501.BC Indonesia/2–2649: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
niact
206. Gocus 606. Through Herremans UNCFI sought meeting with Beel soonest and copy statement in advance. Was told 12 noon, [Page 270] Schuurman would receive three of us 5 p. m. Said no statement available until 6 p. m. UNCFI members actually received press release 12:45 p. m. through friendly reporters.
Three UNCFI members received by Schuurman alone 5 p. m. Gave us press release (Gocus 6042). Also handed chairman invitation UNCFI attend March 12 conference Hague and translations invitations similarly addressed Sukarno and chairman BFO. For texts see Gocus 605.3
Schuurman offered answer any questions he could. Said Beel would receive us Sunday 5 p. m. After talking with Schuurman we suggested desirability earlier conference with Beel if latter might find it convenient. Hour advanced from 5 p. m. to 12 noon. Subsequently, Schuurman secretly asked me meet Beel, Koets and himself 10:15 Sunday morning.
Schuurman told us Beel delivered invitation Chairman Hamid BFO 2 p. m. today and Gieben flew Bangka 3 p. m. today deliver invitation Sukarno and return Sunday. Said Koets visiting Bangka Monday to give background since he had been with Beel at Hague and to discuss situation with Republicans. Was not sure whether Republicans would give answer to Koets or whether they might desire further consultations perhaps to include UNCFI. We said initiative presenting this proposal rests with Netherlands Government but it available for consultation. We hoped be informed fully as possible of steps taken and reactions of Federalists and Republicans thereto prior submission our March 1 report. Schuurman doubted plans would be resolved by that time. We stated report would definitely go forward on fixed date.
We expressed surprise statement to press did not reveal more details Beel plan. Schuurman admitted he had anticipated more precise statement but learned on Beel’s return of decision taken make this general statement containing two fundamentals, namely, Hague Conference by March 12 and transfer sovereignty at earlier date than anticipated by SC Resolution. He admitted this procedure constitutes quite different plan from SC Resolution but argued end purpose same and offers accelerated program. Noting that no fixed date for transfer is indicated in documents handed us today, Schuurman said May 1, 1949 is target date for completion Hague negotiations to be followed by submission agreement for ratification, etc. He conceded that date for transfer sovereignty would depend on progress made and parties’ attitude. When difficulty arriving at Hague Conference by March 12 suggested, Schuurman said this date purposely fixed prior March 15 [Page 271] since thought no provisional government could be set up then as anticipated by SC Resolution. Urgent therefore have present plan under way before March 15.
Answering my question, Schuurman said unable state whether any restrictions placed on number or identity Republic delegation. Said Gieben and Koets would give some details orally to Sukarno. Answering my question whether scattered Republican leaders including military and emergency government Sumatra figures could be included Republican Delegation, Schuurman expressed affirmative opinion but again thought Beel should be asked confirm.
Schuurman insisted Republicans would have entire freedom movement without surveillance Hague. Said Netherlands will now discuss with Republican leaders question future residence. Will not be permitted return Jogja as government or visit any former Republican territory without military permits. Furthermore, will have to have advance understanding with government as to where they establish residence in Netherlands-controlled territory whether this be Batavia, Bandung or elsewhere. We explained seeking precise information this point to determine whether SC Resolution met. We were informed immediate decision concerns freedom Republican leaders and not political prisoners as whole.
In talk following meeting UNCFI members expressed common disappointment Netherlands had not presented more specific plan after consultations Hague and extension time granted for our reporting. We feared present statement would have poor press. Herremans thought it offered Republicans little beyond opportunity for further discussions but thinks they should agree go Hague. He stressed urgency settling Indonesian question. Critchley expressed opinion strongly that Republicans could not accept without losing support. Took position we no longer good officers but charged duty seeing SC Resolution met. Change from more generous attitude reported paragraph three Gocus 6034 resulted perhaps from manner Beel and Schuurman handling question.
Hamid phoned 6 p. m. Told of invitation from Beel. Said BFO meeting Monday 9 a. m. and he will urge acceptance invitation. Will also suggest some of his group visit Republicans Bangka Tuesday or Wednesday to encourage them accept since Hamid feels both groups must participate.
Should explain Schuurman is not delivering to UNCFI text memos handed Herremans and me privately yesterday (Gocus 6015) since [Page 272] Beel considers documentation political and only for countries whose Ambassadors received memoranda Hague. Signed Cochran.