501.BC Indonesia/3–2048: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
232. Gocus 191. Following receipt Indonesian delegation protest formation provisional federal government and GOC’s reply thereto (Gocus 1841), GOC at US delegation’s suggestion recommended to parties procedure for coordinated periodic reports to SC with view to eliminating separate communications by parties. Plan was introduced in steering committee March 19 (Gocus 1902) and accepted after discussion by Netherland-Indo delegation. In discussion Vredenburch stated Netherland delegation for its part entirely willing waive its right report SC directly and rely solely on reports originating with GOC. Emphasized entirely satisfied with wisdom and discretion displayed by GOC in its reports to SC to date and expressed hope parties would show similar prudence and restraint in future. He recognized plan placed burden on GOC in preparation and compilation material at monthly intervals, but agreed this probably best way avoid haphazard separate submissions SC respect particular matters.
Roem agreeable to procedure provided it clearly understood it in no way affected Republic’s right report directly SC. Critchley replied that new procedure would not affect this right but was simply means expressing it systematically at regular interval.
In coming weeks USDel will endeavor convince Republic’s undesirability contributing acrimony atmosphere by lodging protests with SC, that attempts bring pressure bear on Netherlands delegation respect particular issues through appeals SC unlikely prove successful long run, and that terms of settlement can only be worked out through negotiations Netherlands delegation with GOC’s assistance.