856d.00/12–2148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
priority
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890. Have had detailed conversation with Minister Stikker and gained distinct impression that Hatta and Stikker could have made working agreement if full cooperation could have been obtained by either or both from their associates. Think Stikker still has full confidence Hatta and feels that eventually and ere long a new government will emerge in Indonesian Republic headed by Hatta and other conservative elements, and that principal result of present action will be elimination of hotheads and obstructionists so that genuinely democratic government can emerge there which will be able to cooperate with federalists and make it possible for Republican interim government to be formed along lines already indicated by Netherlands authorities.
Stikker says military phase of operation rapidly approaching completion and practically no opposition being encountered. In his opinion, one week will see end of police action and elimination those elements now opposing a political agreement which will be workable. Stikker reiterated his Cabinet and Chamber are of one mind, that no other practical recourse left but the present action, which they deplore under the circumstances, but they saw no other course open to Netherlands if they were to maintain their integrity and their duty towards Indonesian people. Their decision was reached only after much painstaking thought and in light of their over 300 years experience in Indonesia. He wished to impress on me theirs was not Jekyll and Hyde government having one face in Europe and another in Indonesia, that they expected and fully intended to carry out all of their promises to Indonesian people and fulfill their duties to civilization and maintain faith at same time with Netherlands traditions and ideals of justice, democracy, integrity and freedom which are as dear to them now as they had ever been.
I gained distinct impression that for them die was cast and that neither economic nor any pressures short of superior military force would deter them from course of action decided upon. It is possible that within short time we may be confronted with fait accompli if the expectations of this government are realized and practically blindless elimination of the unruly elements in Indonesia is achieved and Hatta emerges as the head of new government with full support of Dutch [Page 597] and Indonesians of Republic area. It is my conclusion that this may be the motivating influence behind present police action.2
Sent Department 890; repeated Paris 94 for Jessup.
- Repeated in telegram 689, December 23, 6 p. m., to Batavia.↩
- In telegram 892, December 21, 8 p. m., from The Hague, Ambassador Baruch added: “I feel I must state my conviction that Netherlands are irretrievably committed to present course of action.” In telegram 2190, December 21, 7 p. m., from Brussels, Ambassador Kirk reported a talk with Premier Spaak and said: “If further operations should proceed as rapidly and as successfully as had initial stages, Spaak said it was possible satisfactory ultimate solution might be reached.” Then he stated his belief that Premier Spaak felt “any action under Chapter 7 should be approached with extreme caution.” The foregoing two telegrams were repeated in telegram 684, December 22, 7 p. m., to Batavia. (501.BC Indonesia/12–2148)↩