856d.00/2–1849: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State 1
secret
London, February 18, 1949—4 p. m.
619. Re Indonesia.
- 1.
- Robert Scott, now head of SEA
Department FonOff, states
that FonOff cannot accept
Beel plan for Indonesia because:
- a.
- Contemplates USI Government composed of Indonesians picked by Dutch;
- b.
- Would retain too much authority and power in Dutch hands;
- c.
- Would not satisfy Indonesian desire for independence; and
- d.
- Would be attempt circumvent SC Resolution.
- 2.
- FonOff wishes help Dutch save face in present difficult situation but realizes also necessity save face SC. Therefore cannot aid Dutch to evade responsibilities to UN.
- 3.
- If US decides press Dutch in SC to proceed with steps necessary to implement SC Resolution, British will support but “very reluctantly.” Hope that Dutch will first adopt conciliatory line.
- 4.
- With Sassen out of Dutch Government, FonOff hopes that Beel and Spoor will also be eliminated, thus opening door to more conciliatory policy re Indonesia.
Douglas
- Repeated in telegram 141, February 19, 2 p. m., to The Hague and in telegram 96, Usgoc 300, to Batavia.↩