501.BC Indonesia/3–1748: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
217. Gocus No. 184. GOC received letter March 16 from Indo delegation strongly protesting course followed by Van Mook in forming [Page 119] Provisional Federal Govt, alleging formation contrary Renville Agreement. Letter requested GOC “lodge protest directly with SC on ground of first resolution taken by SC on Indo question with Netherlands delegation”.
Prior to GOC’s receipt above letter, Brackman (UP) showed US delegation dispatch he had filed reporting request that GOC lodge protest with SC. It clear source Brackman’s information was member Indo delegation.
US delegation called meeting GOC late afternoon March 16 and stated our view that GOC should make clear to Indo delegation: (1) Protest would naturally be forwarded with delegation [report?]. (2) In line with GOC’s long established practice, previously communicated in writing to both parties on January 2, GOC would not itself lodge protest with SC. (3) Express hope that since it had been agreed same day in Steering Committee to discuss question participation Republic in Provisional Federal Govt, GOC hoped satisfactory solution to both parties would ensue.
GOC agreed include these views in replying to Indo delegate’s letter. It obvious member of Indo delegation who turned over letter to Brackman hoped thereby force GOC’s hand in filing protest with SC. This point discussed in GOC where it was decided not to take note of fact matter had been leaked to press and to leave entirely to Indo delegation problem how to straighten out matter with press.