501.BC Indonesia/4–849: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
329. Blom who with Jacob accompanying Van Royen Batavia tomorrow called today his request to discuss and if possible confirm and clarify Stikker understanding US attitude as stated by Secretary April 5. He was advised basis Deptels 287, part two, April 4 (Gocus 6502) and 298, April 73 that Stikker had accurately understood Secretary except re matter listed as point 7 (prerequisites for Dutch acceptance) in Gocus 650. Blom said Stikker had understood US to be insisting upon no binding agreements by Republicans until full implementation re restoration Djocja. This had immediately encountered strenuous objection in Cabinet as had also the understanding that US proposed UNCFI should exercise something approaching full authority to make decisions in event difficulty over maintenance law order by Republicans in Djocja. These were only two points Blom indicated confidentially upon which Cabinet had any real reservations or objections.
[Page 365]Blom was given text Cochran’s point 7 (Gocus 650) and our opinion that solution Djocja impasse meant full binding agreement thereon but did not include full implementation as well, prior to discussion and possible agreement on other issues. Otherwise, Batavia meetings might be indefinitely prolonged. Blom, himself, felt this only possible interpretation of language point 7 and said that it would greatly ease for Dutch reaching of early agreement they so much desired. He added Netherlands preferred reach agreement all three points Batavia agenda before announcing agreement restoration Djocja and thought such procedure feasible and desirable if parties reach accord promptly. He did not exclude possibility, however, Dutch might agree public announcement when agreement reached re Djocja and steps initiated toward implementation provided it also agreed and announced at same time that conference proceeding immediately negotiate remaining points.
Re ultimate responsibility for necessary decisions, in event Republic not able maintain order Djocja, Blom said Cabinet felt strongly Netherlands could not accept arrangement under which Netherlands authorities obliged stand aside if Republicans not able prevent vengeance being wreaked on Indonesians Djocja who had cooperated with Netherlands authorities or interference vital Netherlands communications, etc. Cabinet felt any such authority for UNCFI went beyond that contemplated SC resolution January 28 and was therefore objectionable. However, Blom seemed feel this problem probably could be worked out if recognized that Netherlands forces only ones available and capable restoring order in event necessity.
Blom said and repeated Netherlands Government had every intention reaching prompt, full and fair agreement.