501.BC Indonesia/4–1349: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
345. Gocus 659. Met UNCFI plane last evening bringing Roem, Sastroamidjojo Leimena and Natsir from Bangka. Roem and Leimena called later. Roem explained Hatta considered all arguments in favor his heading delegation but decided send Roem at least for present. Hatta stressed importance to Republic cause of success or failure Batavia conference. Remains to be convinced Netherlands finally resigned to conciliation and fair settlement. Believes if he personally participated initially in Batavia conference, and it developed Netherlands unreasonable, any possibility his later leading Republic successfully would be ruined. Hatta getting in touch with Sjafruddin and seeking understanding regarding possibility later participation in conference, presumably after Jogja impasse may be overcome. I went over with Roem matter of subjects to be discussed and procedures for conference.
Received letter from Van Royen stating existing Netherlands delegation dissolved and new Netherlands delegation appointed composed of Van Royen, chairman, Blom, vice chairman, and members Schuurman, Gieben, Hoogstraten, Jacob, Koets, Thomson and Vandevelde.
Visited Van Royen 1 hour this afternoon. Volunteered to refrain from including in my opening remarks, as chairman of tomorrow’s meeting, reference to paragraph 2 of UNCFI March 1 report if Van Royen would, agree to be second speaker and indicate willingness to discuss restoration Jogja initially. Roem will speak third. In this manner neither Roem nor I would, be dictating priority of discussion but initiative come from Van Royen, which arrangement I hope will prevent any initial clash. Van Royen especially pleased that Sjahrir and Sultan drawn into meetings. I explained Sultan returning Jogja tomorrow but he would be available and I would send plane for him whenever required for consultation on restoration and law and order Jogja.
Republic delegation provided following list its representatives: Roem, chairman, Sastroamidjojo, vice chairman, members Leimena, [Page 369] Djuanda, Supomo, Latuharhary. Advisors: Sjahrir, Laoh, Natsir, Darmasetiawan, Sumarto, and A. K. Pringgodigdo, director general, Sudjono, secretary, Noeradi, interpreter. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 328, April 14, 6 p. m., to The Hague.↩