; (b) to maintain truce arrangement with Republic; (c) to restore economic conditions in Republican area as soon as possible with cooperation NEI government; (d) on principles [Page 265] for union statute defining maximum Netherlands claims; and (e) reaffirmation adherence to Linggadjati and Renville principles.
In appraising this entire situation, Department will wish to bear in mind that regardless merits GOCUS analysis of Republic’s worth and possibilities, there is strong feeling here that time favors realization Federalist concept. This is based upon (1) sense of economic progress in Netherlands areas and corresponding regression Republican areas; (2) allegedly great internal political difficulties in Republic; (3) belief that revelations Communist machinations in Far East will increasingly open eyes Western powers their real interests. Sense of urgency which caused Dubois to present US-Australian proposal even without Belgian concurrence simply non-existent here. Finally fact that it is generally believed elections here July 7 will result moderate gains in Rightist direction has bearing on possibilities of Netherlands policy.