501.BC Indonesia/3–1748: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
218. Gocus 185. Following is press release March 17. [“] SC’s GOC on Indonesian question announces that economic financial committee conference between delegations Govt of Netherlands and Govt of Republic held first meeting 17 March, thus inaugurating series discussions toward overall agreement. Under first agenda item, referred committee basis urgency by steering committee, agreement reached in principle on transfer certain quantities rice for local requirements and in form of border traffic operations from Netherlands to Republic side status quo line in Kemit area in south central Java.
Subcommittee set up deal with matter and report main committee very early date measures to be taken order implement this agreement. Committee discussed general resumption economic intercourse across status quo line and common use public works as railways, highways, post, telegraph, telephone communications, electric power works, irrigation projects, water supply.
[Page 120]Committee reached conclusion these matters involved problems purely technical and local nature as well as general principles in economic and monetary fields. Second subcommittee appointed whose task will be separate various questions two categories.
Those which merely technical will be dealt with immediately by subcommittee with assistance specialized experts both parties. Other matters will be referred back economic committee for further study. Economic financial committee scheduled meet again early next week. First meeting political committee will be tomorrow, Thursday 18 March.”