501.BC Indonesia/4–249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 1
204. Usgoc 347. Following main points Stikker–Acheson conv re Indo Mar 31:
Stikker referred communication reed by him concerning US pos on Brussels Treaty Powers’ request for equality of treatment in MAP. Stated any singling out of Neth re possible military assistance or placing Neth on different footing from other members Pact would be incomprehensible his Govt and people. Requested clarification our position.
[Page 356]In reply Sec described reaction Am people and Congress to Dutch actions in Indonesia, relating this reaction to ERP and MAP. Frankly stated reaction to be “Dutch were wrong” and Neth guilty aggression. Said deep-rooted conviction our people this matter has led to situation gravely jeopardizing continuation ECA assistance to Neth. Referred to support in Congress for Brewster Amendment. Said adm[inistration] has consistently opposed this amendment for various reasons, but that basic cause itS growing support—namely failure Neth reach equitable settlement with Indos—must be promptly removed. Stated removal this root problem just as imp to adm as to Congress. Explained that even if Brewester Amendment defeated, same problem would plague ensuing appropriations legislation in event no progress in Indo, and following this, problem would plague MAP legislation. Stated frankly in his opinion in absence settlement Indo no chance whatever Congress authorizing funds for mil supplies to Neth.
Neth FonMin explained difficulties confronting him. Referred his own efforts under difficulties Coalition Govt reach compromise solution. Stated would have to give explanation his Parliament re US pos on Mil assistance to Neth. Said he feared our pos would result in reconsideration by Neth Govt advisability of sighing Pact. Stikker further stated would have to consult other members Brussels Treaty re this matter. Sec replied it quite possible involvement Neth in Indo affair would prove factor to defeat MAP in toto, in view uncertainty passage at best. Re Stikker point that Pact might not seem attractive to Neth without MAP, Sec stated that US regards Pact as of great value whether or not MAP is enacted; that we consider commitment US under Pact in itself very substantial commitment.
Neth Amb said Neth Govt and people could understand US attaching conditions to ERP and MAP, if such reasonable and applied generally to all participants. For example, he mentioned withholding financial aid from country against which SC had voted sanctions, and withholding mil supplies from countries which violated commitment to retain such supplies for defense in Western Europe. Sec replied US criteria would surely not be whimsical, but that we faced here not with question of prin but with question hard political facts. Said again root trouble failure Neth reach settlement in Indo very long duration already, and it necessary for prompt tangible evidence Neth’s willingness negotiate settlement. Suggested Van Royen should proceed Batavia just as promptly as possible.
Stikker stated his Govt prepared restore Repub leaders to seat of governmental authority in Jogja, but not unconditionally. Stated conditions outlined Stikker–Bevin letter about as far as could go. Described [Page 357] pressures upon Repub leaders resulting from admission Jogja, TNI and radical elements. Pictured bloodshed which would result from complete restoration Repub regime.
Sec replied that what is necessary is prompt initiation discussions with Repubs with object clearing obstacles to proposed roundtable negotiations at The Hague; that US must maintain flexibility re conditions imposed by either side; that he had confidence in Cochran and knew his desire to promote Hague negotiations; that he also knew Cochran’s efforts to gain Republican participation in preliminary conference without conditions or reservations. Emphasized once again not much time to be lost in getting on with matter.
At close, Stikker raised question whether his speech after signing of Pact should be made in Eng or Dutch.
- Repeated as 284 to The Hague, to be forwarded to Brussels.↩