501.BC Indonesia/9–1948: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
urgent
804. Gocus 381. Roem and Pringgo Digdo told USDel’s today RepubDel voted 7 to 1 last night in favor acceptance USDel draft. Their report being prepared for submission tonight and Cabinet expected act thereon Monday night.
RepubDel received last night telegram from Batavia notifying number of families of RepubDel members including those of Leimena and Pringgo Digdo given 14 days in which to leave Netherlands-controlled territory.
Our friends assure us they are working utmost to achieve acceptance USDel plan in spite personal worries over families and other difficulties. We told them we can do little with Netherlands from here. We realized situation deteriorating daily. We felt we must have Republic acceptance before returning Batavia. With this we could face NethDel there with some effectiveness. We stressed advantage to Republic record of their accepting soonest especially if case may come before SC twenty-fifth or later.
Trend of provocative incidents emanating NEI officials at critical time when effort being made find basis for resuming negotiations lead strongly to conclusion Netherlands purposely aggravating political situation within Republic to make it impossible for Hatta Government either to negotiate or to survive. Continuation such tactics tends confirm allegations Netherlands Government desires excuse for taking police measure against subversive elements which would include Republicans, as well as Communists. USDel participating in draft GOC protest to NethDel against this latest step as prejudicing resumption negotiations.
[Page 353]Whatever Dutch intentions, it is USDels considered opinion continuation such incidents including those previously reported will make it impossible for Hatta Government negotiate on any basis. USDel therefore urges Department let Netherlands Government know handicaps being added GOC task through studied or maladroit measures taken Batavia, Signed Cochran.