501.BC Indonesia/3–449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands 1
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187. Recent reports from Cochran (Gocus 615 and 6162) give real grounds for hope that Neth Govt will make the one remaining move apparently necessary to place Indon situation again in negots. This move, namely, restoration Repub Govt to a seat of authority at Jogja, involves, we realize, the hard core of political difficulties with which Neth Govt is confronted; but at same time we are convinced that it also involves key to solution this exceedingly difficult problem.
In addition restoration ponit, on which Federaists (Gocus 6173) have formed solid front with Repubs, you will note that Repub leaders also are worried lest role of UNCFI be reduced in proposed negots at Hague from that which it was created to fill.
[Page 300]Dept extremely eager receive soonest responsive clarification from Neth Govt on points which apparently remain at issue at this time, not only in order formulate its position at forthcoming SC discussions this subject, but also to be in position, if possible, assist in moving problem into stage of negots.
Making use such portions Cochran’s reports as you deem wise, particularly his reference Schuurman’s attitude re restoration and Beel’s reported open-mindedness on subject, pls immed convey to FonOff our appreciation what has already been done and our earnest desire that Neth Govt will find way to meet requirement re restoration, and to give helpful clarification re functions UNCFI, in order that grounds may be given for constructive stand by SC in forthcoming debates and, more importantly, that way be opened for speedy solution Indon problem as envisaged in proposals Neth Govt.
- Repeated as 694 to Paris (for info Baruch, Kirk, and Harriman), as 244 to Brussels, and in telegram 140, Usgoc 323, March 7, 6 p. m., to Batavia. W. Averell Harriman was U.S. Special Representative in Europe for ECA.↩
- Telegrams 224 and 225, March 3; latter not printed.↩
- Telegram 227, March 4, not printed.↩