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

501.BC Indonesia/9–2548: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State ¹

secret
us urgent

Batavia, September 25, 1948—2 p. m.

835. Gocus 392. Re Gocus [Usgoc] 147, September 23.² USDel does not believe two provisos in first letter quoted Gocus 385³ signify more than spelling out of RepDel understanding of phrase “acceptance as basis for negotiations”. We consider phraseology of letter arose from distrust felt by Republican Party leaders who feared it might be claimed “acceptance as basis” meant definite commitment agree to each individual point of plan. USDel believes, however, that plan as whole is looked upon as pre-eminently reasonable and desirable by Hatta Government.

USDel regards points (E[A?]) (B) (C) in second letter quoted Gocus 385 as conditions precedent actual resumption negotiations Has been consistent position RepDel that negotiations impossible under conditions created by issues there set forth. Issue in (A) particularly has created intense emotion in Republic. USDel believes, however, that RepDel would respond favorably to reasonable concessions from NEI authorities these points. Signed Cochran.

Livengood

1. Repeated in telegram 476, September 28, 3 p. m., to The Hague.
2. Telegram 444, not printed; it asked for comment.
3. Telegram 816, September 21, p. 359.