501.BC Indonesia/8–2949: Telegram
The Consul at Batavia (Abbey) to the Secretary of State
711. Gocus 794. Gocus 792.1 Situation at Semarang reported considerably relieved by both military observer and Dutch sources, remaining Republic unit no longer vicinity city. Position generally good in Sumatra where Colonel Hidayat has made energetic and extensive efforts emphasize cease hostilities provisions to local Republic commanders. Local joint committees have begun delineation work Sumatra and west Java but east and central Java situation remains confused most areas due delay in operation local committees and constant movement TNI forces in borderline areas. Sultan Jogja sent advance contact party to operate out of Semarang beginning Sunday and will go Semarang himself Tuesday spend two days central Java area to visit TNI forces on itinerary cleared with Dutch central Java commander.
Dutch concern at moment chiefly concentrated Surabaya area, where they state widespread infiltration taking place. Local joint Committee not yet functioning Surabaya but military observer team reports generally bear out Dutch contention of TNI movement into sectors near city which they did not hold prior August 10. Forces in Surabaya district belong First TNI Division under command Colonel Sunkono. Palace alleges Sunkono not prepared obey Jogja directives and believes Sultan deliberately “stalling off” visit to east Java to avoid embarrassing situation. I passed substance this to Wongsonegoro (Republic Minister Interior and chief representative CJB) who insisted Sultan’s trips proceeding “according to plan” but admitted Sunkono “difficult man to handle.”
Can perhaps best describe situation many areas east and central Java by quoting typical telegram just received from military observer team at Bodjonegoro. “What constitutes a military post in case of Republic forces? If small TNI force lived in a kampong where there were no Dutch troops and based their guerrilla war from there but did not openly wear uniform prior to cease fire, then after cease fire wear uniform and claim kampong as TNI post, is this permissible?” This [Page 482] and not armed attacks is type of activity which when multiplied many times is real basis of Netherlands irritation and concern as expressed here and to Embassy Hague and Department. Note that “kampong” may be near or in Dutch held town. I continue to agree with MilEx and other UNCI deputies that problem is for present at least one which must be solved by patient work local committees assisted by rulings CJB when necessary. Simultaneous efforts Sultan also most important. If local committees and Sultan’s visits prove ineffectual, different approach may be necessary but feel they should be given full chance.
Netherlands delegation, Republic delegation, BFO and UNCI met Friday. Set up new subcommittees (Gocus 7932). RTC receiving great and helpful publicity here. Grateful for repeats Hicus and Uschic telegrams. Signed Dow.
Repeated The Hague for Cochran.