501.BC Indonesia/11–648: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
us urgent
984. Gocus 435. Met GOC plane from Jogja 5:15 p. m. Minister Stikker and secretary were only ones of his party to return. Immediately upon landing he asked we make GOC plane available for him return Jogja Sunday morning and possibly bring his party back Batavia Monday. This was agreed. Stikker told me atmosphere had been good and he was not without hope. He refused any comments to press.
Republic delegate Supomo also came from Jogja and will return tomorrow. He came to see me 6:30 p. m. Supomo handed me Republic delegation formal reply to my letter October 29 transmitting Netherlands delegation letter 2473 of October 28. (Gocus 422)2 This letter being transmitted under Gocus 436.3
Supomo summarized conversations to date. Said Stikker has not sought discuss infiltrations and violations of truce but has let it be known that order would have to be restored. Stikker presented latest Netherlands-Bandung draft proposed legislation for interim government and sought discussion thereon. Republic officials had not previously seen this document and were consequently not prepared. Nevertheless discussions were undertaken and are being continued over weekend by Stikker’s staff.
Supomo states Stikker seeking get Republic agree enter interim government above draft plan which he insists is subject to modification to accommodate Republic. Hatta willing to see how far two parties can get together now in these discussions but insists formalizing of preliminary agreements and reaching of final settlement must be within GOC.
Supomo said negotiations so far have revealed readiness Netherlands delegation to change 3-man directorate under Bandung plan to cabinet along USDel plan. Republic delegation yielding in turn toward postponing elections 6 months with understanding they would take place in July and constituent assembly then be set up accordance USDel plan. Netherlands delegation would require restoration law and order before elections. No discussion yet as to who shall decide when peaceful conditions exist. Agreed there should be date fixed for transfer of sovereignty to USI, upon fulfillment certain conditions.
Members of interim government would be selected by agreement between Republic Prime Minister and Crown Commissioner. Government [Page 469] would have to be nationalist in character. Selection would be based on capacity and popular support.
Interim government would have internal de facto powers. High Commissioner would have restricted veto authority, including acts contrary to this agreement. Republic will insist on detailed understanding of provisions of union statute.
Supomo said Netherlands delegation willing permit continuance Republic foreign service during interim period provided it work in conjunction with Netherlands foreign service. Supomo thinks no difficulty on this. Were important discussions on retention TNI by Republic and on authority Crown Commissioner control armed forces in interim period.
Supomo asked if I objected Republic yielding on election date different USDel plan. I told him I did not. I said I favored two parties agreeing now on as many points as they can, provided there is no duress, and with understanding Republic does not yield its right to negotiate within GOC. Supomo said Republic desires GOC be continued throughout interim period which, with elections delayed 6 months, would presumably last at least 6 months thereafter. Netherlands delegation argued against bringing GOC into picture and have not yet agreed to continuation after political settlement signed. Supomo encouraged by progress so far. Atmosphere of discussions pleasant.
Pringgo Digdo sent me summary report of conference schedule and of topics discussed. He stressed that talks had not concerned USDel plan or Netherlands delegation letter October 28. He said some results obtained on important points and Netherlands willing alter their draft legislation to have Republic in interim government soonest. Said Republic will insist on formal negotiations under supervision GOC toward political agreement. Pringgo Digdo asked that either Critchley or I come to Jogja at once. I told Supomo tell him neither of us should interfere while negotiations in course directly between parties outside GOC. Supomo agreed. Critchley concurs.
Pringgo Digdo said Netherlands delegation has not denied possibility police atcion after creation interim government if Republic fails enter. While I sincerely hope negotiations toward above objectives, which are still in very formative stage, will lead to success, I urged Department have in mind recommendations made in Gocus 432 and 434.4 Signed Cochran.