501.BC Indonesia/6–1349: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 1
327. Usgoc 383. Dept concerned report negots Van Royen–Repub’s contained Gocus 724.2 Dept considers May 7 agreement reached as result of Hatta’s willingness risk vote of confidence fol his return Jogja. Repub position that “door must be left slightly open” appears to Dept to be entirely valid in light obvious fact Hatta Govt cannot be expected make binding commitments prior its return Jogja. We have always assumed this was basic concept underlying open-ended nature May 7 agreement and that it understood and appreciated by Neth. Under present circumstances it thus appears inconsistent for Van Royen to require Hatta to guarantee that no alteration of any [Page 434] kind in agreement will be made when it is submitted Repubs in Jogja. Additionally, Dept unable to understand Van Royen’s insistence that agreement be first given to Neth Pari if Neth Del is in fact desirous of strengthening Hatta position with Repub opinion. We think Van Royen’s tactics outlined Gocus 724 might well have effect of ruining Hatta’s chances winning necessary Repub mil and polit support for agreement.
Dept considers Neth obligated by Jan 28 Res and March 23 directive to restore Hatta Govt Jogja after which both parties obligated bring about cessation hostilities. Position to which Neth apparently returning, namely that restoration is dependent upon Hatta’s agreeing finally at Batavia to specific conditions re cease-fire is not a valid interpretation of Jan 28 Res, March 23 directive or May 7 agreement. You may in your discretion inform Van Royen Dept’s views this point. In view desirability make full use of UNCFI on point directly related to SC Res, suggest you elicit expression UNCFI opinion this point.
While we recognize it entirely matter for Van Royen determine time and manner keeping Neth Parl informed progress negots, we do not consider that his willingness to submit three documents to closed session Neth Parl as quid pro quo for Hatta’s acceptance of unalterable agreement prior restoration.
Pls forward three documents Comite to Dept soonest.