501.BC Indonesia/9–1848: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
803. Gocus 380. Pringgo Digdo told me today Soekarno and Hatta in cabinet meeting last night vigorously advocated acceptance USDel draft as basis negotiation. USDel conferred Republican Foreign Minister and Education Minister who sought behalf Cabinet further understanding what acceptance as “basis negotiation” means.
[Page 352]We have become increasingly aware opposition within government to its undertaking negotiate. This comes partly from realization Leftist elements will endanger life of government if Republic agrees and Netherlands refuses, or if both accept and Netherlands then uses blocking tactics. We assured them USDel with Department’s support will press speedy consummation negotiations under GOC auspices. We repeated arguments for early acceptance and offered meet again with Hatta if latter desires before further cabinet meeting which apparently required. Cabinet understood determined decide question before 21st. Signed Cochran.