501.BC Indonesia/2–2549: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
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196. Gocus 601. Eleven a. m. today Schuurman handed me copy memorandum submitted by Netherlands Government to Ambassadors US, UK, France, Belgium and Canada February 23 concerning Netherlands Government policy to be pursued Indonesia.2 Not cabling this since assume Department has it directly from Hague or Netherlands Embassy
Schuurman also handed me following undated unsigned memorandum:3 “Re-establishment of Repub Government in Jogja would give fatal blow to confidence of certain persons and political organizations in possibility of cooperation with Netherlands. It would mean encouragement of unconciliatory elements of Repub to abide by their [Page 257] inflexible attitude. Every social rehabilitation would be retarded, lives of Chinese population would be endangered. Tan Malakka would be stimulated to greater activity, guerrilla warfare and terrorism would flare up to unknown extent, it would be impossible maintain any authority in Jogja and cooperation of Netherlands forces in maintenance of law and order would [then] be extremely difficult, if not impossible. A new demarcation line would recreate chaos in field of economics, finance and communications, internal security would disappear completely ‘and terrorism would prevail. Repub Government, which already in past was unable to suppress this terrorism to any extent, would now be at mercy of extremists. Information contained in selections of documents submitted to you on infiltrations and subversive activities from Repub controlled territory has now been confirmed by documentary evidence from Repub archives; comprehensive note on this matter will be completed shortly. Absolute certitude [certainty] that every possibility of reaching agreement and of successfully conducting negotiations would be frustrated by terrorism, infiltrations and subversive activities from Jogja does not permit Netherlands Government in view its responsibility to allow return of Repub Government to Jogja, since this would be tantamount to barring in advance possibility of achieving speedy transfer of sovereignty as envisaged under regular conditions.”
Schuurman handed me following communication dated February 23: “My Dear Cochran, I have asked Schuurman to hand you a note which we have addressed today to several friendly governments.
I had hoped come for short visit to Batavia to assist in trying find solution our very complicated problems which are facing all of us, but political situation in Holland since resignation of Sassen remains unstable which prevents me from leaving country at this moment.
In view of very critical circumstances and bearing in mind frank and pleasant discussions during your recent visit to Hague I feel that a personal message might contribute to clarify situation.
Postponement of first report of UNCFI from February 15 to March 1 has given Netherlands Government valuable time to complete discussions with High Representative of Crown and to reach definite conclusions concerning future policy. I want you to know how much I have appreciated attitude of members of UNCFI in this matter.
Unfortunately pressure of time elements remains to large extent because Netherlands Government will only be able announce decisions after arrival Beel in Batavia which is scheduled for Saturday, February 26. We are fast approaching date of March 1 on which first report of UNCFI to SC should be made. I trust you will understand that in view of tense situation in Indonesia such far-reaching decisions [Page 258] as were taken can only be announced after return of highest Netherlands representative to Indonesia.
I would like make most urgent appeal to give favorable consideration to proposals which Schuurman will explain to you. Personally I do not see any way out if Repub would refuse come Holland for discussions. For nearly three years now negotiations have taken place in Indonesia. Ministers of Netherlands Government have gone Indonesia several times. Cabinet delegations in which I participated have gone Jogja under most difficult circumstances.
Netherlands Government has taken momentous decision to transfer its sovereignty at earliest possible date and discuss this transfer with all parties. Hague seems to be most logical choice for proposed conference because it is Dutch Government which is transferring sovereignty. You will agree atmosphere in Holland is far better than in Batavia.
If during proposed round table conference unforeseen complications should arise I would personally be willing do all I can straighten them out.
With regard to opening date of conference I would like explain to you that March 12 is only few days before deadline of resolution of SC. First we had in mind March 7 but amongst other things because of transportation difficulties it was clearly impossible get every one assembled such short notice. On tenth we have here Hague a Benelux meeting. Therefore there was no possibility meet earlier.
Present Netherlands Government takes realistic view of situation and future relationship which will be embodied in union statute and other arrangements. They see quite clearly that transfer of sovereignty should mean real and full sovereignty for Indonesia and not sovereignty restricted to such extent that de facto authority would remain with Netherlands. Therefore I do not feel that unsoluble difficulties will arise.
You and I have always believed that difficulties could be solved round conference table. To call such conference should be first aim of all who wish arrive at speedy and lasting solution of present difficulties. Netherlands Government has made first move in lifting restrictions on movements of Repub leaders. A genuinely free and open conference should be next step.
If on other hand Repubs would demand return of their government to Jogja before they participate in any discussions I am convinced that discussions will become impossible on Netherlands side. Therefore I venture presume upon your personal influence with Repub leaders to convince Sukarno arid others that they accept invitation. Recent events have shaken confidence on both sides but we cannot let [Page 259] our sentiments prevail. Much higher interests are at stake than personal feelings or opinions of those who take part in discussions. It is fate of Indonesia and Holland and to certain extent future relationship between east and west that is at stake.
Experience has taught both of us to be careful with predictions but we hope to terminate the work by May 1, which would probably also suit your personal plans.
I know how hard and patiently you have labored to bring parties together. I have tried to facilitate your task and therefore I feel as an honest man that I should inform you that I have done everything possible to create conditions for fresh start. It is up to you now to make best use of possibilities which situation offers.
If it would help to talk over phone please tell Schuurman so I can ring you up.
With kindest regards,
Above text is in conformity with telegram received today from Netherlands Foreign Minister Stikker.” Signed Schuurman, acting chairman Netherlands delegation.
Schuurman said also giving Herremans copy first memorandum. Said no one should know of Stikker’s letter except ourselves. Requested I maintain absolute secrecy re fact of memorandum having been handed me but desired I have this material for advance information and study. Said Beel scheduled arrive Batavia Saturday morning and would make public statement 6 p. m. Batavia time on Indonesian program. Presumes statement will include material set forth in memorandum to Ambassadors. Said it also presumably would reveal Beel plan details whereof Schuurman insists he has not received. Answer my query Schuurman did not know whether Beel would have meeting with UNCFI or have documentation transmitted UNCFI through Netherlands delegate. Did not know in what form or when invitations would be issued Repubs, Federalists and UNCFI to participate round table conference Hague.
See Gocus 6024 for comment. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 161, February 26, 2 p. m., to The Hague.↩
- See telegram 187, February 23, noon, p. 247.↩
- On February 28 the Netherlands Embassy provided the text of this memorandum to the Department, saying it had been handed the UNCFI at Batavia on February 26. (501.BC Indonesia/2–2849)↩
- Infra. ↩