501.BC Indonesia/1–2449: Telegram

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

secret   us urgent

106. Gocus 561. Sudjono, Supomo and Leimena called late 23 January. Plane which took first 2 named and Darma together with Federalists to Prapat and Bangka (Gocus 5551) returned late yesterday but without Sukarno and Hatta as Netherlands had hoped.

Plane went first to Prapat where Sukarno gave Federalists following letter addressed to chairman Contact Committee of BFO dated 22 January: “In reply your letter dated 20 January handed me Friday by Messrs. Djumhana Wiriaatmadja and Ateng Kartanahardja, I have honor inform you I am willing attend meeting as mentioned in above-mentioned letter on condition:

1.
That I and other members Republican Govt who now still detained by Netherlands be released;
2.
That we would be acting as President and members of government of Republic of Indonesia”.

According to Republicans, Sukarno stated he would leave details to Prime Minister Hatta.

Original group then went on to Bangka. Results of meeting, were incorporated in following memo which unsigned but was prepared by Federal Contact Committee and stated by Republicans to be accurate.

“In meeting between BFO Contact Committee on one hand and Hatta and Assaat on other on January 23 at Menumbing Bangka no definite answer could be received from aforesaid Messrs. as they of [Page 192] opinion that reply to invitation can be given only after they be in position to consult members of Cabinet who are easily to be collected viz: Leimena, Natsir, Laoh, Djuanda, Salim, Kusnan, Sastroamidjojo, Sultan of Jogja. As provisional reply, a foresaid Messrs. state they agree with reply given by Sukarno and Salim”.

Republicans requested these documents be sent Dept soon as possible as they feel adjournment SC meeting Friday might have been caused by Netherlands representations that Sukarno and Hatta were about to enter into negotiations with Federalists.

Republicans gave us copy following telegram sent by Hatta to GOC on 21 January but up to present not yet received by GOC.

“Owing to PCJ broadcast, Netherlands Govt will not oppose despatching republic leaders to New Delhi conference. In conformity our interrupted plan please [give] your assistance for obtaining facilities for departure president Sukarno, Hadji Salim, Mohamad Natsir and Surya Darma. Please your assistance for meeting President Sukarno’s party with me at Bangka before departure”. (Note: PCJ is Netherlands broadcasting system).

This telegram not covered by procedure set up in SC meeting of 17 January but failure to deliver shows Republic leaders not in free communication with GOC.

No indication yet whether Netherlands prepared to permit mission to go Lake Success but GOC will press matter today. (Gocus 5582.)

There had been no detailed discussion of US working papers with Sukarno or Hatta. It was stated Hatta expressed his general approval but felt transfer sovereignty sometime in 1949 had great psychological importance.

Roem sent brief informal statement via Republicans stating Gieben of Justice Dept visited Bangka exiles 17 January and inter alia stated:

“Position of Netherlands Govt:

a.
Republic as political organization is no longer acknowledged.
b.
Republic authorities not acknowledged as such.
c.
Responsibility over former Republic territories is taken over by Netherlands.
d.
Netherlands are intending to continue their policy: establishment of interim government USI.

On island of Bangka we are free to move but we, have to refrain ourselves from political activities with exception of those in line with policy Netherlands, as from very instant.

It is regarded not necessary for us to sign written statement that we are refraining ourselves from political activities”.

Later reports specify only 2 of 4 party leaders referred to Gocus 559,3 paragraph 3, actually members Pasundan Parliament. Other 2, [Page 193] however, prominent party leaders. English Aneta has ignored whole affair. Signed Lisle.

Livengood
  1. Telegram 96, January 20, p. 184.
  2. Telegram 102, January 21, not printed.
  3. Not printed.