501.BC Indonesia/3–1749: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
256. Stikker, tired, discouraged and emotional after exhausting fortnight of conferences covering Indonesia, Benelux and Western Unions, sent for me today; expressed strongest disappointment and discouragement at language of what he described as American draft of McNaughton proposal which he understands has been circulated to certain members of SC.2 He stated that on strength Bevin, Acheson comments his letter March 8 to Bevin he was able secure cabinet approval for agreement to McNaughton proposal which had great virtue from Dutch viewpoint of being couched general terms permitting discussion all conditions, including restoration to Djocja, which agreement essential for arriving Hague conference. American draft, with its specific reference to Djocja and detailed spelling out of proposals and obligations, would go down extremely badly in cabinet and generally in Holland and he frankly feared that cabinet would balk and there would be another impasse. This would be deplorable. In his view, McNaughton proposal, which Holland had accepted, would in practice enable conference to cover exactly same ground as American draft.
From this and subsequent discussion Boon and British Ambassador, idea emerged Department might be willing, in view considerations above stated, to encourage McNaughton to formulate his own proposal to council, following as closely as possible language agreed to by Van Royen.
Position here as we view it is that Netherlands Government and Parliament are in process of backing down from position hitherto stubbornly maintained toward Djocja. It would seem important make it possible for them change their position without too much loss of face and still carry public opinion with them; otherwise they will do so if at all with bad grace and might even refuse, with further prolongation this dangerous crisis which, unfortunately, many Dutch officials and public figures associate more and more with problems Western Europe, including Atlantic pact. Stikker particularly stressed this to me while at same time expressing his own wholehearted support and espousal of spirit, principles and mutual material advantages of pact.