501.BC Indonesia/9–1748: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
urgent
791. Gocus 376. September 3 [13?] Critchley expressed general satisfaction USDel draft and pleasure we had moved so rapidly. He [Page 342] feels situation critical and promised use best efforts with Republic officials to accelerate their acceptance.
Same day Cochran and Scott visited Hatta. He had read USDel draft but unable give adequate study thereto until he finished preparing speech for delivery 16th. Hatta raised only few points with respect substance, his principal concern being to get through political debate lGth and to maneuver with political party before taking decision to issue their support USDel draft. We stressed benefits draft to Republic and tactical desirability yearly [early] acceptance.
USDel talked with Roem, Leimena and Pringgo Digdo. All appeared enthusiastic over plan. Their questions principally concerned some guarantee for Republic throughout interim period to insure Netherlands carrying out terms proposed agreement. They desire GOC or other UN agency available until sovereignty transfer. We explained text itself provides guarantee through its clear-cut obligations and expressed view UN and friendly countries would be quick observe any failure either party implement agreement. We again stressed advantages in Republic’s accepting promptly.
USDel visited BelDel 14th and explained procedure. Herremans saw points in draft which he felt Netherlands would oppose but was less pessimistic when they were explained and when he learned Department supports plan.
Cochran and Scott dined September 14 with Indian Vice Consul. Latter unaware our recent steps. He expressed concern over Communist activity under Moeso. Said latter told him US proving best Communists through delaying pressure for settlement Indo question. Moeso boasted Communists would have control in two or three months in absence US pressure for decision. Moeso said any police action by Netherlands even if it destroys Republic would not defeat Communists since they would go underground and cause turmoil through islands.
Pringgo Digdo visited Codhran 16th. He thinks decision will be given before 22nd, date GOC train to Fatauia and possibly by 20th. We breakfasted with Sukarno 17th. Signed Cochran.