501.BC Indonesia/8–2248: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
711. Gocus 358. Scott and I met with Neher and Schuurman 9 p. m., August 21 and talked 3 hours. Neher had seen Van Mook. From Neher we sought latest information on developments Hague and plans for procedure. We summarized and sharpened observations already made to Schuurman with respect draft act for interim period.
Neher referred long visit with me night before I left Hague when he gave me background on Indo question. He pictured difficult and strenuous days since then spent in formation government, passage second reading constitutional amendment in Second Chamber, discussion Bandoeng resolutions by new government members and committee [Page 305] of nine with Bandoeng leaders, and preparation legislative draft act for interim period.
Van Mook had asked that reassembly Bandoeng Conference be postponed until September. However, Bandoeng people insisted in Hague that draft act be available them August 17. Hague felt obliged accede Bandoeng leaders’ request that conference be reconvened August 17 and that draft act be ready for their consideration by that date. Insistence of Bandoeng leaders on August 17 date was said to be based on their desire return Hague for jubilee and coronation celebrations.
Neher said Cabinet meeting discussed promise made me that draft act would be sent me for comment prior its presentation. He said decision was taken in best of faith to submit draft directly to Bandoeng and that the Cabinet fully appreciated the difficulties this would probably present to USDel. Neher said my Hague friends would keep promise, however, to provide additional material which might help in construction plan for political agreement with Republic and that this material should reach Batavia 24th. Anticipated additional material would cover ideas supplementary to that of interim government which we feel should be incorporated in political agreement.
We emphasized concern over draft for interim government for all Indonesia being submitted Bandoeng without any apparent arrangement for informing Republic or explaining that this draft is only part of legislation for Indonesian Federation and that Republic would be invited to comment on draft and come into Federation. We agreed that act as drawn provides legal framework within which it possible develop additional legislation of all Renville principles. We feared, however, that Republic would be shocked by present text without explanation and might conceivably rush to Security Council laying draft alongside Renville Agreement and protesting thereon. I asked bluntly who is to put up draft legislation to Republic and to give the explanation that more legislation is to come after comments on first draft received.
We emphasized it was responsibility of Netherlands Government to explain to Republic the place of draft act in Netherlands scheme for an overall settlement. I said I had prepared way for them to bring forward their plans and had refrained introducing any American ideas which might possibly prejudice success of Dutch program.
We urged necessity speed in acts to prevent Republic taking hasty action if, as expected, the draft act should come to its attention before an explanatory statement by Netherlands Government could be made. Neher agreed Dutch Government statement should be issued publicly by Tuesday 24th in explanation of submission draft act to Bandoeng. Statement would make clear that draft is also to be submitted to GOC and Republic for comment, since Bandoeng Conference had request [Page 306] Batavia to bring original resolutions to GOC attention and since plan envisages federation all Indonesia including Republic. Statement would also make clear that Netherlands expected final draft to incorporate Renville principles. At Neher’s suggestion, USDel will participate in drafting statement.
During course above conversation we produced extract story which American press correspondent had prepared on basis interview with Rittman, head RVD. Explained that correspondent had told me this story on 19th but that he had refrained filing it after talking with me until he had approached Rittman second time and had confirmation thereof. Gist of story is that Dutch contemplate going ahead with federation irrespective of Republic, considering latter rebellious state if it fails to join and providing federation with troops to force submission if necessary. Story alleged furthermore that Rittman anticipated interim government’s bypassing United Nations in dealing with Republic. Point was made by us that if Republic and outside world receive news this sort attributable to official sources, opportunity would be negligible for achieving success in political agreement. Rittman was called in and asked by Schuurman for explanation. Rittman undertook to take immediate steps to check story if possible. Neher denied story reflected Dutch intentions. He said that in his last conversation with Drees, Prime Minister had discussed alternatives which would confront Netherlands in event Republic ultimately refused join federation after all reasonable advances had been made by Netherlands. In such an event Neher said Prime Minister considered obligations under truce agreement would be ended.
We showed Neher copy of telegram from Roem to Leimena stating atmosphere Jogja sharply deteriorating result incident August 16 at Republic House Batavia which regarded as shrine by Republic and that unless house were returned to Republican authorities Roem feared it difficult assure safety Netherlands delegation their next move to Jogja. Neher said decision had already been reached to take over certain Republican houses Batavia in effort reduce subversive activities and opium traffic but that decision would be reconsidered at Council meeting August 23. Signed Cochran.