Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 1

501.BC Indonesia/12–849: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Beam) to the Secretary of State

secret   priority

Batavia, December 8, 1949—9 a. m.

978. Deptel 611.¹ In Hatta’s absence, delivered message to Roem last night who said it corresponded exactly his ideas and would so instruct Republic delegation UN.

According Roem, KNIP would ratify RTC December 12 and subscribe to provisional constitution.² Election committee would choose president December 15.³ Sukarno would name three “formateurs” (Hatta, Jogja Sultan, Anakagung) who would form government for installation December 20. Plan Sukarno would visit Batavia December 28.

Ref erring preparatory discussions which he said continue to go well, Roem stated Dutch memo submitted yesterday in reply Indonesian request for arms set forth minimum offer which could be considered by Republicans. While not fully meeting their requirements, paper acceptable basis of discussion. Roem said new difficulty had airsen from Dutch objections to turn over security large cities December 15 to TNI (already announced) on grounds this would anticipate Hague RTC ratification. Now being considered TNI would assume this responsibility December 23 although would have privilege stationing officers making preparations principal cities December 15. Elsewhere in Java TNI would take over security responsibility December 15. Roem enigmatic replying my question how long negara administrations west and east Java could retain effective authority under new arrangements.

Beam

1. Supra.
2. These took place December 14.
3. On December 17 Mr. Beam sent a personal message of congratulation to Mr. Sukarno on his election to the “historic position first President of the future United States of Indonesia”. (856d.00/12–1749)