Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VI

501.BC Indonesia/9–2048: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia

secret
us urgent

Washington, September 20, 1948—4 p. m.

435. Usgoc 144. During conversations Neth FonMin and Under-Sec Sep 17, Neth FonMin stated his conviction elections Jan would be won by Communists in Repub and Communist victory Repub would influence disastrously political developments non-Repub states. Dept officers maintain that while this was calculated risk, it their view Hatta, strengthened by Neth agreement Cochran plan, would be strong enough win Jan elections; further that if Hatta agreed with Neth elections Jan undesirable, Cochran would of course accommodate this or any other agreement between parties his plan. Neth Emb Wash informed Dept morning Sept 20 Neth PriMin requested by Neth FonMin by telephone ask NethDel Batavia discuss with Hatta desirability postponing Jan elections view Communist threat. Dept took this occasion make energetic representations requested last para Gocus 381 Sept 18 and request immediate action matter by Neth Emb Wash which Emb agreed do.¹

Lovett

1. Repeated as 456 to The Hague.