Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 1

501.BC Indonesia/2–849: Telegram

The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State ¹

secret   us urgent

Batavia, February 8, 1949—5 p. m.

150. Gocus 581. 1. NethDel has given UNCFI no information re Netherlands plans. Nothing happening nor heard here indicates any Netherlands intention accept basic provisions 28 January resolution. All press reports including statements like those of Stikker’s in second chamber show contrary. Re recent rumors plan (Gocus 579,² paragraph 1c), following told AP reporter by Rittman (Government Information Service) yesterday. Originally prepared by Beel or some one his immediate circle. Sent Hague which without formal Cabinet commitment instructed government here test out reactions. Most of those questioned unwilling comment unless given more details (Gocus 576³). Report to this effect sent Hague yesterday.

Rittman encouraged reporter file story telling of Netherlands plan transfer “sovereignty” April 1949 and said he expected Hague announcement soon. Said under plan Netherlands army would remain, also HRC. First constitution new sovereigns state would be based on BIO decree for FIG. Apparently plan general and nothing concrete in writing. Some Federalists enthusiastic but so far as can be learned here sovereignty transferred would be merely verbal. Season to believe Netherlands hope is to win Republican acceptance invitation enter BFO discussions this basis without providing anything more concrete, thus lessening pressure for 28 January resolution. Today UNCFI feeling it could no longer ignore unofficial information coming to it formally requested information in letter to NethDel re “proposals of official origin”.

2. RepDel expected return from Bangka tonight.

3. UNCFI considering imminence 15 February deadline when resolution requires it make recommendations to SC unless parties reach agreement on Interim Federal Government. As alternative UNCFI might note complete disregard of resolution and ask SC for further instructions on ground negotiations of type contemplated by resolution not even begun. If Department has any particular view this subject, please advise soonest as UNCFI must start work on recommendations several days before deadline and Cochran will not arrive until late fourteenth. Meanwhile, UNCFI will probably report lack of progress to SC within next day or so but not make any recommendation which would lead to immediate SC meeting. Signed Lisle.⁴

Livengood

1. Repeated in telegram 113, February 9, 7 p. m., to The Hague.
2. Telegram 146, February 5, not printed.
3. Telegram 142, February 3, not printed.
4. In telegram 69, Usgoc 288, February 8, 8 p. m., the Department suggested the desirability of postponing if possible any report to the SC until Mr. Cochran arrived “unless situation arises requiring immediate report.” However, the Department agreed to preparing recommendation to the SC “so that required Feb 15 report incorporating necessary recommendation be ready for Cochran’s approval upon his arrival.” (501.BC Indonesia/2–849)