501.BC Indonesia/12–2648: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
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909. British colleague1 cooperating fully and Stikker has outlined to him reply Van Royen will make tomorrow about as follows:2 military action completed within 48 hours with minimum of losses. [Page 606] Outstanding result will be elimination of radical elements and consolidation of well intentioned Indonesians both, within and without Republic who have been terrorized and could not express themselves before for fear of reprisals which now removed. Already marked diminution incidents and raids by Republic, that Republic leaders will be free to move about on condition that no agitation or political activity for present; that Dutch wish to proceed forthwith with formation interim government and USI at as early date as possible. FonMin fully alive to grave threat to solidarity of western Europe presented by present situation and greatly deplores same but can do nothing immediately to relieve. Has issued peremptory orders to Beel in Batavia to give full liberty of access and travel to GOC military observers and members of commission.
You will understand difficulty of effective foreign representation in Hague under present circumstances where FonMin and PriMin, both of whom aware of serious implications of Stubborn Dutch attitude, are in minority position in cabinet re concession to world opinion, while Catholic ministers who are recalcitrant and not much concerned about such opinion are relatively inaccessible. British colleague and I are in close consultation this problem; efforts so far made are not encouraging but will be continued.
Sent Department 909; repeated Paris for Jessup 103.