501.BC Indonesia/4–2149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
365. Gocus 667. Saw Van Royen at noon. Mentioned Republican concern over status negotiations (Gocus 6662) and then have only limited informal talks until possibility getting Hatta Batavia explored. He was pleased with approach I made through Roem and Sastroamidjojo re possibility exchange visits between Hatta and himself. Van Royen said Anak Agung visited him last night and will endeavor help Hatta with ideas on formula for tieing in three points desired by NethDel.
At formal meeting 4 p. m. NethDel presented following working paper in reply to RepDel working paper:
“In view short time available, NethDel has limited itself to formulating some comments on various points of RepDel’s working paper dated 16 April.
NethDel therefore intends bring forward at later date other points in connection with a possible return of Republican Government to Jogja.
Ad. 2. Obviously Netherlands military authorities as consequence of conditions prevailing Jogja had to impose certain restrictions and take certain measures to maintain law and order.
Insofar as material and information to be collected is needed in connection with possible return of Republican Government to Jogja and its immediate environs, it would seem advisable to entrust this task to Joint Commission referred to in comments on point 8.
Ad. 3. Netherlands Government is prepared agree to return of Republican Government to Jogja provided a binding commitment is obtained on the two other subjects, namely, firstly, ‘that Republican Government shall order its armed adherents to cease guerrilla warfare and cooperate in restoration peace and maintenance law and order’ and, secondly, ‘to make agreements concerning time and conditions for holding of round-table conference at Hague’.
With regard this point NethDel takes view that if and when return of Republican Government to Jogja and its immediate environs takes [Page 384] place, this will be effectuated on basis paragraph two of operative part SC’s Resolution 28 January to which the ruling of SC of 23 March specifically refers.
Ad. 4 and 5. A counterproposal as to area to be transferred under conditions referred to in comments on previous point to Republican Government will be submitted as soon as possible.
Ad. 6. NethDel is of opinion that local cease-fire order, effective only for area Jogja and immediate environs, would not be sufficient and might even create impression that Republican Government is condoning—if only temporarily—continuation guerrilla warfare outside said area.
Ad. 7. NethDel shares opinion that preliminary period of approximately two weeks will be required before actual transfer effected.
Ad. 8. NethDel agrees to establishment of Joint Commission as envisaged by Republican working paper. It would seem preferable, however, to call this commission a joint commission of investigation and advice.
One of tasks to be entrusted to this commission could be to advise on question of return of vital officials now outside city whose services will be required.
NethDel has no objection in principle to return of such officials.
Ad. 9. NethDel welcomes suggestion that all affairs connected with preparations and execution of transfer will be coordinated in such manner that one high official will be fully empowered to act on behalf of Government of Republic in this regard.
Ad. 10. NethDel has no remarks to offer on this point.
Ad. 11. As already stated by its chairman, NethDel feels that important factor which cannot be ignored when making estimate as to ‘total number of civil and perhaps auxiliary police that would be required for Jogja and immediate environs’ is undoubtedly figure of number of civil police employed in city Jogja immediately prior to December 19, 1948. Figure of 1200 for police force to be employed in city Jogja and its immediate environs would seem somewhat excessive.
Ad. 12 and 13. NethDel must reserve its position until it is informed in further detail with regard these points and point 11.
Ad. 14. NethDel readily agrees that arrangements will have to be made for normal supply of food, textiles, medicines and fuel.
Ad. 15. As stated by Dr. Van Royen on April 19, NethDel feels that if at all possible, there should be no road blocks nor should there be restoration of demarcation lines of which those road blocks would be symptomatic.
NethDel considers it eminently desirable that traffic between city Jogja and surrounding country should not be hampered by a blockade on either side. However, if Republican Government deems it necessary to establish control of firearms carried or transported by individuals entering area Jogja, Netherlands authorities with view to cooperate in maintenance law and order in this area are willing assist in such control.
Ad. 16. For reasons mentioned above (Ad. 15), NethDel has no objection to first sentence this point.
[Page 385]Re second and third sentences, NethDel suggests that a preliminary survey be made by Joint Commission referred to Ad. 8.
Ad. 17. In interest of free traffic and of unity of monetary system of Indonesia, NethDel feels that reissuing of URI by Republican Government would create almost unsuperable difficulties. Further discussions on this point seem therefore indicated.
It may be noted that printing plant at Jogja previously used by Republican Government has been returned to owners (Kolff and Company, Batavia). Arrangements concerning further use of this plant to be made by Republican Government would have to take this fact into account.
Ad. 18. Reference may be made to NethDel’s comments on point 8.
Ad. 19. NethDel feels obliged reserve its position until it is informed on this subject in further detail.
Ad. 20. As stated by its chairman on April 19, NethDel is of opinion that railways and other means communication through Jogja and immediate environs should continue to function as part of Indonesian system of communications as a whole. This system should not be split in two separately organized entities as consequence of return of Republican Government to Jogja.”
After reading NethDel working paper, chairman Critchley remarked to me aside he thought this unsatisfactory and he should express UNCFI opinion thereon. I firmly restrained him from this, insisting debate if any should be left to parties. At chairman’s invitation, Van Royen explained certain points in his working paper particularly No. 3. He said his paper was more complete that [than] he anticipated he could make it by today and hoped fill in gaps early next week after further consultation his staff and informal discussions with RepDel. He thanked RepDel for attitude and helpfulness in Wednesday’s informal discussions.
Roem said not yet in position comment on substance NethDel paper but appreciated their diligence in presenting their views in writing so extensively and quickly. Reciprocated compliments of Van Royen on yesterday’s informal conversations. Meeting adjourned and next meeting to be called when Roem indicates prepared proceed.
Press release agreed upon which quotes Van Royen on point three.
After meeting I spoke personally with Van Royen and Roem. Latter agreed tentatively to have informal discussion with Van Royen alone Friday if this seems desirable after RepDel studies NethDel working paper. Roem spoke enthusiastically to Van Royen over idea exchange of visits with Hatta. I offered plane take Roem Bangka which he anticipates using Saturday. Blom agrees with me we should be able get parties in accord on most contentious points within few days if Hatta will participate. Signed Cochran.