501.BC Indonesia/2–949: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
152. Gocus 582. RepDel delivered to UNCFI following three letters. First signed by Roem dated 7 February conveys invitation UNCFI visit Bangka earliest convenience order supply clarifications resolution and discuss “what steps can be taken in spirit thereof.” Sukarno and Salim will stay Bangka time being order remain close contact Prime Minister and be available UNCFI visit.
Second letter dated 8 February signed Roem attaches various documents relating recent conversations between Republican Government and BFO delegation on 7 February and concludes “Further it made absolutely clear Republican Government only willing enter into conversations with federal consultation conference with cognizance your commission and if official formal talks should be reached these could only take place under auspices your commission. This question will be brought forward first opportunity when commission comes Bangka.” Attached is letter signed Hatta addressed chairman BFO dated 3 Feb. as follows: “From Your Excellency’s telegram received today I conclude Netherlands Government, according contents letter from high representative to Your Excellency, is not ready recognize Sukarno and other Republican leaders as president and members of Republican Government. Letter says that we ‘are regarded as authorities of a republic the status and form of which would be determined by the will of the people’, in short, ‘authorities’ from a state which not yet in existence.
“Meanwhile, I wish state 28 January resolution also demands restoration of authority of Republican Government so that Netherlands Government on this question too refuses comply with SC resolution.
“I further conclude from letter of high representative to Your Excellency on 31 January that Netherlands Indies Government not ready free Sukarno and other Republican leaders from present political confinement because letter says freedom movement for us will be taken into consideration when consultations between BFO yield results so that within short period federal interim government could be formed.
“Re above, I wish also reiterate this position Netherlands Indies Government is also at variance with SC resolution which demands Republican leaders arrested and detained since 19 December should be released immediately and unconditionally.
[Page 212]“It therefore understood re high representative letters that I and other Republican leaders cannot accept BFO invitation to hold joint consultations despite our earnest wish exchange views concerning fate of our country, especially after SC and as Your Excellency knows Asian Conference—in short, majority of world opinion—have accepted conditions we have put forward as their own.
“According my opinion, quickest and best way solve Indonesian question is that both Netherlands and Republican Governments state clearly that they willing accept decision SC. It obvious that to be able declare its readiness accept SC resolution, Republican Government must be given opportunity assemble and hold consultations.
“Declaration of acceptance of SC resolution by Netherlands and Republican Governments must be followed soon as possible by joint conference between Netherlands Government representatives, BFO and Republican Government under auspices UNCFI to discuss several problems, especially (1) formation of federal interim government on 15 March next, (2) implementation SC resolution re cessation military action, restoration of Republic and return of Republican Government to Jogjakarta.
“I think it not necessary for me state here exhaustively that Republican Government aims at formation of free and sovereign Republic of United States of Indonesia and in which Republic of Indonesia occupies equal position, not more and not less, with other member states. However, Republic of Indonesia takes stand that form and organization of Republic of United States of Indonesia must be determined by Indonesian people themselves through constituent assembly elected democratically by whole adult Indonesian people and by secret ballot and not made by Dutch themselves.”
Third letter dated 9 February signed by Secretary General RepDel reports Sukarno forbidden go on 8 February from Muntok to Pangkalpinang, both on Bangka, because as officially stated resident of Bangka had received information large scale demonstrations would be held and he concerned about “possibilities of accident or molestations which might occur among the several groups.” This prohibition followed welcoming demonstration when Sukarno arrived on Bangka 6 February. Signed Lisle.
- Repeated in telegram 111, February 9, 7 p. m., to The Hague.↩