501.BC Indonesia/11–248: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
968. Gocus 428. Reference paragraph 8 Gocus 425.1 Schuurman discussed with me 5:30 p. m. November 1 draft letter he proposed send me giving Netherlands delegation’s objections Hatta’s travelling Batavia with party and thence Sumatra. I said I had made best arrangements feasible for Hatta meet Stikker Batavia and would not go Jogja again for that purpose. He said he would consult Palace and kept letter.
Schuurman visited me 8:30 November 1. Said Palace meeting confirmed earlier decision re Hatta. Asked see Stikker and did at 10:30 p. m. I complained of characteristic Netherlands delegation complication of Hatta visit but insisted I thought it important two of them [Page 451] meet in cordial atmosphere and offered assist further to that end. Stikker said he did not care who accompanied Hatta but rather than venture overrule NEI officials he volunteered proceed Republic to visit Hatta. Said if Hatta preferred come Batavia on special trip with necessary staff and return Jogja he would welcome him. On other hand said atmosphere might be more conducive fruitful conversations in Jogja than in Batavia. Asked I get word to Hatta in foregoing sense. Said success of his mission depended on obtaining first hand facts from Republic and trying with them to reopen negotiations. Said tell Hatta he would be available for talks with Cabinet advisors if Hatta may desire.
Stikker penned draft letter to me stressing desire to meet with Hatta without reservation either side and expressing “great appreciation for your patience to discuss possibilities for frank and open talk between Hatta and myself”.
I proceeded Jogja November 2, 7 a. m. unannounced. Met with Roem, Leimena and Pringgo Digdo. Received by Hatta 11 a. m. They were all delighted with what they consider first semblance friendly approach from Netherlands official. Agreed that Stikker should come Jogja Thursday November 4 with any advisors desired and be lodged Kaliurang as Republic guest. Hatta left to Stikker issuance of statement on this visit. I told Republicans I could not anticipate character or outcome of conversations with Stikker but felt this approach merited cordial welcome.
Returned Batavia 6 p. m. Stikker at airport to meet me and express thanks. I called on him half hour later and reported results trip. He said he would immediately decide on composition party and follow my advice that communiqué be issued promptly to avoid any misunderstanding.
Riphagen delivered to me 8 p. m. preview text press release to be issued tonight and published morning third. This being sent en clair Gocus 429.2
8:30 p. m. Blom advised me party visiting Republic will include Stikker, Blom, Schuurman, Van Hoogstraten, Koets and Foreign Minister’s Secretary Miss Van den Broek. I am arranging for GOC plane transport group to Jogja Thursday and return Saturday. Signed Cochran.
Sent Department 968; Department pass The Hague.3