656.56D/12–2151: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Trimble) to the Secretary of State
627. 1. Retiring Brit Amb1 told me that during farewell call on PriMin yesterday Drees had appeared most pessimistic re current Indo Neth discussions. Latter had expressed opinion that Indos apparently not desirous reaching settlement as indicated by fact Indo del constantly “shifting their position”. Drees also said Supomo seemingly has no authority to take any decision even of minor nature and must consult Djakarta on every move.
2. During dinner my house two days ago, SecGen PriMin office,2 who is also member of Dutch del said he was not concerned about any arrangements which might be entered into re union statute since Indo probably would not observe them in any case and in support this view asserted that Indo had failed to live up to “80 percent” of commitments given RTC agreement. On other hand, he as member of Neth del, would strongly oppose any attempt to transfer sovereignty over NNG to RI, at this time.
3. Austral Amb who saw Stikker Dec 19, said latter far less optimistic than Blom that Indo would refrain unilateral denunciation union statute (Embtel 619 Dec 19). Stikker also informed him that Indo del had been put on notice that substance of discussions could not commence until instances referred to in reftel had been satisfactorily settled.
[Page 766]Dept pass Djakarta, sent Dept 627, rptd info Paris 122, Djakarta 3, London 153, Canberra unn.