501.BC Indonesia/5–2549: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
478. Gocus 710. Van Royen, Gieben, Roem and Leimena met with me afternoon 24th. Gieben and Leimena told difficulties in Committee 2 drafting on peace and order. Van Royen and Roem explained their respective positions. Leimena stressed need for Simatupang. Van Royen telegraphed Jacob instructing cooperate fullest towards sending Simatupang or other Republican Military expert from Jogja to Batavia soonest. Van Royen and Roem asked me draft toward reconciling views far as possible in meantime. We meet 5 p. m., today to go over what I produce,
Reference paragraph 3, Gocus 707.2 Van Royen told me heart attack, suffered by Lt. General Spoor morning 23rd while conferring with staff, complicated by bronchitis. Spoor hospitalized critical condition and unlikely fit for duty for several months. Major General Buurman Van Vreeden appointed Acting Army Commander Indonesia. Beel visited Spoor night 23rd to inform him of royal decree May 23 promoting him to General signed by Queen shortly before word his illness announced.
Reference final paragraph, Gocus 709.2 I told Van Royen last night Roem under impression Netherlands Delegation agreeable to formal meetings round table being presided by UNCFI representatives. I desired confirmation this point since I had different understanding. Van Royen said this entirely incorrect and Blom would inform Supomo or Roem accordingly. He said Blom and Supomo getting on well with talks on round table plans but there could be no thought of Netherlands Government permitting UNCFI preside at meetings called by Netherlands Government at Hague where entire Netherlands cabinet will presumably constitute Netherlands Delegation. As Department aware, I have opposed Republican and Australian [Page 414] Delegation ideas of UNCFI representatives presiding or directing round table.
Colonel Carlock returned from Jogja last night Reported progress made in discussions and Netherlands Military planning beinn withdrawal troops from Wonosari 30th.
Hoogstraten told me last night agreement being reached with Republicans on currency question. First step will be Netherlands provide republic 6 million florins NEI currency. Netherlands Delegation endeavoring convince Republican Delegation printing Republican currency should not be revived. Machinery therefore had been brought from Republican territory to Batavia following occupation. Initial printing would require six weeks. Furthermore Hague authorities strongly oppose increasing circulation Republican currency. Signed Cochran.