795.00/6–2650: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
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[Received June 26—11:19 p. m.]
773. After today’s Cabinet meeting I saw Stikker1 by appointment this evening at his house and asked him for the reaction of the Dutch Cabinet to the Korean attack. He intimated that he was not surprised at my visit and said that his own opinion was an accurate reflection of that of the whole government—that he was extremely concerned for he felt that if the US should “permit” South Korea to fall the consequences for all Asia, but particularly SEA, would be absolutely disastrous. We, he continued—the Western world—could write the whole area off forever. He added that he would not mention the effect on Western Europe which would be lamentable, but preferred at this time to confine himself to Asia. I then asked whether he thought that this was a feint to cover some action towards the West. He replied no and that in his opinion this is an effort to clear out the North Asian Continent and have a base pointed at Japan.
Stikker said he felt that this was one more Russian bluff, although a very serious one, and that he was convinced that the Russians did not want war, were not prepared for it and would back down if strong, immediate counteraction were taken. He said that it was apparent from the rapidity with which events were moving that there was not time to wait for action by the Security Council. He had no doubts that this invasion was sponsored, planned and directed by the Russians. He expressed hope that US aid would not be limited to supplies. When [Page 186] I asked him whether he meant by this the landing and employment of American troops, he said of course, for one could always find a reasonable excuse. “Had not an American plane been attacked?” He referred to a Dutch Government release this morning which although attributed to a spokesman had been given out by him personally. In this he stated that North Korea attack was a “test case” for US policy in Asia and that it would be so judged throughout all Asia. He added in this statement that “in responsible circles in the Netherlands” it was firmly believed that the US would not fail in its active support to the threatened country.
Stikker concluded our interview by saying (as I am informed he also said to AP correspondent) “all eyes are on America.”
However, since drafting above telegram I learn from Huyler2 who has seen Queen’s chief political advisor that consensus of official Dutch opinion is that “Korea will be lost as result of American default, as usual.”
Department pass Paris, London, Tokyo; repeated information Paris 178, Moscow 14, London 193.