501.BC Indonesia/9–2348: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
828. Gocus 390. Following dispatch GOC telegram to Chairman Netherlands Delegation regarding return of members Republic Delegation to Batavia (see Gocus 378, September 171 and Gocus 382, September 19), GOC received following telegram dated September 2 [20?] from Chairman Netherlands Delegation:
“Reference GOC telegram September 19, Netherlands Delegation wishes to point out that as stated in its telegram September 18 no motives exist for return Republic Delegation until meetings resume. Consequently persons on list received today from Republic Delegation, consisting of 32 names to which since then have been added Mr. Taufik Salim and Mr. Surachman, cannot be admitted with the exception of Mrs. Diah and Mr. Surachman whose return has been authorized. It is reiterated that NEI Government is prepared to consider the admission of such members of Republic Delegation whose presence in IBatavia GOC deems conducive to its work.”
Later on September 21, apparently on assumption GOC had or would recommend return of all Republic Delegation members whose names appeared on list submitted by Republic Delegation, which had been transmitted Batavia by UN Secretary, Netherlands Delegation sent following telegram to GOC:
“Reference your letter from Timperley2 to Stuyt. Whereas no meetings of SC, Social and Administration Committee and Finance Committee [Page 369] scheduled and no meetings Steering Committee envisaged by Netherlands Delegation there seems to be no reason for return to Batavia members Republic Delegation, Republic Secretariat and press mentioned in aforementioned letter. Would appreciate to learn why committee considers presence aforementioned persons conducive to its work.”
Following receipt first telegram quoted above, GOC asked Chairman Republic Delegation whether he would be willing have GOC recommend return 2 officers (Leimena and Pringgo Digdo) and 3 members Secretariat Republic Delegation to Batavia so that there would be responsible Republic officials there with whom GOC would deal directly during critical period next few days. Roem replied that Republic Delegation Secretary in Batavia could transmit to Jogja any information we wished conveyed following receipt word from Netherlands Delegation regarding their intentions resume negotiations. Accordingly GOC made no recommendations regarding admission members Republic Delegation to Netherlands controlled territory at present time and no members Republic Delegation came with GOC on delegation train September 22. Signed Cochran.