501.BC Indonesia/2–4549: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
171. Gocus 590. [From Cochran:] Arrived 5 p. m., yesterday. Saw Henderson briefly New Delhi airport and informed him my conversations. In Calcutta read of Sassen’s resignation. Schuurman informed me on arrival Beel leaving for The Hague five hours later. I offered call prior thereto. Two hours later received following letter from Beel.
“I hear from Schuurman that at your arrival this afternoon you were good enough to say that in case I should like see you before my proposed departure for Holland tonight you would be glad make yourself available.
My journey being rather unexpected I find to my great regret that I am fully booked up tonight until moment my departure which prevents me accepting your kind offer.
[Page 230]My absence from Indonesia will only be of short duration and I very much hope see you after my return”.
To Herremans and Critchley jointly this morning gave orally abridged summary my trip. Likewise told Leimena, Darma, Supomo and Sudjono of trip. Said I preferred await developments rather than force attention SC to Indonesian problem immediately. In response their statement Sukarno and Hatta desire see me soonest, I said I would propose UNCFI make trip Thursday.2
Usgoc 2913 and 2924 confirmed my feeling further criticism Netherlands Government by UNCFI should be delayed pending developments The Hague. When Critchley called separately to learn attitude I would adopt, showed him my draft of brief cable reporting postponement. He differed sharply. I said I sincerely hoped we would not have divided vote on first decision to be taken after my return. I insisted, however, that developments were in process which I thought might result much more helpfully to Indonesian cause than would any critical report which UNCFI might cable today.
At informal UNCFI meeting this afternoon I suggested following draft report to SC.
“Resolution of SC of 28 January requires UNCFI report to SC and make recommendations for solution of difficulties if parties have not reached agreement on Interim Federal Government by 15 February.
In light recent developments at The Hague, Commission recommends that reporting date be postponed to 1 March.”
Herremans agreeable. Critchley asked time to consider. Confidentially informed prior meeting he had cabled his government for instructions since he felt strongly obliged insist upon full factual report. Hopes have reply by Wednesday noon. He said he told his government how sincerely I felt such report this time would make difficulties for Netherlands Government rather than expedite implementation resolution. UNCFI decided visit Bangka Thursday if convenient Republican leaders and if NethDel approves. Signed Cochran.