501.BC Indonesia/9–1848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
us urgent
433. Usgoc 143. Following Butterworth’s tel to yon yesterday1 conversations on working level have taken place here with Blom. In all conversations here Dept’s position has been consistently as outlined to you in Usgoc 142, Sep 17.
It appears to Dept certain objections raised by Dutch arise from their misunderstanding purpose your draft and therefore in Dept’s view may at your discretion be resolved by clarifications by you in draft proposal; other points of substantive character such as objection described Roman numeral I note verbale from Neth (which we understand now in your hands) can be dealt with in Dept’s opinion only through negotiation by the parties before GOC, unless Neth and Rep can reach agreement between themselves beforehand. Dept anxious for you to know that Dutch have been given clearly to understand that any modification your plan is a matter for your decision alone and that Dept will not undertake to influence your decisions. In reporting conversations with Neth, Dept will give you its view of respects in which certain Dutch objections might be met through clarification and possible treatment of more substantive issues through negotiation between parties.
Full résumé conversations here will be telegraphed you Sep 20. Stikker and Blom will fly Hague Mon to report Neth Cabinet results conversations Washington. Pending outcome Stikker’s conversations Hague Dept feels chances successful outcome would be enhanced by your maintaining flexibility your position with both parties in Batavia.2