501.BC Indonesia/4–1940: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
358. Gocus 664. Lunched alone with Van Royen. He sought my advice on next move with formal discussions now halted (Gocus [Page 376] 6632) until informal talks tried for reaching understanding on Jogja.
Van Royen concerned lest paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 Republic working paper (Gocus 6613) indicate Roem group desires wreck Batavia conference thru seeking Netherlands commitments now on points beyond particular reference SC directive March 23. I said several RepDel members consulted me on these points following today’s meeting. I told them they should seek this stage restoration Jogja and immediate environs only. I said implementation paragraph 4 (F) could follow in due course but that complications and extensive arrangements should not be brought up now which would inevitably delay Batavia decisions and any restoration Jogja. I thought they would be well advised look to Netherlands for reasonable facilities enable Republic Government function Jogja and immediate environs rather than attempt early control over more extensive area and handling economic and security factors connected therewith. I told Van Royen that if these points come to discussion in subsequent UNCFI meeting I would take foregoing position.
Van Royen was to meet Roem 5:30 this afternoon alone. I suggested he make his position clear on above points and let Roem know that too ambitious initial program for restoration beyond Jogja would be impossible of acceptance by Netherlands and would only bog down conversations if Republic insists thereon. I suggested Van Royen go far as possible in informal conversations with Republicans today and tomorrow toward giving them undertaking on general lines which could be accepted as assurance Jogja would be restored and on setting up preparatory commission. I realized he would desire tie in other two points of cease fire and Hague invitation but warned him again not to exaggerate binding character of commitment which he would require. He said if Republicans would show good faith and intentions he was hopeful some formula could be reached and Batavia meeting will succeed. I told him several Republicans had expressed genuine appreciation his approach to whole question and had confidence in him.
Van Royen told me Beel giving dinner for RepDel and NethDel Friday night and Roem pleased with idea. I recommended we arrange Roem and assistants visit Bangka thereafter. I said if progress made on formula above mentioned, I would see word got to Hatta that he consider most sympathetically coming Batavia next week. Van Royen said he would be delighted if Hatta would come even if he might leave Roem in charge RepDel and be available himself only for behind scene consultation. I let Van Royen know some Republicans genuinely interested broadening their approach to question much as possible and [Page 377] anxious have Hatta available Batavia. Van Royen said if Hatta would come for even few days he would endeavor obtain approval his group for him return visit to Hatta at Bangka and perhaps then arrange Hatta come Batavia for remainder discussions. Signed Cochran.