501.BC Indonesia/4–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
381. Gocus 676. Roem and Supomo called 26th. Asked I arrange Van Royen meet with Hatta in USDel quarters 27th and for Van Royen and Sultan Jogja lunch with me same day and talk later in USDel quarters. I phoned Van Royen, who accepted.
To Roem and Supomo, I mentioned letter 26th from Roem to Van Royen, which just received by UNCFI Chairman Herremans with request he transmit to NethDel and arrange formal UNCFI meeting 28th to discuss it. Communication was five-page comment on NethDel working paper (Gocus 6671) with emphasis on restoration beyond Jogja and immediate environs. To Republicans I pointed out flaws in letter and doubted I could support certain points if they came to debate. I thought it much better parties refrain from continuing exchange contentious papers and iron out difficulties in personal conversations so pleasantly commenced between Hatta and Van Royen. After Hatta consulted twice, Roem phoned my advice accepted and document still in possession Herremans should not be distributed.
Van Royen and Hatta came 10 a. m. today. Before leaving them alone to confer, I expressed appreciation Hatta’s suppression foregoing letter and Van Royen’s request honored by Hague that no official Netherlands comment be made on RepDel press statement (Gocus [Page 389] 6732). I asked both proceed urgently along lines conciliation and agreement and restrain subordinates from acts or words likely complicate situation.
After two and one-quarter hours alone, Hatta and Van Royen jointly told me following: They agreed Van Royen and Roem should lunch together 28th and then jointly request me submit formula which Hatta and Van Royen have been unable to work out to give Hague during Batavia discussions necessary assurances on cease-fire and round table without “binding agreements” in strictest sense of term. (Roem and Leimena have asked see me 9 a. m. 28th.)
Hatta reported Sultan Jogja insists restoration entire residency essential for security and administrative purposes while Van Royen thinks impossible for him go beyond terms March 23 directive on Jogja and immediate environs. He agreed, however, consider with open mind all arguments Sultan advances. 1 reminded Hatta January 28 Resolution still stands including arrangements for progressive withdrawals but I could only support initial restoration Jogja and immediate environs. I favored early setting up Preparatory Commission which should study technical problems Jogja and make recommendations, thinking this might produce aspects of problem not yet appreciated by two delegations and might point way to compromise solution.
Hatta said no assurance Netherlands would respect paragraph 4 (F) SC resolution January 28. Van Roven could not revoke statements made Lake Success under instructions his government. Could, however, give assurances no more states to be formed during period of negotiations from former Republican territory and no Netherlands desire or intention eliminate Republic as entity.
Hatta prefers give no written reply to NetheDel letter submitting through UNCFI request of BFO for participation Batavia discussions. Said he told Anak Agung, and latter agreed, BFO not third party to dispute before SC. Hatta willing UNCFI invite BFO participate when “UNCFI considers participation necessary.” I doubted UNCFI could ever deem participation necessary but might conceivably find it “useful”. I hoped both parties would be receptive to BFO participation when points other than those immediately in dispute between two parties are being considered and when UNCFI may believe such participation would be useful. I urged increased contacts between Indonesians during Batavia discussions and not postponement until Republic restored Jogja and Hatta invites BFO there as he hinted. (Learned later in day that Hatta entertained BFO leaders at dinner last night and is obviously strengthening relations therewith.) [Page 390] I suggested initial meeting at which BFO be invited might be that wherein agreement on Jogja announced. Thought advisable give BFO opportunity question Van Royen in such meeting on plans for round-table conference, et cetera. Van Royen and Sultan lunched with me. Sultan said probably proceed Bangka with Hatta Friday and return Monday. Sultan and Van Royen talked alone two hours USDel quarters. Van Royen phoned me half hour later to report conversation. Said Sultan spoke strongly in favor restoration entire residency. Van Royen expressed concern lest this might lead to influx large number TNI with resultant influence on restored government. Gave Sultan general idea problems discussed with Hatta. Said if necessary assurances on cease-fire and Hague Conference can be obtained he thought Netherlands Government would be generous in considering Sultan’s idea on territory. I told Van Royen I thought part Republican insistence on extended territory and paragraph 4 (F) comes from fear that after Van Royen concludes agreement and leaves Indonesia, local Netherlands group will not be so helpfully disposed. Van Royen countered that if everything goes as expected, sovereignty should be transferred three months from assembling round-table and then complete release of territory achieved. Signed Cochran.