501.BC Indonesia/11–1548: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
Gadel 501. For Rusk: Re para b Delga 749, Nov 15.1 Dept believes you should advise Palar we regard progress made in Stikker-Hatta talks provides most hopeful basis for early political agreement and while Neth cabinet has not yet indicated its reaction these talks, we do not believe Netherlands will resort to police action without further exchanges between Stikker and Hatta. That US member GOC is of course taking every appropriate measure encourage both parties follow up on progress already made. Palar, for his part, could be most helpful in advising his Govt of desirability action reduce infiltrations and truce violations as evidence good faith and to assist Stikker as suggested Hague’s 784, Nov 15 (rptd to you separately).2
Dept does not yet know what progress if any Stikker is making with his colleagues and may not be informed before cabinet decision has been taken to accept or reject Hatta aide-mémoire (Gocus 4413). In view possibility, however, Stikker will have hard fight obtain cabinet agreement to Hatta aide-mémoire, Dept believes it might be desirable delegation inform Van Roijen informally our gratification at efforts made by Stikker in Jogjakarta and our hope Neth cabinet will find basis for agreement in work already accomplished by Stikker. You should not of course reveal our knowledge Hatta aide-mémoire. At same time you might indicate our belief last opportunity for peaceful settlement may have come and our great concern nothing be done to jeopardize what appear to us to be signs of approaching agreement. [Page 489] In event conversation indicates recalcitrant attitude on part Neth, you might appropriately seize opportunity indicate that resort to force by Neth under these circumstances would have most unfavorable reaction on American and world opinion.