501.BC Indonesia/3–349: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
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224. Gocus 615. At airport met Republican group and some BFO when they returned together from Bangka 4 p. m. Chairman Hamid, BFO, told me Republicans willing participate round table if preliminary condition met of restoration Jogja. He favored BFO supporting this position.
Received Leimena, Supomo and Sudjono 5:30 p. m. They said provisional reply given Koets by Republican leaders that they looked with favor on Netherlands proposal with sole condition Jogja restoration. Said conversations between Republicans and BFO had been entirely cordial. Following is rough translation agreement reached between Republicans and contact committee BFO subject approval by full BFO meeting 8 p. m. tonight:
“Netherlands intention hold round-table conference for purpose transferring sovereignty soon as possible, as stipulated in statement Netherlands Government 26 February which was further clarified by Koets to President and Vice President at Muntok, might be accepted by Government Republic Indonesia if following conditions fulfilled:
- (a)
- Government Republic Indonesia shall be restored Jogja and shall be in position to act freely as government in specific territory Jogja in accordance with SC resolution.
- (b)
- Roundtable conference shall not prejudice position UNCFI as decided by SC resolution.
If above-mentioned conditions fulfilled, then Government Republic prepared after its return Jogja and after it has functioned freely to issue immediately order for cease-fire for whole Indonesia.”
Following is rough translation text letter from Sukarno to Beel which will be handed Netherlands resident Bangka tomorrow for delivery by plane to Beel:2
“I have received invitation of Netherlands Government to attend [Page 290] round-table conference to be commenced March 12 at The Hague which you sent me through Gieben on 26 February. We have studied it thoroughly together with other members Republican Government now on Bangka. I can declare here idea accelerating transfer sovereignty to Government USI unconditionally, as explained verbally by Koets on 28 February and first March in his explanation of letter of invitation, which transfer sovereignty may be carried out approximately in month July 1949, is attractive to me. I am of opinion that transfer sovereignty as mentioned above is only way again clarify atmosphere of relationship between Netherlands and Indonesia. The more so because first January 1949, which is agreed upon as date transfer sovereignty to Government USI which has important influence in souls of Indonesian people, has already passed. By accelerating transfer sovereignty to USI all obstacles connected with formation interim government, which we found very difficult to overcome, can be avoided.
Therefore, without prejudicing position UNCFI in its efforts over dispute between Indonesia and Netherlands as mentioned in SC resolution of 28 January, lean in principle agree with intention holding conference mentioned above, as I understood after clarification of Koets. But in connection with my position as President and that of other members Republican Government who are cut off from state and people and separated from place of authority as government, I am not able take decision attend or send delegation to said conference. In our present position it is not possible appoint delegation which can represent government or people of Republic Indonesia for holding conference and accepting decision. Decisions to be made involve heavy responsibility. This responsibility can only be assumed by government of Republic which in fact can exercise authority in freedom in its territory in its capital Jogja as stipulated in SC resolution 28 January. Such authority we lack at moment.”
Republicans stated this text letter definite and would be delivered irrespective decision to be taken by BFO tonight. Republicans said they genuinely believe Jogja restoration feasible and entirely essential. Said Sukarno would issue cease-fire soonest after restoration and would expedite arrangements for attending round-table conference once this step taken. Republicans believe Sultan Jogja could make arrangements within one week for turnover to Republicans.
In answer my question as to whether idea advanced of Republicans going Atjeh, they explained they had indicated preference proceed there for establishment residence rather than remain Bangka in event Jogja restoration denied. They emphasized, however, that preliminary restoration Republican Government must take place Jogja. Leimena said Koets discussed Netherlands position in detail with him before Republicans went Bangka. They realize Netherlands finding difficult accept Jogja and also aware Cabinet crisis threatened thereover.
Both groups insist SC resolution stand as is and UNCFI participate any roundtable conference. They will object to Maarseveen acting as chairman. Might consider revolving chairmanship.
[Page 291]While Republicans with me, I received following telegram addressed chairman UNCFI dated Muntok March 3 from chairman RepDel:
“Will your commission please come Pangkalpinang earliest convenience for consultation?”
Republican group said President and Vice President desire discuss situation with UNCFI but thought visit should be delayed at least until Saturday to see outcome BFO meeting, etc.
Anak Agung came 6:30. Told of Bangka meeting in which he participated as member BFO contact committee. Account entirely in line with above Republican story. He added Sukarno promised once in Jogja order Sjafruddin (head emergency government Sumatra) to capital and withdraw authority delegated that body. Sukarno insisted would be no undue delay after restoration Jogja before issuing general cease-fire order. Message accepting round-table invitation would then be sent by Republicans. Republicans and BFO might next get together for three or four days to assemble general ideas to be discussed rounds table conference. [Anak] Agung aware danger political crisis The Hague but feels Netherlands must face this dilemma squarely. He as well as Republicans stressed if Netherlands genuinely sincere in promising yield complete sovereignty within three or four months they can have no valid objection restoration Jogja now for purpose permitting Republic opportunity carry out its obligations under SC resolution. They think that if Netherlands Government unable approve this it would never be able get transfer sovereignty agreement ratified. Agung promised report outcome tonight’s meeting. Signed Cochran.