501.BC Indonesia/7–2848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
352. Usgoc 127. For Ogburn from Reed, urtel 658, Jul 28. You are to remain Acting US Rep until arrival Cochran but I suggest strongly you take no action after arrival Scott, due Batavia Aug 2, without fullest discussion with him because he has participated all Dept deliberations re Indo problem and re plans for achievement final over-all settlement this problem and is therefore in full possession Dept’s considered views.1
Discussion substance your 658 would appear to be unprofitable at this time since Scott can explain in detail present Dept thinking.
However I would stress once more (1) Dutch assertion police action not currently contemplated; (2) Dutch assertion they intend transfer full sovereignty to USI in accordance Renville principles; (3) US not party to present dispute; and (4) firm US intention maintain neutrality of action as member GOC and as nation friendly to both parties. In latter connection far from pursuing policy designed to negate Indonesian nationalist aspirations, Dept has done and is continuing do its best contribute to solution problem in accordance Renville principles.
Dept policy has been and will continue to advocate strict adherence those principles except as may be mutually agreeable both parties. You should make this unmistakably clear to Rep which should not interpret as unfriendly acts of US Govt consonant with those principles. For your info only we are impressed present apparent Dutch readiness make reasonable concessions and arrive at speedy settlement of problem and we trust Rep will be equally responsive and reasonable when negotiations begin.
Pls bear in mind that whatever Rep views may be in the matter Dept wishes negotiation of Indo problem kept out of SC. Dept’s desires in this matter likewise are in no way affected by Neth predilections.
I regret you feel Dept has left you uninformed re its position following presentation US-Aus Dels working paper which you will recall was submitted on a personal basis without prior authorization [Page 296] of Dept. Receipt that paper by Dept long delayed and its analysis only completed recently and coincident with Cochran’s arrival in Dept. [Reed.]
- Telegram 364, August 10, 6 p. m., to Batavia, reported appointment by President Truman of Mr. Scott as Deputy U.S. Representative on the GOC as of August 5.↩