501.BC Indonesia/12–148: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
1043. Gocus 463. Netherlands Mission returned Batavia 1:00 p. m. Understand they requested Parliamentary group cancel Thursday trip to Surabaya in order consult with them regarding Kaliurang talks.
Republicans Leimena, Supomo and Darmasetiawan arrived Batavia 2:00 p. m. and came directly to me. They reported atmosphere conversations pleasant but talks restricted importantly to implementation truce and military matters, particularly high command and authority HRC (High Representative Crown) in emergency. Stikker and Sassen each consulted with Hatta separately and in groups on several occasions. Stikker appreciative of Hatta’s difficulties and constantly endeavoring find compromise and workable solution. Sassen pleasant but less understanding Republican problems and more rigid in demands. Hatta experiencing pressure from PNI and Masjumi on grounds his aide-mémoire after first conversation (Gocus 4411) went too far. Sukarno giving his complete support to Hatta on position assumed original aide-mémoire which also had backing of government. Sukarno dismissed yesterday from Republican Delegation [Page 505] member Tjoa on grounds spreading incorrect information regarding Hatta and latter’s policies. This man has been discordant member Republican Delegation for many months.
Last night Sassen wrote personal letter to Hatta2 thanking latter for cordial reception and courtesies and expressing opinion talks had been most useful. Sassen indicated disappointment however over Hatta’s hesitancy in meeting certain suggestions with respect to checking violations of truce and with regard army command and powers HRC. Sassen intimated in this letter Hatta had in present conference withdrawn somewhat from position set forth in original aide-mémoire. When shown letter this morning Hatta insisted to Darmasetiawan that Sassen had misunderstood him. Hatta said he had endeavored explain to Sassen letter for delivery Friday which will confirm Republican adherence to original aide-mémoire undertakings.
In endeavor solve military problem Netherlands Delegation submitted memorandum prepared by Spoor which contains inter alia provision for joint Netherlands-Indonesian staff. Hatta agreeable to general trend of memorandum to discuss further. Republicans advanced idea Sultan of Jogja be Minister Defense in interim government which appealed to Stikker and may offer way out. No invitation yet extended Hatta to come Batavia. Republicans feel no further conversations should take place at Kaliurang in light opposition of various Republican elements (including Roem) to continue talks in absence GOC. Stikker explained to Supomo advantages of further informal outside talks to clear up trouble points insisting Netherlands Ministers could not personally come into GOC as Netherlands Delegation members. If Sassen and Stikker satisfy Parliamentarians on their program, they hope conversations will be reopened Batavia and Republicans will have opportunity contact Bandung leaders here or at Bandung. Hatta feels he can do much to promote all-around agreement if he sees Bandungers. Republicans again sought my advice about two Federal Prime Ministers going Jogja. I counseled waiting for all-around talks. I told Republicans I would probably be seeing Stikker reasonably soon. They summarized their requests that Netherlands Mission:
- (1)
- Appreciate Hatta will support original aide-mémoire and be backed by Sukarno and government thereon but cannot go beyond without risking government.
- (2)
- Consider desirability accepting Hatta compromise on matter of infringements and enter political conversations soonest with hope political settlement will resolve most troubles.
- (3)
- Talk further on military matters including Spoor plan and idea of Sultan.
- (4)
- Bring Republicans to Batavia soonest and get them around table with Bandung leaders.
Republicans gave me secretly copies pertinent documents and promised copy Hatta’s letter to Sassen due Friday. Herewith text memorandum from Schuurman, Thomson and Gieben of Netherlands Delegation to Leimena and Simatupang of Republican Delegation dated November 28:
[Here follows text printed in SC, 3rd yr., Suppl. (Dec.), page 138.]
Republican Delegation submitted following reply November 29 indicating exceptions to Netherlands Delegation plan and offering alternative ideas:
[Here follows text printed in SC, 3rd yr., Suppl. (Dec.), page 139.]
When Netherlands Delegation appeared still dissatisfied with Republican Delegation position latter offered on November 30 idea of following joint communiqué to be issued by Governments of Netherlands and Republic: [Here follows text printed in SC, 3rd yr., Suppl. (Dec), page 141.]
This matter still to be resolved with Netherlands Delegation asking Hatta what more he can do.
Text Spoor memorandum submitted separately as Gocus 464.3
Republicans said last night important body 1200 Communists surrendered Monday included Sjarifuddin and Suripno. Signed Cochran.