501.BC Indonesia/11–1348: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
us urgent
1000. Gocus 443. Night November 11 spoke jointly with Beel and Spoor mentioning concern over Communist progress in China and threat to mainland south of China (Usgoc 174—should this not be 194?2). I stressed urgency our reaching peaceful settlement Indonesian question soonest and then cooperating on major problem that may confront us.
Re Delga 688, November 10. Van Roijen evidently talked with Drees before reports indicating extent progress in talks with Hatta had been received from Stikker. Department has been informed on all matters mentioned by Van Roijen except Netherlands threat to quit Indonesia which is purely bluff. A study of RepDel unilateral aide-mémoire to Stikker quoted in Gocus 4413 reveals readiness of Republic to move far in direction Netherlands demands. One of Hatta’s undertakings is to issue instructions to armed forces almost to extent demanded in Netherlands delegation original letter October 4. Considering Republic’s attitude revealed its aide-mémoire there is certainly no reason for USDel now to exert any moral force on Republic. On contrary USDel feels some concern lest Hatta may be making concessions beyond limit which rightist elements might support. Fact that USDel has made recommendations regarding medicinal supplies and textiles for Republic and Department has worked on these questions with full cognizance and cooperation of Netherlands authorities should be in our favor since we have been moved by humane objectives and desirous of preventing economic and social collapse in Republic which would threaten Hatta Government and make settlement more difficult.
No immediate response to Van Roijen approach appears to be required in circumstances (Usgoc 175–195?4). Decision will have to [Page 486] be faced shortly dependent upon Stikker’s reception by Cabinet and Parliamentary leaders whether US should make informal representations through secretary as suggested Gocus 442,5 whether full aide-mémoire should be formally presented, or whether situation may be considered sufficiently favorable to warrant our taking risk of postponing possible resort to Department’s intervention. We cannot, of course, reveal our possession Republic’s aide-mémoire. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram Gadel 493, November 16, 6 p. m., to Paris (for Rusk).↩
- See telegram 566, November 10, p. 478.↩
- Telegram 998, November 10, p. 479.↩
- Telegram 567, November 11, 2 p. m., not printed; it stated that telegram Delga 688, November 10, p. 480, had been repeated to Batavia for comment.↩
- Telegram 999, November 11, p. 481.↩