856f.00/2–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
111. Dutch and Repub releases present wildly contradictory pictures of mil situation Java Sumatra. Dutch generally contend operations proceeding satisfactorily against resistance perhaps lighter than expected, that remaining problem is mopping up pocketed pillaging gangs from whom population welcomes Neth protection. Repub maintains situation developing advantageously their cause, that Dutch troops occupy pockets (including Jogja) tenuously connected in predominantly Repub controlled countryside, are spread over thin and beginning suffer demoralization. Repub Govt Sumatra either feels or feigns sufficient confidence to have upped its ante from restoration Repub Renville territories to restoration Linggadjati territories as basis settlement.
On basis doubtless meagre info available you, Cochran and MilObs, is it possible assay claims two parties for content truth as basis for overall appreciation? In particular is there evidence indicating that in event failure negots (1) desire population for security, food and textiles may be determining, resulting isolation guerillas and facilitating [Page 262] mopping-up operations, or conversely, (2) Butch, unable police all Java Sumatra, may be forced draw back to afford sufficient protection important plantation areas, resulting re-creation Repub authority and administration extensive territories regardless attitude Dutch to SC Res?1
- Telegram 219, March 3, 9 a. m., from Batavia, in reply, concluded: “Reference questions posed by Department due to claims each side, which are diametrically opposite, and complete lack of facilities to sample opinions and beliefs of populace, hazarding opinion this time not warranted.” (856f.00/3–349)↩