501.BC Indonesia/3–2249: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
271. Stikker informed me today that latest US text of proposed SC guidance in UNCI on assistance to parties in reaching agreement [Page 339] re Djocja and Hague conference would, in his opinion, be unacceptable to Cabinet, and would, he believed, not result therefore in preliminary Batavia discussions; anticipated also that he and Prime Minister would possibly find themselves under necessity, withdraw from Cabinet if latter was forced to take decision re definite SC action in language now proposed. That, he intimated, would be most unfortunate and embarrassing if it should happen while he was en route or in Washington in reference Atlantic Pact.
I expressed to him in all frankness, the great mistake I felt Netherlands Government would make if it should quibble and refuse to accept proposal which, in my opinion, fully comprehended and covered Netherlands objectives, and, in fact, did not go beyond what Netherlands had indicated readiness to accept. Stikker replied it was matter of form and not substance, but that form was of utmost importance at present time as indicated Embtel 256, March 17.
It is my opinion that Stikker is not well man, is much overwrought and exaggerates opposition. Department will note from Embassy reports recent strong trend Dutch press toward recognition that Holland must eventually bow to force of world opinion also accept return Djocja.
- Repeated in telegram 183, Usgoc 340, March 23, 5 p. m., to Batavia.↩