856e.00/9–2348: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
634. Saw Foreign Minister, who stated only insuperable objection to Cochran plan was early date of election. He stated further that Department was disinclined in any way to formulate Cochran’s ideas concerning date of election or his plan generally. I suggested if they still found date insuperable perhaps Beel and/or Hatta might discuss fully with Cochran and as latter was most reasonable and amenable to proof they might convince him of the strength of their position. This without responsibility our Department. He said Australian Minister [Page 368] had just left him and agreed with Dutch view 100 percent as to date of elections and other matters discussed. Foreign Minister stated he was thoroughly studying plan with his staff of experts here but believed this point most urgent. He is preparing note on Cochran plan and as soon as copy received will transmit.
Personally believe if interim field [federal?] government formed immediately and Hatta consents to withhold election and definite later date set therefor after law and order have been reestablished but in no event later than 1 year from formation of government, plan generally could be completely accepted here by both government and people. A definite date for elections would probably finally convince Hatta, the Indos, and the Dutch people that this government is in earnest and will wholeheartedly support and adopt modified Cochran plan.
- Repeated in telegram 446, September 24, 7 p. m., to Batavia.↩