501.BC Indonesia/7–1048: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
607. Gocus 335. 1. Re Usgoc 119,1 Critchley has for 2 weeks been trying get GOC ask SC for new instructions view cessation political negotiations between parties. US delegate not aware any other action he has in mind designed surmount present impasse. He apparently has given up hope political agreement and favors withdrawal GOC by SC but does not wish admission impotence to come from GOC.
2. Five meetings steering committee and six meetings main committees held since June 1. Latter, which normally would have met 24 times this period, have been concerned solely carrying out provisions truce and have reached no important agreements. Political committee has not met since May 28.
3. GOC at steering committee meeting July 9 raised question future course political negotiations. Republican delegate maintained view US-Australian working paper provided basis for resumption negotiations. Elink Schuurman, who has replaced Vredenburch, stated Netherlands would not be in position make important decisions until Netherlands Government reorganized on basis results elections, consultations Vredenburch at Hague completed and conclusions reached [Page 279] in talks Hatta and Van Mook. Republican delegate noted these talks suspended and there no assurance they would be resumed.
4. Roem in talk US delegate said original Bandung conference dead. He had discussed with Prime Ministers East Indo and Pasundan plans made by leaders non-Republican areas to convene another Bandung conference for purpose requesting Netherlands agreement to essential points US-Australian plan, not of course to be identified as such. Since such conference could not be held except on lines acceptable Van Mook, he had little hope such objectives could be realized and thought only outcome developments non-Republican areas would be construction Netherlands-dominated pre-federal government along lines NEI Government statement July 3 (Gocus 3322) in which Republic could not participate. Republic reluctant attempt coordinate too closely with Indos non-Republican areas owing likelihood increasing difficulties their position vis-à-vis Dutch. He stated Sjahrir considered speech by US representative in SC July 13 an encouragement to resumption police action but that he himself did not agree, especially in view implied support for Dubois. He also said if he had means guaranteeing to population Republic that Netherlands would not resume hostilities, and particularly if relaxation economic blockade could be obtained, he would view future with equanimity, regardless Netherlands progress in constructing USI without Republic. Any event, he viewed long range future with complete confidence. Signed Ogburn.
Sent Department 607; pass The Hague.4