357.AA/10–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in Indonesia (Cochran) to the Secretary of State
548. Called Roem’s home 7:30 night 20th his request. He said his government found it impossible make suggested conciliatory move toward Ambonese (see Embtel 5441) at this critical time when Parliamentary, debate is drawing to close and government likely face first vote of confidence next week. Government felt suggested move would be interpreted as weakness on its part and might swing balance to opposition with resultant fall of government.
In lengthy discussion Roem reiterated his fears that if Ambon question comes to discussion in SC Russians, will make such capital of opportunity that Indonesians will be obliged blame Netherlands for series of mistakes which have made military action against Ambon inevitable and will imperil life of union if debated in SC. Roem believes in the union and possibilities of cooperation thereunder more sincerely than any man I know.
It was decided Roem would see Lamping Saturday morning; again point out to him dangers of SC discussion of Ambon; and learn whether Netherlands Government has indicated willingness, as result Roem’s earlier approach to Lamping and representation to Netherlands Government made through Deputy Indonesian High Commissioner Hague, to assist in obviating Ambon debate in SC. If Roem fails, to learn that Netherlands Government has taken favorable action on his initial representations he will now [then?] ask Lamping to join him in approach to UNCI with view to convincing latter of unhelpfulness of SC debate in present circumstances and of desirability of so informing SC in supplementary telegraphic report.
[Page 1087]Roem has instructed Republic of Indonesia contact committee with UNCI inform latter of Indonesian acceptance of UNCI invitation to discuss with them problems of demobilization and repatriation of remaining ex-KNIL troops (largely Ambonese). Roem will have UNCI members lunch with him Saturday and endeavor convince them of Republic of Indonesia’s desire to cooperate and of unwisdom of pursuing SC debate Ambon. He will get Lamping in touch with UNCI if he may succeed in enlisting Lamping’s assistance. Roem will inform me results talks with Lamping and UNCI.
Indonesian reinforcements have been built up oh Ambon and will go in action 22nd under plan to complete project by end month. No arguments UNCI or I might present could prevent that. I do not wish to be the one to topple Natsir government on this issue. This is most moderate and pro-western parliamentary government that can possibly be set up and endure in present situation. Less blood is likely to be shed by it on Ambon than would surely flow in Indonesia if either leftist or military government took over. I appreciate Department’s confidence imposed in me and recognize guiding principles enunciated Deptel 430. I will continue endeavor influence Republic of Indonesian Government, helpfully, but am afraid solution may have to come from either Netherlands Government, SC or UNCI unbending if catastrophe is to be avoided.
- Not printed; in it Cochran reported that he had seen Roem at 8:30 a. m. and presented the proposals outlined in telegram 430, supra. Roem had promised to consult his Government, advocating, the policy which Cochran had recommended, and advise the Ambassador of results. (357.AA/10–2050)↩