856d.00/11–1848: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
niact
priority
789. Boon, Political Department of Foreign Office, requested call by Embassy officer today. He stated under reference Stikker conversation (Embtel 785, November 16) that much to Minister’s regret and embarrassment it appears satisfactory solution two points upon which [Page 492] he requested Cochran help will probably not satisfy Cabinet colleagues whose support essential for continuation negotiations with Republic along line Minister has been proceeding. Boon said that seemed best in circumstances for Cochran not make representations suggested on reference matters at this time. He added Foreign Office very much hopes Cabinet will decide today or tomorrow send delegation consisting Stikker and some other Cabinet colleagues to Indonesia resume discussions initiated by Stikker. This delegation would discuss all outstanding points upon arrival Batavia.
Sharpness of Cabinet cleavage clearly borne out by fact learned in confidence that instructions to Batavia drafted in Ministry of Overseas Territories following my conversations Stikker November 16 were dispatched without Foreign Office approval but subsequently cancelled as result most strenuous objections Foreign Office “for reasons of international relations”.
Cabinet situation remains extremely unsettled and tense and it is not yet clear whether diehards will get upper hand or whether moderate councils will prevail. If news from Indonesia continues improve particularly in respect incidence of violence, we believe Stikker may win out. On other hand, it should be noted that Dutch Army and its news service in Indonesia are under authority of Sassens, Ministry of Overseas Territories, who favors strong line of action.
Sent Department niact 789; Department pass Batavia.1
- This was done the same day.↩