501.BC Indonesia/3–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
secret urgent
Batavia, March
27, 1949—2 p. m.
294. Gocus 641. Following are ideas along which I have worked in advancing plans for discussions under UNCFI since receiving SC directive March 23 as reported Gocus 638,2 649 [6393] and 6404:
- 1.
- I felt early bringing together of two parties for direct
discussions under UNCFI
preferable to Critehley’s two plans:
- (a)
- UNCFI visit Jogja immediately and draw up recommendations to impose upon parties and
- (b)
- Address communication to Netherlands Delegation requesting reply as to whether Netherlands ready implement SC Resolution on restoration Jogja.
- 2.
- Although Netherlands handling of proposal for round-table conference has not been such as to inspire complete confidence, I believe incumbent upon all of us now to assume attitude expressed by Austin at SC March 23 when he said SC directive “would open door for entry both parties” in manner in which neither would lose dignity or honor and added he accepted without question Netherlands statement transfer sovereignty would be real, complete and unconditional. UNCFI meetings will be test whether Netherlands have genuine intention meet SC
- 3.
- I have stressed to Republican leaders and their friends desirability accepting unconditionally invitation soon as any necessary contacts or communications between their leaders and delegates are accomplished.
- 4.
- At two UNCFI meetings I mentioned necessity both parties cooperating [Page 349] freely if success is to be achieved. I stressed need for UNCFI endeavor establish proper atmosphere of confidence and good feeling for parties to take lead themselves in reaching solutions. UNCFI would make such recommendations and reports as developments might require.
- 5.
- I have asked Secretariat assemble all information available with respect Republican situation and needs Jogja and institute studies re problems which would have to be met restoration and functioning Republican Government there. Military observers likewise asked study these problems. UNCFI colleagues asked formulate their ideas and be ready for informal meetings to permit us agree upon general manner of handling meetings.
- 6.
- Critchley revealed determination endeavor limit Batavia discussions to restoration Jogja. I have taken position SC directive must be taken literally and completely and discussions cannot be restricted solely to Jogja restoration. My idea is that we should press Netherlands at reasonably early date make definite commitment on Jogja. We could refer paragraph 2 UNCFI report March 1 wherein we said Netherlands must comply with certain provisions SC Resolution January 28 before Republic could be expected discharge its responsibilities. Furthermore, we could support position adhered to by Republicans that they cannot be in position to function as government until restored Jogja. By this line we might endeavor consummate arrangements for return to Jogja and actually accomplish restoration while meetings in session. Other points in operative paragraphs 1 and 2 SC Resolution could be dealt with thereafter in continuing sessions.
- 7.
- I anticipate Republicans will stand by expressed determination not to accept formally Hague invitation until returned Jogja and government functioning. I think effort of Netherlands Delegation to tie up restoration Jogja to condition of prior acceptance Hague invitation would lead to impasse. Believe this may be kernel as to whether we can make progress here. If proper atmosphere can be developed so Republicans can give Netherlands informal assurances of type Bangka leaders gave me, difficulty might be overcome.
- 8.
- In Gocus 639, I indicated consideration might be given bringing BFO into Batavia discussions at appropriate time provided advance approval such move might be received from both Netherlands and Republican Delegations. Have not mentioned such possibility to anyone other than Tahija.
- 9.
- I doubt whether parties will undertake meet in Batavia by suggested date March 30 but UNCFI will press for earliest possible assembly. Reply dated March 26 received from Acting Netherlands Delegation chairman Schuurman to UNCFI invitation which said [Page 350] “I have not failed cable contents your letter to Government at Hague and will inform your commission of its reply soon as possible. However, in view of necessary consultation with my government, it appears doubtful whether first meeting can be held as soon as Wednesday 30 March.”
I should appreciate Department’s comments on foregoing ideas and welcome any suggestions it may see fit make re conduct of meetings. Department might also indicate significance Van Royen detail to Batavia meetings, if he is so assigned, and provide any background re probable tactics. Signed Cochran.
Livengood