501.BC Indonesia/8–1948: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
704. Gocus 356. In response invitation to visit Jogja for Republic’s celebration national holiday, GOC military observer and Under Secretary left August 16 for Jogja and returned morning August 18. We anticipated Republic’s capitalizing our visit. I preferred this to permitting ConGen accept tendered invitation or offering ground for criticism if some delegate went and I declined particularly after my stay Hague.
On 16th went as Sukarno’s guest to witness his opening native products exhibit Solo. Forenoon 17th attended Palace celebration Indonesian independence. Sukarno in long speech reviewed struggle for freedom and set forth Republic’s aspirations.
- (1)
- Sought implementation of Dutch promise independence of Indonesia throughout archipelago in form USI on January 1, 1949.
- (2)
- Expressed desire for peaceful settlement for which Republic had taken its problems before international forum.
- (3)
- Defended use guerrilla warfare, scorched earth, sabotage, boycott, strikes, etc., if and when Republic obliged defend its freedom.
- (4)
- Declared cease-fire order and creation consular committee destroyed Dutch theory that Indonesian problem is [not] international and Dutch alone responsible through their sovereignty.
- (5)
- Stated Republic willing participate interim government for USI provided (a) it is of national character with specified authority; (b) capable persons who understand their responsibility, and are known to the whole Indonesian people sit in that government; (c) interim government be based on principles of democracy and take account of growth of democracy in population; (d) it would be responsible to a Constituent Assembly elected by the whole Indonesian people in a democratic way, which Assembly should also draft the [Page 304] constitution of the USI, delineate component states of USI and ratify statute of Indo-Dutch union.
- (6)
- Reaffirmed Republic positions that (a) plebiscite be held only in Dutch-controlled areas of Java, Sumatra and Madura, (b) that Dutch still conceive of Union as superstate rather than partnership of equal sovereign states.
At evening reception in Palace I talked alone with President. I said that incidents of past few days (meaning opium charges and shootings and search at Republic quarters Batavia sixteenth) should not cause us to lose sight of major objective of consummating political agreements soonest or to permit atmosphere to become unfavorable to reasonable discussions. I recalled impressions I gave him on my call last week concerning interest Dutch political leaders Hague in advancing ideas for settlement. I mentioned particularly sympathetic attitude evinced by Drees and Sassen, now Prime Minister and Minister Overseas respectively. I told Sukarno Neher was expected Batavia August 20 with latest advice and that plans for resuming political discussions should consequently wait.
Finally I volunteered I had gained no impression Hague that any new police action was being thought of, contrary to obvious concern of Indonesian circles over such possibility. President thanked me most appreciatively for our visit and hoped I would find English text his speech helpful in understanding his position and in exercising good offices. (Full text speech being airmailed.)
GOC expects return Kaliurang August 23 if assurances are received airport Jogja will be in operation by that date.