501.BC Indonesia/1–648: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia ( Livengood ) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
22. From Graham 84. USDel much concerned over possibility serious consequences both Netherlands and Indo interests arising from Netherlands truce plan whether accepted or rejected by Republic in present form. Eight political principles offered by Netherlands as part plan (mytel 81, January 52) are at best so generalized in nature as to offer Republic virtually no basis for hope of recovering anything like status envisaged under Linggadjati or even any assurance its continued existence. For this reason, Republic will find little inducement to exert strenuous efforts which will be required if truce to be implemented, which position moderates in Republic with respect militants likely be so weakened that increase rather than decrease violence may well follow. USDel believes if conditions set by Dutch are not modified, collapse of Republic either under Dutch military action or through internal difficulties is most likely outcome and that world reaction will be most serious, particularly for US, which holds key position GOC.
Accordingly, in last attempt prevent crisis by formulating program which may resolve legitimate interests both parties, USDel after study Deptel 41, December 31,3 has taken paragraph three mytel 694 as basis for new set principles preserving objectives annex two Xmas program insofar as these consonant with Department views in hope Netherlands may be prevailed upon accept these additional principles regardless whether Republic accepts or initially rejects Netherlands truce plan. Principles, to which both parties would be asked subscribe, are:
- 1.
- Status of Republic is that of state ( Negara ) in proposed USI. Sovereignty throughout NEI is and remains with Kingdom Netherlands until, after stated interval, Netherlands transfers its sovereignty to USI. Prior termination such stated interval, Netherlands retains right to confer such rights, duties, and responsibilities on a provisional [Page 63] federal government of USI as Netherlands may deem appropriate. USI when created will be sovereign independent state in equal partnership with Kingdom Netherlands-Indo union.
- 2.
- In any provisional federal government for USI, fair representation will be given all states ( Negaras ) within future USI including Republic.
- 3.
- Prior dissolution GOC, either party may request services GOC be continued to assist in adjusting such differences between parties as may arise in period between signing political agreement and transfer sovereignty from Netherlands to USI and other party will make no objection such arrangement. Any such request, regardless party with whom originating, would be brought attention SC by Netherlands.
- 4.
- Within period not less than 6 months or more than year from signing political agreement, plebiscites will be held under international observation to determine whether various territories wish to be included in Republic or whether they wish form other states.
- 5.
- Following formation states in accordance foregoing, a constitutional convention will be convened through democratic procedures to draft constitution for USI. Representation various states in convention will be in proportion their populations.
- 6.
- Republic for its part will make no objection to provision in constitution for bicameral legislature for USI with representation in one Chamber based equality state and in other based population.
- 7.
- In accordance principles articles three and four Linggadjati, any state which does not wish ratify constitution [apparent garble] in USI may negotiate special relationship with USI and Netherlands.
USDel believes fulfillment foregoing would in long run give Republic chance demonstrate extent its popular support and result creation USI fairly representative fundamental sentiments Indo peoples and hence more stable than any likely be formed other conditions. Such conditions would also fully meet criteria second paragraph Deptel 41, allowing Dutch proceed economic plans for Indonesia, giving Dutch ample time prepare for end period their sovereignty, and requiring no early changes in present administration of territories. At same time, by giving Republic fighting chance prove its claim of mass support, principles would give Republic moderates talking point against militants and give GOC solid basis for impressing upon Republic absolute necessity it exert every effort carry out truce and cease acts destruction, intimidation and reprisal. If with Dutch acceptance these principles Republic still unable carry out truce or exercise effective administration, Dutch will then be able maintain before world their charge that Republic in fact is not a responsible government. Unless Dutch accept these principles, all of which USDel regards as essential, important segments world opinion likely be convinced that settlement Indo dispute has been imposed unilaterally by military force and will react accordingly. Long range consequences Indonesia resulting from further serious loss confidence in Dutch could be greatly dangerous both parties.
[Page 64]Graham yesterday presented rough draft above principles to Dutch Ministers as merely informative and tentative expression USDel thought, Van Zeeland having been reluctant commit himself either way on principles. Beel appeared not unfavorably disposed and even Van Mook conceded proposal has some merit.
USDel urgently requests Department’s earliest consideration these principles, believing that unless Department can persuade Dutch accept them, present situation cannot be saved from finish which will have lasting and dangerous repercussions for all parties concerned. Situation here moving very rapidly, and if Department feels able support principles, USDel urges earliest possible approach to Dutch in Washington and Hague. [Graham.]
- Repeated in telegram 9, January 9, noon, to The Hague.↩
- Telegram 13, p. 57.↩
- See telegram 380, December 31, 1947, 7 p. m., Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. vi, p. 1099.↩
- See telegram 557, December 20, 1947, noon, ibid., p. 1088.↩