501.BC Indonesia/11–1248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 1
587. Usgoc 183. Following is text memo handed Acting Secy by Neth Amb Wash Nov 21:
[Page 498]“As result Stikker’s recent visit Indonesia, Neth Govt and Repub Govt have come great deal nearer to agreement.
On Thursday Nov 18 Neth delegation had instructions to present in Jogja to Premier Hatta message from Neth Govt to Repub Govt, based on encouraging feeling of hope as to possibility of peaceful early settlement. Message deals with number important outstanding points to be settled, of which two of essential significance, and it is in respect of these two points that active assistance of US Govt is earnestly solicited in order that Repub Govt be urged to adopt reasonable solution. These two points are following:
In course of exchange views taken place during Stikker’s recent stay Indonesia, Repub has given to understand:
- 1)
- that in agreed interim period (that is, transitional period preceding coming into force of constitution of USI) it envisages military organization based on principle that armed forces of Neth will be under High Rep of Crown (Beel), whilst on other hand all Indo forces (present Repub forces plus Indo forces to be drawn from non-Repub territory) would be under Federal Interim Govt. Only if and when in case of emergency FIG would ask for aid by Neth forces, High Rep of Crown would be in charge all armed forces, Indos as well as Netherlands;
- 2)
- that Repub apparently wishes see part of Repub Army (TNI) as well as of armed organizations known respectively as ALRI and AURI incorporated as such (in other words: as units retaining to higher or lesser degree their identity) into Federal forces. (Note: Remainder of Repub forces to be organized partly, in opinion of Repub, as special police or for some other govt purpose, or to be absorbed in ordinary civilian life.)
Neth delegation was to explain to Premier Hatta on Nov 18 at Jogja that these ideas would not present workable and satisfactory solution. Armed forces of Neth and of Repub have for last few years faced each other as adversaries; it is obvious that continued existence during interim period of those two groups armed forces under separate commands, and of Repub forces generally, would only tend to perpetuate atmosphere of antagonism in period when nothing should be left undone to build up unity and friendliness. Also, non-Repub parts Indonesia would feel constantly menaced by army which would be federal in name, but to large extent Repub in reality. Furthermore, that army would thus consist in considerable measure of separate elements with unitarian and therefore anti-federal outlook, and it would to same extent be imbued with anti-Neth ideology unconducive to smooth cooperation. High Rep of Crown, representative, in other words, of sovereign power during interim period, would have no authority during that period over Indo troops, not even in emergency so long as Federal Interim Govt does not ask for assistance by Neth [Page 499] forces (see above). Tension would be maintained in period during which Neth Govt wants to see everything done which may contribute to easing stresses and promoting harmony, both between hitherto Repub and non-Repub parts Indonesia and between nascent Federation and Neth.
Neth Govt fully realizes that from psychological point view it is difficult for Repub to disband its armed forces. It therefore quite willing to assist by raising no objection to building up strong amalgamated federal army, consisting in due part of gradually re-indoctrinated officers and men who at present still belong to Repub army, remainder to be absorbed into civilian life in interest national Indo production.
Neth Govt making strong and friendly appeal to Repub Govt and its feelings of responsible Indo nationalism to settle questions above referred to in interest of Indonesia as whole and of strengthening those forces in southeast Asia that are opposed to expansion of Communism.
Neth Amb has been instructed to request active support of US Govt and its intercession with Repub Govt in order obtain that satisfactory solution of two above-mentioned questions (mutually acceptable construction of high command of armed forces in Indonesia during interim period, and composition of federal armed forces) which is essential if overall agreement to be reached which Neth Govt believes in sight provided that both parties cooperate towards reaching truly workable settlement outstanding questions.”
- Repeated as 591 to The Hague.↩