501.BC Indonesia/1–1348: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State

secret

43. Graham No. 93 from Ogburn. 1. Scott reports from Jogjakarta only very slow progress towards getting Republic’s acceptance truce plan with AusDel of no help. Press quotes Sjahrir on arrival Jogjakarta as stating Indonesian question might possibly be referred back SC. Seems certain any case Republic will take maximum time reach decision. Vredenburch states Republic’s reply telegraphed from Jogjakarta noon January 15 with formal signing truce in Renville January 16 would satisfy conditions set by NethDel.

2. Republic yesterday given letter from NethDel signed Vredenburch containing assurance 6-point principles (mytel 90) would be favorably considered by Netherlands following acceptance truce. Following Republic’s reply truce, letter will be made part GOC records. In reply question by Kirby whether in USDel view this assurance would make Republic rejection more difficult, we stated it would make such rejection much more difficult.

3. Vredenburch informs us Netherland’s acceptance final text principles (mytel 92, January 12) followed dispatch of telegram to Hague from him and Van Mook stating acceptance text by Council Ministers was matter urgency. He adds that leaders Negaras and Daerahs endorse principles. Praise of GOC by Van Mook in January 12 UP report strikes very new note.

4. Vredenburch says he hopes that following acceptance by both parties of truce plus principles, Department will issue press release stating it believes satisfactory basis for political discussions has been reached. I ventured opinion Department might well wish do so.

5. Last night Spoor, Vredenburch, Abbey1 and I met discuss practical problems re implementation truce. We hope have several types leaflets ready for airdrop and military observers organized proceed immediately Republic’s pockets resistance by day truce signed. (Three states can spare maximum five officers Renville assist this task.) Dutch stated they expect Republic immediately turn over hundreds Japanese and any Germans now in their service for repatriation, also 3 Australian Army officers and 400 or 500 Indians from British Army now in TNI. We expressed hope Netherlands would take up problem Indians and Australians through diplomatic channels, not officially [Page 77] through GOC. Dutch agreeable and may permit any Indians so desiring remain in civil occupations. [Ogburn.]

Livengood
  1. Glenn A. Abbey, Consul at Batavia and member of U.S. delegation to GOC.