856e.00/9–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
600. Boom [Boon], Political Department FonOff, today handed Embassy copy Cochran proposals and advised cabinet considering to [Page 338] night whether they constitute acceptable basis for resumption negotiations. He intimated some Dutch officials were under impression that Cochran would consult with Netherlands authorities again before submitting any proposals but admitted that pressure of events and regard for sensibilities all concerned could be understood as justification for procedure followed. Draft contained proposals important from Dutch point of view but others on which it would be difficult to secure agreement of cabinet as now constituted. He wondered whether Department fully realized the possibility in connection with this critical problem that situation might arise where Dutch Government with best will could not achieve the majority necessary to implement an agreement which Indos would accept.
Embassy impression is Netherlands authorities find Cochran proposals hard but at same time an honest effort to reconcile difficulty. They also recognize importance of US endorsement these proposals.
- Repeated in telegram 424, September 14, 7 p. m., to Batavia.↩