501.BC Indonesia/3–2149: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State 1
390. 1. SC meeting became unhooked this afternoon when Cuban President, Alvarez, following speech by Palar (Indonesia) passed word to McNaughton he could no longer support formula for cable from president SC to UNCFI which had been agreed upon by McNaughton in accordance Cuban suggestions before meeting began (text statement McNaughton had intended to make, with agreed upon formula at end of statement, in next following telegram.)
2. Principal points Cubans now want changed based on discussion I had with Alvarez following SC meeting as follows:
- a.
- Based on Palar charges (which so far as we know unsubstantiated) that Dutch have systematically destroyed Djogjakarta, Cubans want insert in formula some reference this charge. We took view SC should not take account such charges from one of parties in absence report from UNCFI, and we sure UNCFI would have reported if charges valid. Cubans will probably yield on this point, but have asked us we inform them any information we have received from Cochran. Any information Department may have not reported to us would be appreciated.
- b.
- Cubans also want change draft be insert making clear restoration Djogjakarta should take place physically before any discussion at Batavia possible Hague conference. We expressed view immediate objective SC regarding proposed discussions Batavia was to bring parties together to talk about two points: namely, restoration Djogjakarta and possible Hague conference. To insist upon full restoration Djogjakarta before any talk Hague conference would meet Indonesian viewpoint 100 percent, but in this was virtually certain Dutch would not participate Batavia discussions and whole objective current phase SC activity would thus be defeated.
3. Alvarez apparently impressed by suggested meeting 11:00 tomorrow of sponsors January 28 resolution to agree final formulation. We agreed might be good idea. Any guidance Department can give us before this meeting would be appreciated.
4. Egyptians with somewhat same emotional reaction also apparently became unhooked but we do not yet have motivation.
5. Fact of shift Cuban and Egyptian attitudes in favor much tougher approach against Dutch should be conclusive proof to latter our approach has been conciliatory effort meet them at least half way. We have some doubt they will understand this. Van Roijen in conversation Ross and Hyde before SC meeting expressed view that had US expressed support original Canadian suggestion as accepted by Dutch, majority of Council would have gone along. He regretted that US delegation, despite original reactions Department and others to Stikker line, had taken tougher attitude, thus forcing others to follow. Ross observed he could not accept this view, reiterated US effort had been to find middle ground between parties and at same time acceptable to SC, and that certain members SC wanted to be much tougher. McNaughton told Ross strict confidence after SC meeting, Van Roijen had said to him in effect “Americans are holding pistol to our heads and forcing our government to resign”.
- Repeated in telegrams 181, Usgoc 338, March 22, 4 p. m., to Batavia, and 249, March 23, 4 p. m., to The Hague, to be forwarded to Brussels for Kirk.↩