501.BC Indonesia/3–849: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
241. Gocus 623. Visited Schuurman afternoon March 7. He said Jogja trouble March 1 has made The Hague more determined not permit Republican restoration. Criticized Republican reply to round table invitation and suggested Republicans would demand more once they have Jogja.
To Critchley and me, Herremans yesterday quoted Beel as saying Indonesians will have to choose between Beel plan and SC resolution (which Netherlands will not implement) since he is not willing to have any part of latter tied to his plan. Herremans proposed to us idea letting Republican leaders return Jogja with Netherlands troops therein placed at their command or simply return in existing circumstances. We opposed these as I would oppose idea of “visit” mentioned by The Hague Usgoc 319.2
These suggestions miss two main points (1) restoration must be sufficient in scope and bona fide in character to insure Republican leaders most propitious circumstances for appealing to followers cease fire; (2) trying eliminate Jogja restoration or so weakening it that response to leaders appeal will be slight would mean warfare continuing throughout months that may be required in The Hague Conference and ratification.
Lovink shows no sense reality in suggesting round table feasible by March 15. If Netherlands might decide today in favor restoration Jogja, my guess is that at least one month required before Indonesians could meet Hague. Simple tasks are not involved in getting Netherlands troops out of Jogja, bringing in and organizing Republican military police, placing Jogja on economic basis sufficient to guarantee existence of population and position Republican leaders, transfer Republican leaders from Bangka to Jogja and calling in collaborators from Java jungle and Sumatra emergency group, arranging for and issuing cease fire order and preparing for Hague trip.
Scarcely need warn Department that once at Hague real troubles will begin unless Netherlands may be forced in glare publicity possible in European capital but impossible in this police state to change from present tactics. While conference in session Hague, Beel, Spoor and others will undoubtedly be doing everything possible sabotage negotiations and annihilate TNI. Signed Cochran.