501.BC Indonesia/4–2149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
361. Gocus 666. Roem and Sastroamidjojo called last night for hour and half. Were disappointed and concerned over trend day’s informal meeting with NethDel (Gocus 6652). Most worried over attitude NethDel toward request in RepDel working paper for assurances under 4 (F) SC resolution January 28. I endeavored convince them SC resolution January 28 stands in its entirety and UNCFI has responsibility see it observed. Explained, however, that SC directive March 23 provides starting point for implementation. I said restoration Jogja and immediate environs should constitute first step. UNCFI charged with assisting earliest possible restoration civil administration of Repub and with making recommendations toward progressive Nethlands withdrawal. Insisted RepDel should not hold up negotia-tions seeking definite guarantee from NethDel now on progressive restoration. Furthermore emphasized fair attitude Van Royen has taken to date and said obviously impossible ask him reverse categorically his statements made before SC Lake Success.
I gave technical arguments favoring Netherlands operation Maguwo and against Repubs loading themselves down with administrative and security problems through seeking take in more territory initially than Jogja and immediate environs. Recommended they look to NethDel for facilities necessary reasonable functioning Repub Govt in prescribed area. Repubs argued Sultan insisted program set forth working [Page 382] paper essential to maintenance law and order. I said UNCFI could only insist on letter SC directive March 23. Suggested Sultan present his views in UNCFI discussions. This might influence NethDel toward acting sympathetically on Sultan’s and UNCFI’s recommendations after initial restoration.
Repubs pointed out their officials still carrying on in many parts of pre-December 18 Repub territory and Govt Jogja would have responsibility for coordinating and directing them. I said our idea seeking quick restoration Jogja is to enable Repub Govt issue ceasefire order and accept Hague invitation. I said these points could not wait upon solution many problems which would be incidental to expanding area effectively under Repub Govt direction. I said UNCFI headquarters would remain Batavia with group including military observers assigned Jogja for seeing SC resolution January 28 carried out and Repub Govt assured of means and facilities for functioning freely.
They brought up their fear of Repub not receiving proportionate representation of one-third and of negaras being carved out former Repub territory before round-table agreement reached. With information provided by Van Royen to me (Gocus 665), I gave them what assurances I could on these points and reminded them again continuing status and validity SC resolution.
Repubs told me Van Royen could give partial answer Thursday to working paper. I suggested they have formal meeting to receive such information. I anticipate Van Royen might be able continue response at formal meeting Friday. If this proves impossible, he recommended Roem and Van Royen with possibly their two deputies meet informally to avoid any impasse developing. I took this position since Repubs particularly unhappy over attitude demonstrated by Hoogstraten and Koets in Wednesday’s session. They said these two of Palace group followed old-time tactics which have defeated Repubs in past. They have confidence in Van Royen but dubious whether policy will eventually depend on him or be dictated by Beel group.
I reminded Repubs I had originally recommended Hatta head RepDel. I said Roem had done spendidly and I hoped he would continue head RepDel. I thought it would be most helpful however if Hatta could come Batavia to have direct contact with Van Royen and decide to what extent and in what form assurances can be given latter on cease-fire and Hague invitation. I said arrangement on these two points must develop before Van Royen can finalize undertaking on rest Jogja. They agreed their delegations should petition Hatta come Batavia and one or both of them go Bangka Saturday and endeavor bring him back with them Sunday. I told them I authorized by Van [Page 383] Royen let Hatta know through them that if he called Batavia Van Royen would be willing accept Hatta invitation Bangka. Repubs agreeably surprised and promised help work out this arrangement. I suggested Hatta call first on arrival Batavia but if any obstacle to this I would take responsibility get Hatta and Van Royen together. Signed Cochran.