501.BC Indonesia/3–149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
211. Gocus 609. Schuurman addressed UNCFI February 28 letter enclosing Hamid radio speech (Gocus 6082). Letter concluded, “from contents of speech it appears BFO has accepted invitation extended by Netherlands Government to participate in round table conferences Hague”. I told Schuurman by phone I had read speech and thought it indicated Hamid favors Netherlands proposal but constituted no BFO acceptance. He said Beel found acceptance in following Paragraph 17: “Now however we have been offered new opportunity and initiative taken by Netherlands Government to hold round table conference for transfer sovereignty has our wholehearted approval”.
8 p. m. received as UNCFI chairman telegram filed Muntok 9:40 a. m. signed Roem, chairman Republic delegation, reading: “Latest decision Netherlands Government as in Beel’s letter handed Saturday night to Sukarno in Muntok by Gieben, inviting Republic leaders join round table conference Hague with other representatives Indonesia on March 12, cuts across SC resolution and moreover explicitly rejects said resolution. In verbal elucidation Gieben made perfectly clear that on no account Netherlands Government will comply with condition to restore actual government of Republic in its power over any part its territory. In particular Gieben explained that, contrary to wording his government’s statement on abrogation remaining restrictions concerning liberty movement of Republic leaders, we shall in no case be allowed return Jogja. This new move of Netherlands as so often before gives expression to their denial of legality SC intervention and substitutes different proposal on their own authority. Our government will however never cooperate in any action evading implementation [Page 278] SC resolution. We particularly deem it urgent counteract any confusion which this move is apt to create in international circles.”
I called informal meeting give UNCFI this message. With group approval phoned Sudjono. He said received same telegram. Said Republic group still desired go Bangkok [Bangka] planned. UNCFI also approved my reading message to Schuurman, He said this obviously despatched by Roem prior any discussions by Republic with Koets who flew Bangka Monday.
Schuurman phoned 11 p. m., said gave Beel message. Latter said Koets had been instructed telegraph promptly if Republic answer negative. No such message received. On contrary Koets had telegraphed was remaining Bangka overnight and asked special plane bring him Batavia Tuesday evening. From this Beel thought matter not settled. I offered let Koets return UNCFI plane and promised hold UNCFI report open until late evening awaiting any word from him.
I phoned Sudjono recommending his group endeavor influence Republic leaders at least leave matter to SC decision if they not willing accept invitation and had not closed door finally.
This morning Critchley said he saw Leimena late last night. Even Critchley thought Republic’s answer might have left way open for seeking more concrete information from Netherlands on their proposal or exploring after consultation with UNCFI some way out before turning down summarily.
Schuurman reported 10 a. m. today no word yet received from Koets.
UNCFI group regrets Netherlands has so badly handled their proposal. By sending Gieben Bangka to deliver proposal even before UNCFI received it deprived latter any chance it might have found feasible and proper to be helpful without weakening on SC resolution. By not sending Koets until two days later permitted Republic opposition crystallize before Republicans could be presented by Koets with some of arguments in favor proposal which he had so attractively set forth orally to UNCFI group Sunday (Gocus 6073). Signed Cochran.