501.BC Indonesia/11–948: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
995. Gocus 439. Received by Stikker 11:30 a. m., November 9, my request. I told him Schuurman and I had agreed some days ago that Riphagen and Scott would decide upon documents which should accompany USDel plan when this formally submitted to GOC as working paper for basis negotiations. I said his work practically finished so I proposed introduction USDel plan and pertinent documents shortly. Explained it would take time for secretariat process and distribute papers after filing. Since I realized his desire for speedy consummation settlement, I would do my part by having everything ready in GOC.
I referred previous conversations with him and with Blom, as well as to our formal correspondence, and had him confirm to me that political settlement is to be reached within GOC. He said this was definitely the case since he realizes this must be done to get Indonesian question removed from SC agenda. He said it was entirely agreeable to him that I proceed with introduction USDel plan. I asked if my assumption correct that material upon which agreement reached in Stikker-Hatta conference would be brought into GOC as amendments to USDel plan. He gave following explanation of procedure which he contemplated. Said he was seeking from Republican unilateral memorandum signed by Hatta setting forth certain points which Republic would accept in entering provisional government. Stikker said this was not a bilateral agreement intended to replace political settlement within GOC. He said tentative agreement already reached between Hague and Bandung group of provisional government. Said current negotiations with Republic would require certain changes therein. Said next step would be to contact Bandung and see if uniformity can be achieved. If this possible and his government agrees, then material which has been worked out between Stikker and Hatta will be brought into GOC to be formalized. Negotiations would then proceed [Page 477] on remainder of points necessary to achieve complete political agreement between Netherlands and Republic and to permit report to SC that political issues settled between two parties in GOC.
Stikker said report from Jogja last night indicated optimism on part his staff. Said he would get full report this evening on their arrival. He has passage to Hague scheduled for tenth. If report of his staff is negative and situation hopeless he will proceed tenth. He would also keep to schedule if situation is so vague that he needs consult his government before going further. If outlook clearly favorable he hopes government Hague will permit him remain here. He would attend Bandung conference opening 18th and try to straighten out differences between Republican memorandum of agreement and legislative act tentatively agreed upon between Hague and Bandung. He said there was some chance he might be recalled to Hague and Sassen sent out to contact Bandung and finish political settlement with Republic. I expressed personal hope that Stikker himself would stay on to complete entire task since he had made so much headway. He said he would like to do this and have whole matter cleared up within 3 weeks or month. I should be able learn tonight or tomorrow outcome Kaliurang discussions.
Following above meeting, Riphagen and Scott got together to draw up exchange of letters listing NethDel and USDel documents to be submitted. Similar meeting this afternoon between USDel and RepDel representatives. Will report to Department exact date USDel plan to be filed with GOC as soon as preliminaries arranged. This should be within next day or so.