501.BC Indonesia/4–1449: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
352. Gocus 660. Aneta this morning carried following UP item heading Batavia: “Roem, chairman RepDel, on eve resumption Republic–Netherlands negotiations under UNCFI told correspondent of UP: ‘I have little optimism over preliminary conference which opens tomorrow, but we must continue all efforts to reach peaceful settlement. My recent experience, however, has not given me much hope. The problem is simple, we want restoration Republic’ He further said Republic cannot make binding decisions on cease-fire or attendance Hague Conference until Government of Republic restored.”
Aneta also carried following from Batavia: “Evan [Van] Royen, chairman NethDel, indicated unless Republic enters into talks unconditionally, these fresh negotiations will only lead to failure. He said, ‘idea that Republic Government must first be restored Jogja as preliminary condition to conference is out of question’. He further said, ‘I do not see why one should be pessimistic about Conference’. He pointed out that ruling of SC must be considered as whole and that when Republicans assume there is only one point on agenda this may cause difficulties”.
Van Royen phoned me 9:00 a. m. stating Roem received UP correspondent 11:00 last night and gave out story which might seriously hurt chances success discussions. When Netherlands authorities saw outgoing UP cable, they called in UP correspondent to whom Van Royen explained his position. I reminded Van Royen that matter of publicity was to be discussed at, conclusion opening meeting today. I told him I had cautioned RepDel through Sudjono yesterday as I had likewise cautioned Van Royen against giving any press statements prior opening meeting which might embitter atmosphere or any information re proceedings of meetings except in manner to be agreed upon at first meeting.
Opening conference assembled 10:30 this forenoon. I welcomed delegation arid outlined rules procedure. I quoted SC directive March [Page 370] 23 and paragraphs 1 and 2 of operative par[t] SC resolution January 28, I then said:
“Commission as subsidiary organ to SC has been instructed to ‘assist parties hi reaching agreement’ on points covered by SC’s directive March 23. It is assumed by commission that in course of these discussions representatives will wish avail themselves of opportunity to discuss all such matters. Commission expects delegations to indicate ideas which they propose and steps they prepared take towards definite and early implementation of SC’s directive.
“Commission would be pleased to see parties come to understanding at Batavia on as many points at issue between them as may be possible. It might be arranged for certain decisions to be taken at Batavia, for formal ratification at Jogja once Republican Government is there restored and functioning it is commission’s idea in any case that parties should go as far as their authority will permit them toward clearing up during Batavia meetings contentious points which have to date separated them and toward achieving progress in direction of agreement.
“It is desire of commission that those steps necessary to consummate cessation of hostilities be expedited. With this in mind, commission is confident that Government of Republic will issue cease-fire order in most effective manner possible soon as it is in position at Jogja to assemble necessary members its Government to agree upon manner in which such orders should be given. Commission with technical advice its military observers will be available for consultation by parties and for possibly working out with parties technical questions involved in cease-fire orders, in establishing police and security measures for Republic and in creating set of rules to govern relations between Netherlands and Republican military forces which must be considered in connection with establishing area to be administered by Republic.
“SC has in its directive of March 23 stated that if agreement is reached by parties on points (a) and (b) of its directive, holding of such a conference as that proposed for Hague is consistent with purposes and objectives of its resolution January 28. It has asked commission to assist parties in reaching agreement as to time and conditions for holding proposed conference, to end that negotiations contemplated by resolution January 28 may be held soon as possible. This question should be given full and sympathetic study by parties in these present meetings, It would appear that if conditions under point (a) of directive March 23 are met or are in course of solution there should be no great difficulty in arriving at amicable understanding on point (b).
“Commission did not see fit when issuing its invitations to fix time limit for duration of present discussions. It believes both parties are entirely cognizant of need for clearing up misunderstandings promptly and moving quickly forward fair and final solution of Indonesian question.
“Difficulties and tragedies have attended this Indonesian problem. It is not for us to find fault but to find solution. We are confident of good faith and high motives, ability and determination of representatives [Page 371] here assembled. We count upon them to be reasonable, tolerant and wise in their deliberations and decisions. Commission as agent for United Nations of world is ready to lend every possible assistance toward expediting just settlement of Indonesian question”.
Van Royen set forth Netherlands position along expected lines. He made good impression through suggesting discussions be initiated on subject restoration Jogja and through giving clear undertaking as to intention Netherlands Government to transfer sovereignty soonest and unconditionally and also to work toward a union statute which would be real and voluntary partnership with no super state.
Roem’s speech stressed restoration Jogja and wag in anticipated tone but not so rigid as to exclude progress in conversations on points other than restoration.
I informed meeting of receipt 9:30 a. m. of letter dated 14th from NethDel to effect that chairman BFO made known to high representative Crown that it is unanimous wish of states and territories in BFO to be recognized as party to solution of Indonesian problem and be afforded opportunity participate as such in present discussions, and Netherlands Government is of Opinion that such action would greatly further solution of pending problems. UNCFI therefore was asked to take necessary steps in this connection. I stated I told chairman Hamid 8:00 a. m. today when he mentioned letter to me that our meeting was to be private but I would submit for participation questions soonest. To our meeting I said would consider letter with UNCFI associates and then address question to RepDel.
Meeting adjourned until 10:00 a. m. Saturday with next meeting thereafter 10:30 a. m. Tuesday.
Informal meeting re publicity followed formal session. Van Royen and Roem agreed with UNCFI to release all three morning speeches to press without establishing precedent. Decision on press release will be taken at close each meeting. Both chairmen agreed at liberty to state own case to press provided in nonprovocative fashion and not likely prejudice conference. Any information re session business to be given out, however, only through official release. Two chairmen and I authorized press officer deny allegation by one American reporter that UNCFI was endeavoring restrict unduly information to press.
Roem and Van Royen lunched alone with me. They were mutually cordial and in good spirits following first meeting. Van Royen and I asked Roem consider carefully BFO request above-mentioned, pointing out certain possible advantages BFO participation. At Roem’s request. I am providing him with copy NethDel letter in order he may indicate soonest RepDel opinion this point. I have taken position UNCFI has authority invite BFO representatives to discussions but should do so only if both parties to dispute agree.
[Page 372]To insure Saturday meeting moves smoothly, I obtained agreement Van Royen I should submit list questions on restoration Jogja to both chairmen to aid them in initiating discussion thereon soon as question re rules procedure settled. Also learned from Roem that question which seriously causes RepDel concern is that of change made in Netherlands constitution envisaging USI and union statute. Obtained promise Van Royen make clarifying statement thereon at next meeting. Also agreed Roem should submit to me any other points on which Van Royen’s explanations would be particularly helpful this stage. Offered Roem UNCFI plane go Bangka Saturday afternoon, return Monday. He expects accept in order report progress to date to leaders and receive necessary instructions.
UNCFI press officer cabling Lake Success summaries this morning’s three speeches and air mailing texts. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 359, April 18, 11 a. m., to The Hague.↩