501.BC Indonesia/2–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia 1
niact
105. Usgoc 303. Neth Amb called on Asst Sec Rusk Wed and delivered, on secret basis until released by Neth Batavia probably Sat, communication giving Neth Govt decision. Tel from Hague states Stikker cabled same communication to you.
In handing communication, van Kleffens stated that his info largely confined to text, and therefore he was not in position to elaborate, but personally considered decision reached in Hague real step forward. Upon questioning, he expressed personal view that numbered para 6 of communication rejects idea restoration Repub Govt at Jogja, though remainder of plan attempts meet all essentials of SC position and it will be noted does not require conditions precedent such as stoppage of guerilla activities to acceptance of invitation.
In accepting communication, Asst. Sec stated that he would wish to study text thoroughly, to discuss it with Secy, and could therefore give no official reaction at this time.
Without attempting prejudice your reactions, which Dept would appreciate soonest, following is point which might require action by UNCFI prior to completion Departmental study your views and issuance any further instructions.
Although Dutch proposal does not specifically exclude restoration Republican Govt in Jogja, Netherlands Amb here, as already noted, indicated his view that such would in fact not be acceptable. This point appears to be critical as between Dutch and Republicans on one hand and as between Dutch plan and SC resolution on the other. Present likelihood is therefore that Republicans will immediately reject Dutch plan on Jogja point. If this should occur, particularly if this point appears to be sole obstacle, we suggest UNCFI should immediately attempt to bring about direct and urgent negotiations between Dutch and Republican representatives to resolve this point. If complete impasse develops between parties, UNCFI might attempt through informal negotiations or improvisation to discover whether any basis for resolving Jogja point can be found. Care should be taken not, to commit this Govt, however, to support any settlement which differs from Security Council resolution unless agreed to by both parties.
Dept considers main US and UN interest in Indonesian case is early settlement peaceful means of issues between Netherlands and Republic [Page 253] which, would include establishment government and constitution in Indonesia based on free consent Indonesians and relations with Netherlands on basis Dutch–Indonesian agreement. Dept does not believe that procedural differences between plan now proposed by Netherlands and recommendations in para 3 of Security Council resolution are themselves decisive if Dutch and Indonesians can move under either plan to agreed solution.
We believe further that Jogja point should not be allowed by either party to become so important as to frustrate main political program for independent USI and earnestly hope that Dutch and Republicans themselves by preliminary negotiation in Java can remove that obstacle.
You will note that Dutch document apparently recognizes the continued existence of the Repub by its reference to that entity.
Should not the Neth reference to negots for unconditional transfer of sovereignty on May 1, 1949 be maximized with a view among other things to committing the Dutch to the hilt.
Pls comment urgently.
- Repeated as 151 to The Hague.↩