856E.00/5–2847: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Foote) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
190. Department’s telegram[s] 136 and 137, May 22, and circular telegram May 23, 1 p.m.88 Following is summary Van Mook’s statements to me last night:
Indos stalling for time, making no effort reach agreement which Dutch still trying implement. New Dutch proposals handed Indos yesterday and they asked reply earliest possible to prevent further chaos and deterioration of industries. Van Mook promised me copy thereof today. When received will translate and telegraph full summary.
Regarding London’s telegram 2837, May 20,89 it difficult understand distorted or exaggerated ideas from British Foreign Office unless due fact that British Consul General MacKereth, who left Batavia very recently and who violently anti-Dutch and pro-Indo, is expressing himself very freely. Truth is area mutual distrust not enlarged; Dutch have not told Sjahrir they prepared use force as last resort and Sjahrir has not said “Indos would not be intimidated”; army and naval elements not gaining in influence and Van Mook’s trip to USA put off for entirely different reason which will be reported later.
If left alone Dutch and Indos will probably reach agreement but if again interfered with country will decay further and fall completely in hands of Communists and/or terrorists. Van Mook emphasized several times Indos not threatened that force would be used but were told that Linggadjati Agreement would be carried out with or without republic’s cooperation.
In brief, situation is as follows: Present chaotic conditions cannot continue much longer; Dutch still trying negotiate settlement; army and navy not threatening elements but obedient and well under Van Mook’s control; new proposals made to Indos; Dutch Mission went Djokjakarta today to meet Soekarno and Cabinet to discuss entire question; Dutch will establish liaison office at Dioca [Djokjakarta] at once to be able discuss matters with Soekarno at any time; military action not wanted by Dutch who realize its danger and who do not want create hatred among Indos and Dutch say they determined implement Linggadjati and create sovereign United States of Indonesia.
Van Mook today gave me aide-mémoire his statements to me last night. It will be telegraphed as my telegram 192, May 28.90