Office of the Historian

501.BC Indonesia/9–2348: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent
Batavia, September 23, 1948—2 p. m.

824. Gocus 387. US Delegation arrived Batavia last night. Telephoned Netherlands Delegation important communication to deliver. Schuurman came US Delegation 9:30. Cochran handed him under transmitting letter (Gocus 3881) copies Republic Delegation two letters acceptance dated September 20 (Gocus 3852). Under separate letter handed him also copy Republic Delegation letter September 21 regarding Republic report SC (Goc 3863). Copies this Republic Delegation letter provided Belgian Delegation and Austr[al]ian Delegation today.

Schuurman asked whether Belgian Delegation and Austr[al]ian Delegation agreed our draft. We said we could not speak for them. We pointed out that under procedure US Delegation has followed in presenting draft plan it only necessary for parties to agree to plan as basis for negotiations. He agreed that this was “technically correct”. Nevertheless we assured him spirit and relations within GOC excellent and US Delegation keeping Belgian Delegation and Austr[al]ian Delegation informed regarding developments. We expressed confidence they share our desire improve atmosphere for negotiations.

We stressed our wish get all above correspondence to Netherlands Delegation soonest especially considering nearness date Republic Delegation fixed for presenting report to SC. Cochran asked Schuurman about important communication latter had to deliver (Gocus 3774). Latter said he would bring it next morning. At 9:15 this morning Schuurman telephoned Cochran that message received from Hague since last night caused change in earlier communication so he would call later regard thereto. Signed Cochran.

Livengood
  1. Telegram 825, September 23, 3 p. m., not printed.↩
  2. Telegram 816, September 21, p. 359.↩
  3. Supra.↩
  4. Telegram 799, September 17, p. 342.↩