501.BC Indonesia/12–1848: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
niact
1114. Gocus 497. Schuurman telephoned 7:45 a. m. December 19. Requested I call 8:30 to receive documentation. At 8:40 Schuurman handed me, as GOC official, copy statement dated Batavia December 19 reviewing Indonesian situation and announcing decision Netherlands Government taken thereon. Schuurman said this document available diplomatic missions Hague evening December 18.1 Cabling text Gocus 498.2 Same time Schuurman handed me copy radio speech made by Beel 8 a. m. today.3 Cabled as Gocus 499.4
Schuurman confirmed telegraphic communication with Republic cut. Said Netherlands forces already crossed into Republic. Said there would be no clearances granted planes for takeoff Jogja today or until further notice. This included GOC plane. I sought assurance GOC group Kaliurang would be safeguarded. He said Beel, Spoor and he had consulted on this and every proper measure would be taken. Let me know military forces hoped occupy Jogja quickly. Said his people would assume responsibility for evacuation GOC group when conditions [Page 582] permit presumably by air from Jogja. In answer my expressed concern lest airfield Jogja be destroyed by Republic, Schuurman said doubted this and thought situation perhaps already in hand. (Press representatives say Netherlands forces occupied Jogja airfield early morning.) Schuurman promised keep me informed constantly on matters pertinent GOC, explaining this responsibility definitely lodged in him.
I said Sudjono informed me midnight he had received letter similar mine in regard termination truce. I asked if Schuurman had taken any steps get this letter directly to Republic since telegraphic communications cut. Schuurman said giving it to Sudjono was best he could do. (Will Department please note Article 10 of truce agreement this point.) I told Schuurman understood Darmasetiawan arrested 3 a. m. He said most Republic leaders picked up except Supomo. I said Supomo phoned wanting see me. Was I free to see him? Schuurman said proper GOC have contact with Supomo.
Speaking informally before departure asked Schuurman what GOC could to [do] now. Schuurman said had intimation from Hague NethDel would be liquidated.
Conferred 9 a. m. with Naryanan and Australian deputy Cutts. Latter came from Kaliurang with me. I filed with Naryanan officially Schuurman’s letter re termination truce and two documents received from Schuurman this morning. Instructed Naryanan attempt file telegram to GOC Kaliurang transmitting text truce letter. (This was refused at 10:30 a. m. by telegraph office with statement no telegraphic communication with Kaliurang and Jogja.) Also agreed on preparation telegraphic report SC Paris on which we three will work.
Received Supomo 9:30. He said Sudjono arrested shortly after he telephoned me in night. Supomo is only principal Republic representative now at liberty in Batavia. Said Netherlands confiscated RepubDel headquarters Batavia 1 a. m. today with all files including GOC material. Supomo had been unable communicate truce letter text Jogja.
Conferred with Colonel Mayer. I told him Schuurman assumed responsibility for evacuation GOC from Kaliurang when conditions permit. I did not favor attempting send GOC plane Jogja until situation clarified lest GOC personnel trying reach there would be subjected more danger than remaining Kaliurang for present. Prefer keep in touch with Schuurman leaving responsibility on Netherlands but insisting on utilization GOC plane if situation warrants. Conferred with Livengood who shares my views. I told Mayer keep in touch with Netherlands military authorities re safeguarding GOC group Kaliurang. Of USDel group Raymond Lisle and Valetta Batchelder are at Kaliurang, Roberta McKay and I Batavia.
[Page 583]UP correspondent informed me 10:15 that Voice of Free Indonesia still broadcasting from Republic and started at 8:45 carrying following message every few minutes: “GOC wired SC calling for immediate action and gave Cochran full power to act on behalf of GOC.”
Understand Indian plane intended for transportation Sukarno and party from Jogja to India due Batavia 11 a. m. today. Schuurman said it would not be permitted proceed Jogja. No word as to whether Sukarno may have already departed. Signed Cochran.
Sent Department niact 1114; Department pass Paris for Jessup, Hague.5