856d.01/10–3048: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
750. Following are our comments on certain portions of Deptel 557, October 28:2
- 1.
- Paragraphs Van Kleffens’ remarks regarding proceedings in States General October 25 are somewhat inaccurate. We have gone over official report of proceedings and do not find any reference to carte blanche given government “in negotiations.” We believe what Van Kleffens meant, or should have said, was that emergency bill gave government carte blanche to install interim Indonesian government and to issue decrees necessary for its functioning, subject to such decrees being presented to States General within one month and being approved by two-thirds vote. (See Embtel 729, October 26.3)
- 2.
- Although Netherlands Government may have entered into general commitments to Bandoeng group, the negotiations have not been finalized, according to Foreign Office, because Bandoeng delegations had to get approval from their superiors and Netherlands Government wished to leave door open for entry of Republic. Whether negotiations with Republic would be seriously circumscribed by general commitments is matter for conjecture, but there must be certain amount of flexibility because negotiations with Bandoeng have not been concluded. We cannot see what is to prevent Dutch, if they are so inclined, making concessions in negotiations with Republic which would go further towards national aspirations than did Bandoeng negotiations, and no doubt such further concessions would be welcomed by Bandoeng.
- 3.
- Embassy takes more serious view than that expressed in ultimate sentence Deptel 557 October 28 because there have been numerous indications that police action is being contemplated if necessary. Lovink has several times said Dutch could not let Indonesian situation deteriorate further and that “something had to be done.” Views given us by Foreign Office concerning dangerous situation from military and security point of view have been impressive but we are unable to tell how much is straight propaganda and whether their facts and figures are accurate (Steere4 took to Washington with him variety graphs, maps and other data relating to Dutch allegations of military infiltrations and incidents).
Furthermore, Foreign Office has repeatedly told us that public kept uninformed deliberately in order not poison atmosphere. However, Vorrink, chairman of Labor Party, told Embassy officers that about, week ago decision taken that facts and figures would be released. First series of such released to press this week. Vorrink told same officers that Dutch Government is contemplating use of police action within “2, 3 or 4 weeks”. He believed that situation was deteriorating so rapidly that firm measures would have to be used, adding that he was no doubt saying something we already knew. He remarked that there was division in Cabinet-between those who believe Dutch must not lose their closest and truest friends—America and other western powers—and those who believe Dutch must live up to responsibilities, take action and accept consequences. Vorrink was disparaging about assurances regarding implementation of truce given by Soekarno in order of day. He also commented that concentration of Dutch military forces in Indonesia emasculated Dutch in Europe, who would not be able to play proper part in giving military support in Western Union. As Department knows, Vorrink is powerful man and his views usually moderate and reasonable. He certainly is in position to know what is going on in high government circles as Prime Minister, also, leader Labor Party.
In conclusion I feel that Department should be prepared for police action if GOC negotiations break down after resumption.