501.BC Indonesia/11–1848: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
1009. Gocus 448. Darmasetiawan called 11 a. m. November 17. Said Hatta flying Sumatra 18th accompanied by Staff of 30 principally military for delayed tour. Said he would give Netherlands delegation this information. Said Sukarno would act as Prime Minister in Hatta’s absence and that all members Republic delegation and advisors who participated in Stikker talks would be available.
Darmasetiawan said direct negotiations between parties have psychological benefit. He hoped instructions would be issued NethDel to resume negotiations whether or not Stikker or other minister comes. While Republic would welcome Stikker for completing negotiations, Darmasetiawan understood possibly necessary Stikker remain Hague to maintain position there. For Stikker to direct negotiations by cable would be difficult, however, since group which assisted Stikker and would presumably resume conversations lacks any member having his attitude toward Republic and courage to make concessions. Darmasetiawan said that during direct conversations Republic would always insist GOC be in background for reference and for completion and formalizing agreement.
No details yet received as to nature instructions which were arriving evening 17 for Netherlands delegation from Hague. If Stikker’s plan were followed (Gocus 4391) next step would be for Netherlands delegation contact Bandung Group when it reconvenes 19th and discuss adaptation to Bandung Plan of Republic views as set forth in Republic aide-mémoire November 10. If Stikker has had serious trouble with Cabinet over question TNI, military command or implementation of truce it is conceivable instructions may be for Netherlands delegation resume conversations directly with Republic on these points and to insist upon undertakings which would so closely approach capitulation that Hatta Govt could not accept or would be in hopelessly vulnerable position in Republic if it did accept. Critchley with whom I discussed outlook yesterday afternoon fears this might be Netherlands tactics. He has not visited Republic since before Stikker conference and said he hesitated volunteer any advice to Hatta in present circumstances. He chose not to intervene for instance toward advising Hatta postpone Sumatra trip.
At request Schuurman I received Riphagen 5:30 p. m. Nov. 17. Said NethDel heard Hatta planning leave Jogja 18th for Sumatra. [Page 491] Stated NethDel beginning receive information on results Hague Cabinet meeting which indicates direct conversations could be resumed this or next week in which Hatta and advisors would be expected participate. Said he had no information whether Stikker or other minister would come Batavia from Hague or whether conversations on Netherlands side would be conducted by advisors who had assisted Stikker or whether other officials might participate. He personally did not expect a minister to come but said he had no information on that point other than press story to effect no minister coming.
Riphagen stated highly, desirable Hatta postpone trip in order be available for anticipated resumption conversations. Stated he thought conversations would be sufficiently important warrant presence Hatta. Said understood from Schuurman that Koets informed by Darmase-tiawan of Hatta’s plan and Koets had advised Darmasetiawan recommended Hatta remain Jogja few days.
I told Riphagen I was naturally anxious do whatever appropriate as GOC chairman in facilitating conversations. He asked I speak directly with RepDel rather than put RepDel in contact with him. I dictated memo our conversation which Riphagen initialed.
At 5:45 I telephoned Sudjono. He and Supomo came 6:15. I gave them copy memo conversation with Riphagen. They said Darmasetiawan had telegraphed Hatta after conversation with Koets at noon recommending postponement. They said they would immediately send second telegram Hatta incorporating substance my memo. I phoned Schuurman 6:30 and gave him foregoing information.
Hatta broadcast evening November 17 (Gocus 4472). This speech evidently intended compliance paragraph H Republic aide-mémoire (Gocus 4413). Signed Cochran.