856e.00/11–1048: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
776. Discreetly discussed with Acting Foreign Minister Deptel 569, November 8.2
Drees stated that while he and Stikker of different political complexion he esteemed him highly and thought his visit Batavia had done much clear atmosphere. Drees seemed up to minute on all members [matters?] discussed and stated one point his government could not consent to was political agreement discussion while whole battalions armed and commanded by Republicans were daily crossing demarcation [Page 478] line and murdering Dutch and Indonesians in Netherlands held territory and he and his Cabinet would be forced to resign rather than countenance such conditions. He was vehement about infractions truce agreement. He believes Supomo knew contents letter from Republic dated November 3 signed by Roem and addressed to Cochran while he accompanied Stikker back to Batavia but said nothing of this letter until Cochran handed to Netherlands delegation. While they consider this very bad faith it was explicable as letter predated Stikker-Hatta conversations.
Conversing with me he was called to telephone and talked to Stikker in Batavia and said Stikker was returning Thursday and was not pessimistic about outcome matter of letter and also believes infractions truce agreement were in process of a satisfactory settlement. Drees believed there was hope for agreement and said Stikker expressed deepest appreciation Cochran’s full and invaluable cooperation and said government here fully share this view.
Believe my conversation was helpful in clearing up some doubtful points in Drees’ understanding changed situation Batavia.