856e.00/9–2648: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
838. For immediate interim contact with Republic and to perform observer activities for few days as agreed by Cochran and ConGen, Consular Attaché Campbell went Jocja by plane Saturday. He sent [Page 374] back message to ConGen by plane which returned same day reporting talk with Hatta who gave following views of situation:
- (1)
- Favorable military situation to Republic will be achieved in about 10 days at Madiun.
- (2)
- Republic has 7 battalions (battalion is about 750 men) attacking and Communists have about 5 battalions defending city; lack of transportation hindering Republic troops.
- (3)
- Communist revolt was scheduled start at Solo, then Madiun, Jocja and other points. Republic has 3 battalions seasoned troops now at Solo and situation is quiet there.
- (4)
- About 400 Communists are under arrest at Jocja.
- (5)
- Hatta feels situation is in hand.
ConGen and Cochran fully agree Department’s suggestion for maintaining observer contact and are concerting on plans for such further disposition in matters as possible when Campbell returns.
- Repeated in telegram 476, September 28, 3 p. m., to The Hague.↩