501.BC Indonesia/4–749: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 1
213, Usgoc 350. Far Cochran from Rusk: Secy and Stikker have had two additional conventions re Indonesia since Mar. 31 which was reported Usgoc 347.2 On Apr. 2 Secy expressed forcibly to Stikker that we are very hopeful that Dutch would now really set, about settling this situation. He emphasized importance of sending Van Roijen to Batavia with broad infractions to do whatever was necessary to settle Indonesian affair without being circumscribed with detailed or picayune conditions. In return, Stikker asked Secy that US lend its assistance to keep Indonesian question from being debated in GA and asked that Cochran put all effort he can into persuading Repub to cooperate in reaching settlement.
Following receipt your Gocus 6503 Secy had another discussion with Stikker in NY afternoon Apr. 5. Secy outlined to Stikker main points your Gocus 650 in effort demonstrate to Stikker basis on which we think matter can be settled and effort we are prepared to make to assist.
Stikker readily agreed that Van Roijen would manifest sincere and generous attitude toward cooperation in trying to reach settlement.
[Page 363]Secy stated restoration Repub Govt Jogja as main requirement and referred to fact that Stikker already accepted such restoration. Stikker assented and interposed no reservation at this point conversation.
Stikker indicated he anticipated no difficulty about affording Repubs facilities reasonably required for a functioning govt. in Jogja.
Stikker noted but made no specific comment on release of remaining polit prisoners before termination Batavia meeting and your point that Dutch shld not ask commitments from Repubs prior to UNCFI mtgs. My personal impression was that in not raising any difficulty on these points he was indicating no particular objection to them.
Stikker clearly understands our view that removal of Jogja impasse is preliminary to binding agreements on part Repubs.
Ref frank and full outline of proceedings proposed for Hague conference, Stikker understands that that means that procedure and agenda shld be well understood in order to give RepDel full opportunity for adequate preparation and guarantee RepDel against sup-prises at Hague.
Secy then came back to what he called “heart of the matter,” namely, that Dutch troops must be withdrawn from Jogja and immed environs, that Repub mil police must be permitted to supplement available civil police to point sufficient for maintaining public order and safeguarding Repub officials Under Repub responsibility for security Secy pointed out role which UNCFI might play in this arrangement. In view of your suggestion that Repubs be asked to prevent influx Repub mil forces into Jogja, Secy presented problem to Stikker as problem of “military police” in order not to raise fears about swollen Repub armies available to initiate hostilities or coerce Repub Govt itself. Stikker had in earlier talks reflected great sensitivity on this point. Stikker appeared to find acceptable idea that full security responsibility Jogja area wld be in Repub hands, that civil and mil police be subject to Repub orders, that Dutch forces be withdrawn from jogja and immed environs, that Dutch would have freedom of passage through Jogja under proper UNCFI safeguards, and that UNCFI would accept role of observing and supervising these arrangements. Dept. hopes that difference between “military police” and “Repub armies” can be handled by you since neither term can be applied in ordinary western meaning.
Secy indicated general nature of points which you believed might be basis of informal understanding with Repubs and made clear that we believe such points should be sought through informal understandings and not through exact advance undertakings. Stikker indicated particular interest in including Hatta in Batavia talks as soon as possible since he doubted attitude of Roem would contribute to possibility settlement.
[Page 364]At end conversation Stikker agreed with Secy that matter must be settled and that it was adversely affecting almost every important problem in Europe. Stikker stated he did not wish to inflict upon Secy any disagreement between Stikker and Nethgov, therefore he wld not make specific commitments to Secy on points covered in conversation. It was clear that Stikker was trying to find a way out. He recalled his earlier view that he and Hatta could settle this matter if the two could get together without hampering instrs. He also indicated that he had told Van Roijen that Stikker would be available to come to Batavia if necessary to prevent breakdown in negots.
Dept. does not wish issue firm instrs prior to further indication official Dutch view. Nevertheless, we very much hope that you will find Van Roijen in mood and with instrs which will open way for settlement. If so, we hope you will do your best to ensure that Repubs show equal willingness to settle. Secy emphasized to Stikker that your influence with Repubs depended very greatly upon Dutch attitude and willingness to cooperate in reasonable result. [Rusk.]