856d.00/11–1248: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
779. Secretary General Foreign Office advised yesterday Stikker would arrive Holland Saturday to report Cabinet on impressions gained re responsibilities of agreement with Repub. Stikker had not had authority commit government in Indo and it had become necessary him report back to enable government here take decision soon as possible. Secretary General expressed himself as “not pessimistic” about outlook for agreement with Repub as result Stikker discussions which he said had been more successful “than could have been expected”.
When queried re future negotiations, Lovink stated that if political agreement with Repub was reached (as now seemed possible) he saw no reason for resumption negotiations under GOC whose function was to help in arriving at such agreement. He said political agreement would aim at Repub participation interim federal government and added that sine qua non was cessation armed infiltration and acts violence in breach of truce. He even mentioned surrender of arms.
Impression gained that Stikker notwithstanding his achievements In Indo discussions will meet mixed reception here and that there will be considerable pressure from the right to try exploit his success [Page 485] by binding Repub tightly as possible before final conclusion agreements. Cabinet will meet November 16.
Occasion taken convey Lovink Dept’s (573, November 10) favorable impression Stikker endeavors Indo.