501.BC Indonesia/10–848: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
niact
896. Gocus 404. I telephone Schuurman October 7, 4:30 p. m., I would not proceed Jogja eighth for delivery NethDel answer since certain points not yet clarified. Shortly afterwards Schuurman visited me asking explanation. I reiterated answer handed me differed importantly from understanding of USDel and Department as to what was to be expected. I said Netherlands Embassy, Washington, had given Department concept of reply so far out of line with document factually received that I could not possibly act on it without clarification. Schuurman insisted text was fully approved and should be accepted as final. He intimated indirectly that NethDel had received confirmation this October 6. In response my query whether such message [Page 392] had referred to specific inquiry from NethDel on this point or reported any conversation between Netherlands Embassy and Department, he replied negatively. I said he had told me he would cable on point I raised about assurances. I said I likewise had cable on this and other features of reply (Gocus 4031). While ordinarily I could act on my own responsibility, I considered it necessary to familiarize Department with situation wherein there were such divergent positions assumed by Netherlands representatives. Schuurman again insisted draft was final. He added that the part on what I called assurances had been approved by Van Mook 2 months ago, they were not seeking simply assurances but actual steps such as specified in text. I said I would still wait for further clarification whether it came from The Hague or Washington, and would not be stampeded by him or Communism or anything else.
I expressed Schuurman my regret that Rotterdam paper October 6 carried story USDel plan and Netherlands’ reaction of such accuracy that official source of information could not be doubted; I said I had maintained such secrecy here that GOC colleagues resentful and now UP had carried critical report. I thought we should all strive for secrecy realizing embarrassment when positions exposed prematurely.
Schuurman reverted my insistence on having clarification before delivery Netherlands’ reply to other parties. He asked if he should cable The Hague thereon. I said he was perfectly free to tell his government that I did not intend to deliver a reply until I understood definitely that it was final in view my feeling present text does not conform with impression thereof given Department by Netherlands Embassy or expectations based on conversations had in Washington when Netherlands FonMin there as reported to me. I told him he must realize as well as I do the important character of NethDel reply and significant results that may follow its presentation to RepubDel. I refused to speculate on what USDel position might be in various contingencies. I insisted I had come seeking successful solution and would stick to that end for present.
Sudjono visited me last night. He gave me following telegram October 6 from Roem: “Inform USDel Cochran that I informed Palar of NethDel information; furthermore, as character of Dutch reply is doubtful, you are instructed to deposit copy of our reports confidentially with Secretary General Trygve Lie submitting to him copy of this and former messages concerning, with stipulation that report be mentioned as point of agenda for future date.” He insisted I should keep this confidential information for myself and not divulge it to NethDel or GOC colleagues without specific authorization from Roem.
[Page 393]I have not sought such authorization. Sudjono thinks no publication will be taken SC until Palar so requests on instructions from Jogja.
UP correspondent called this forenoon. Told me he knew filed copy on negotiations and intimated material leaking. He understood my policy of silence toward him although he regretted I felt necessity therefor.
RepubDel pressing me as to when I will go Jogja particularly since Hatta departure still scheduled for Monday if C–46 repaired by then, and if clearance for plane and party accorded by Netherlands. Usgoc 1572 precludes delivery NethDel reply in present form to Republicans without further instructions from Department. Since Department requested Netherlands Embassy have Embassy, Baruch and me all informed result Department’s representations on amendment of reply, I shall deliver Netherlands reply to Republic, in original form or as amended, only after either: (1) instructions from Department, or (2) a definite statement from Schuurman that he has received final instructions to have such reply delivered after The Hague had full opportunity to consider views of Department officers as expressed to counselor Netherlands Embassy, Washington October 6.
Will Department please inform promptly whether it agrees or has different idea on procedure outlined preceding paragraph.
Sent Department 986; Department pass The Hague.3 [Cochran.]