501.BC Indonesia/2–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
191. Gocus 597. Lunched with Hamid and Tahija, Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively, BFO. Hamid said important Indonesians get together. Expressed regret Hatta and Sukarno feared talk with Federalists. Asked I accompany him Bangka tomorrow to start four-man conversations with them. I told Hamid I had already on first visit Republicans since return impressed them importance talking soonest frankest with Federalists toward reaching mutual trust and understanding. While Republicans consistently refused enter [Page 245] formal negotiations with anyone pending release and freedom movement, they assured me readiness talk informally with Federalists immediately. I had no impression fear part Republicans and had been cognizant many months their desire for unhampered contact with Federalists. Mentioned assurances given orally last week and in telegrams today of desire Republican leaders reach equitable settlement for all Indonesia soonest.
Hamid said personally, not as BFO chairman, working secretly on plan under which Republicans and Federalists should join. Thought this would be major step in solving problem and agreement with Netherlands thereafter would be easy. I asked what he thought of SC resolution which I stressed was to advantage all Indonesia. He said technically satisfactory but took exception fact it provides for UNCFI invited Federalists participate and does not give definite right. Told him I was instrumental getting idea into resolution of both UNCFI and Republicans having free contact with Federalists. Said wording mere technicality resulting from compromise and he would find me and I thought other UNCFI members anxious consult and cooperate with Federalists whatever terms resolution.
I referred such sketchy details Beel plan as available. Hamid agreed impracticability go Hague prior interim government and two or three months period envisaged thereafter inadequate for settling outstanding problems preliminary transfer sovereignty. He felt premature transfer dangerous for new government. Agreed SC resolution timetable more realistic. Believes, however, Netherlands proposal, which he expects revealed tonight or tomorrow, will be closely akin original Beel plan.
I told Hamid anxious foster exchange ideas between Federalists and Republicans and between Federalists and UNCFI. Insisted, however, I could do nothing further until Netherlands’ plan known and UNCFI has opportunity study and report to SC March 1. I said no matter how much cooperation obtained between Indonesians, impossible for SC approve Netherlands stand unless it implements resolution or comes forward with equally good plan acceptable by Indonesians and SC. Said could not participate in effort himself or Federalists sell any plan to Republicans other than SC plan. If Netherlands or Federalists themselves succeed convincing Republicans desirability something else, situation quite different.
Hamid stated always favored release Republicans. Thought they should be permitted return Jogja as individuals but not as government. I said resolution still recognizes existence Republican Government and envisages restoration civil authority Jogja. This considered necessary for consultation with scattered leaders and effective appeal cease-fire. [Page 246] Hamid doubted effectiveness such appeal at best. Cited evidence some political leaders in Republic territory now occupied by Netherlands forces not favorable to restoration Jogja. I said attempt should be made give Republican leaders most helpful setup enable them issue appeal. Envisaged progressive steps necessary and admitted there would eventually remain terrorist groups and free operators who would not respond and would have to be dealt with militarily. I constantly argued favor steps toward cessation hostilities rather than debate among Indonesians as to form government. Made major point, however, that progress depends entirely this juncture upon Netherlands Government decision. Indicated willingness receive Hamid or other Federalist leaders informally any time. Would prefer act in conjunction other UNCFI members unless special situation might warrant otherwise.
Hamid agreeable and might be useful later. At present convinced working closely with Netherlands. For instance, Schuurman told me last night understood I lunching with Hamid when I had received invitation by phone only twenty minutes before. Considering this connection, concentrated on acceptance SC resolution and Netherlands responsibility for next step. Counting on his repeating my statements to Schuurman. Signed Cochran.