501.BC Indonesia/10–1148: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia1
490. Usgoc 161. Re Hague’s 674, 679 and 684.2 On his initiative Van Kleffens called upon Butterworth and directed his remarks to reported misunderstanding by Neth FonMin re US position concerning possible agreement between Neth and Repub for postponement elections. Referring conversation on same subj Oct 9 Van Kleffens [Page 406] dismissed again possibility that there could have been any lack of clarity in position represented by Dept officers to Stikker on occasion of latter’s visit. Van Kleffens emphasized forthrightness and integrity Neth FonMin and stated that press report contained Hague’s 686 Oct 103 was result attempt Neth FonMin to correct garbled report contained London Times. Dept officials again made clear Dept’s position re acceptability arrangements mutually agreed upon by both parties.
In course conversation Van Kleffens praised Cochran’s equanimity and judgment. He stated that he would seek from Neth FonMin complete background of misunderstanding in order get “clean slate” in this matter.
Van Kleffens was handed copy memo handed by Cochran to Schuurman Oct 10.4 Van Kleffens expressed great satisfaction that Cochran had made this further contribution to resumption negotiations but did not comment on substance memo which he did not have time to read before leaving Dept. As for Aneta despatch quoted Hague’s 686, copy of which was provided Van Kleffens, Butterworth pointed out that whatever the reasons for its issuance, subj matter was more than circumstances would seem to have required.