501.BC Indonesia/2–2648: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
166. Gocus 163. Dubois had 2 hour talk with Van Mook and Neher at dinner last night. Dubois conveyed gist his meeting with Hatta and Sjarifuddin (ourtel 160, February 24) and Van Mook agreed invite both meet him here. While on basis previous meeting Van Mook doubted value further talks, he stated he willing try again provided Repub representatives pass up opportunity indulge political phrase-making and focus discussion on realities of situation, with special reference questions of armed forces, foreign representation, currency and foreign trade. Dubois replied he believed Repub leaders had no false concepts regarding sovereignty but that in this respect they in position having bear by tail, that Sjarifuddin had expressed desire return idle Repub Army to productive work, that he personally hoped reduction armed forces could be first point in political discussions and believed demobilization ten companies on each side would be cheered in UN. Regarding other questions, he expressed belief Repub withdrawal from sovereign position it had taken these respects could best be obtained by presenting demands in palatable form and that he would like present memo giving USDel’s views as to how this might be accomplished. Van Mook agreed consider memo. Dubois this connection mentioned Repub need material aid, partly medical supplies. Van Mook replied that last medical supplies provided for Repub were seized by TNI and sold. Dubois objected to Dutch habit [Page 108] dwelling on past and on discreditable side Repub and stated he convinced sincerity Repub leaders and their need of help in keeping own people in line.
In course talk, Van Mook insisted that written political agreement with Repub was necessary. He conceded Dubois’ point that since Dutch had upper hand initiative in presenting draft must come from them and agreed to Dubois’ request that it be shown USDel before being given further distribution.
Dubois feels talk was on whole encouraging although his representations by no means met with wholehearted response in all cases.
- Repeated in telegram 72, February 27, 6 p. m., to The Hague.↩