501.BC Indonesia/2–2448: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
157. Gocus No. 160. Dubois flew Djocja February 22 for courtesy visit. Soekarno ill, but Hatta had requested Dubois come anyway see him and Sjarifuddin.
Hatta in personal talk (1) agreed formation USI immediate and important objective; (2) stated Republic required specific assurances regarding terms its entry interim government and its status interim period; (3) reported his understanding that Van Mook was about make speech slamming door on Republic participation interim government prior political settlement; (4) observed Netherlands Ministry in Hague had announced sovereignty would rest in union, not USI; (5) made clear he quite straight on question present sovereignty NEI, that some of his colleagues had got away from him but that with time and help he could bring them in line; and (6) described as program his government the (a) carrying out of Renville agreement, (b) preparation creation USI with January 1, 1949, as target date, and (c) rehabilitation of his country.
Dubois conveyed Neher’s message in detail (ourtel 157 [152], February 27 [20]), advised Hatta not sorry about statement by Netherlands Cabinet Minister regarding ultimate sovereignty Indonesia, and stated he would convey Hatta’s ideas to Neher and endeavor clarify what appeared conflict views Neher and Van Mook. Dubois also stressed Republic’s opportunity and responsibility in connection formation USI, in which welfare all Indonesia should be prime objective.
Later at official dinner, Dubois had talk on same lines with Sjarifuddin, who, while no longer in government or Indonesian delegation, appears retain considerable influence and to be on good terms Hatta and to share his views completely, particularly as to question of sovereignty. Dubois favorably impressed by both men but considers Sjarifuddin clearer thinker.
Ogburn, who accompanied Dubois, had talk with members Indonesian delegation, who appeared equally eager Republic’s early entry interim government, with stipulation that negotiations to this end include settlement organization USI and form Netherlands-Indonesian union. Roem appeared more interested immediate practical problems. He much concerned fate some thousand Republic village headmen and hundreds sub-district heads allegedly in pockets now evacuated by Republic troops, stating Republic had instructed these officials cooperate [Page 105] with Dutch but that he feared Dutch would resolve [rebuff?] them. In connection Republic plebiscite movement (ourtel 154, February 192) he claimed Dutch had forbidden Republic meeting at Bandoeng, had surrounded meeting at Bekasi with cordon armed soldiers and had beaten up Indonesians attempting hold meeting at Tandjongpriok. He intends reporting these incidents GOC. All Indonesian delegations most unhappy regarding impending formation West Java and Madura states, to which they have called attention to GOC as violation Renville Agreement.
Ogburn on later occasion stated he hoped carrying out of truce would soon be sufficiently successful enable parties devote selves consideration substantive matters and this connection referred provocative phraseology and content some broadcasts by Republic reported by Netherlands delegation (ourtel 159 [154], February 21). He also, as separate matter, referred Nusantara broadcast asserting American imperialism had taken over in Indonesia as unwarranted statement scarcely calculated be helpful. Roem declared he currently discussing these matters with Minister Information, with special reference radio Nusantara at Kediri.
Tank traps and obstacles on approaches Djocja now eliminated as result truce.
Dubois to see Van Mook and Neher tonight.