501.BC Indonesia/3–2149
Memorandum by Mr. John G. Ross, Deputy to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)1
confidential
[New
York,] March 21, 1949—[9:45 a.
m.]
- 1.
- We have been informed by the Canadians that they have authority to follow the line suggested by us; namely, they are authorized to discuss the revised formula with Alvarez,2 President of the Council, with a view to the Canadians introducing this revised formula if Alvarez will go along.
- 2.
- I have just talked on the telephone with Van Royen, returning his call. Van Royen referred to a suggestion I made to him on Thursday afternoon that the best way out of this difficulty would be for Van Royen, on behalf of his Government, to state Dutch acceptance of the revised formula. Van Royen said with reference to this statement that he had been in touch with his Government which was being “difficult” about his making such a statement.
- 3.
- Van Royen said that he felt the holding of the preliminary conference at Batavia was the essential thing; it would be a pity, therefore, if this conference could not be held merely because we found ourselves unable to agree on a formula. He hoped, therefore, to be able to get together with me before the meeting to see what we could do. I told him I would be available either after twelve o’clock or at 2:45 before the Council meeting at Lake Success. (It was clear to me in the context of my conversation with Van Royen that he is waiting to find out the line which the Secretary of State takes with Van Kleffens this morning.)
- 4.
- Van Royen said on the basis of a telephone conversation with Stikker yesterday he is worried about the situation of the Dutch Government. He said their position is “hardening”. He added this may be only a psychological factor but as such it may well lead to the Dutch Government resigning.