501.BC Indonesia/9–1548: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
788. Gocus 375. RepDel submitted GOC September 14 copy of report to SC on recent developments in Indonesia. Transmitting letter dated September 9 noted report had already been sent Palar with [Page 340] instructions not present it to SC before September 25 and requested copy be sent NethDel. Procedure followed is that set forth Gocus 203, March 25.1
In lengthy conversation evening September 14 Pringgo Digdo told USDel Palar will be instructed not to submit report if negotiations satisfactorily resumed by September 25. In response query he explained it had been originally intended transmit report September 9. After submission USDel plan September 10, decision forward report suspended. September 14 decision taken to forward in any event on theory it would hasten Netherlands acceptance USDel plan as based negotiations. We told Pringgo Digdo with considerable emphasis submission report to SC at this time might have opposite effect on Netherlands; namely, it might logically precipitate counterproposals from their side and if reasonable and in accord with Renville, we would have no reason to argue in favor resumption negotiations on basis USDel plan rather than reasonable Netherlands plan. We also told Pringgo Digdo that Republic itself not yet accepted USDel plan and we had been informed there was opposition to plan in various circles Republican opinion. Fnially, we told him if Republic wished Netherlands accept USDel plan, only effective pressure Republic could apply this connection would be prompt and unqualified acceptance USDel plan by Republic.
Summary of report which is eleven pages follows:
There has been rapid deterioration in relations of parties since committee’s third interim report. General outlook now far worse than at any stage since SC intervention. RepDel believes it has obligation under SC resolution of February 28 to report any significant retrogression.
Republic considered many military provisions Renville unfair but accepted them because principles which were to form basis early political agreement gave overall settlement a balance. It now appears that Netherlands having achieved military advantages of truce now reluctant to carry out remainder Renville, Netherlands has stilled world opinion by pretext of negotiating but meanwhile continued unilateral policy, namely setting up new states, forming provisional government, convening Bandung Conference, and other examples cited previous reports.
NethDel has refused consider AusDel-USPel proposals. This confirmed growing conviction in Republic that Netherlands does not want settlement based on Renville but determined to proceed unilaterally to set up USA [USI] without Republic and without full sovereignty.
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Report ends as follows:
“Republic trusts that SC will review situation and consider whether time has not arrived when hands of GOC should be strengthened by [Page 341] granting of wider and more effective powers so that growing danger to maintenance of international peace and security may be averted.”
Signed Cochran.