501.BC Indonesia/9–2349: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Steere) to the Secretary of State
826. Hicus 36. Participated 3 hours afternoon 22nd in meeting with 3 members from each of 3 delegations on union statute. Chairmen revealed amendments desired by their delegates to points covered by Namur “meeting of minds”. With reasonableness shown by Indonesians and generous attitude by Maarseveen, agreement achieved on all pointed covered Namur subject further confirmation by entire delegates. Arranged for delegates be consulted night 22nd and steering committee meeting scheduled 9 am 23rd be postponed until 10:30.
I met again with above-mentioned group of 9 at 9 am today. Found [Page 498] that delegates confirmed all decisions reached by their president preceding evening except for translation one word which confident can be settled.
At ensuing meeting steering committee, I was asked make following announcement: “Through informal discussions held since return of their steering committee from Namur, 3 delegates have agreed in principle on following points re union statute: (1) Character of union statute; (2) Position and functions of head of union; (3) Duties and composition of conference of ministers of union partners which are to be held at regular intervals; (4) Duties and composition of court of arbitration of union; (5) Good contact and regular cooperation between parliaments of union partners”.
It was agreed that foregoing should be issued in press release. Our group of 9 arranged one member from each delegation, namely Supomo, Blom and Anakagung, should continue work on union statute and endeavor have full coordinated draft thereon by end next week. Also requested they endeavor complete draft of charter for transfer sovereignty. Believe after achieving above described agreement that remaining points in union statute will not cause too much difficulty.
Steering committee heard chairman Djuanda read report of financial-economic committee as of 23rd. This to be studied over weekend and representatives from that committee to meet on Tuesday next with steering committee for discussion.
Appreciate Ushic 18.1 With today’s happy outcome, however, believe agreement of major political matters now certain. UNCI requested full English documentation of economic-financial committee to supplement today’s report. This material will be forwarded Department soon as available. It is likely group will be set up to work out serious differences already apparent this field. Signed Cochran.
Sent Department 826, repeated Batavia 64.
- Supra.↩