501.BC Indonesia/4–2849: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
386. Gocus 677. NethDel entertained UNCFI and few BFO members reception 27th. Jacob told me he and Hoogstraten progressing with Djuanda and Laoh on technical questions incidental restoration Jogja. Blom and Schuurman pleased with trend conversations, but realize time required to achieve sound and workable agreement. During evening brought Herremans and Critchley to date on informal conversations. Critchley to spend weekend Singapore with Chifley2 and Burton3 en route London Australia.
Received Roem this morning. He said Leimena drawing up memorandum based on informal conversations which will constitute something of plan of procedure. Roem asked if UNCFI was going to recommend any program, pointing out it has such authority under SC Resolution. I told Roem we had taken initiative in calling Batavia discussions between parties and in giving our ideas in my opening remarks as to what discussions should cover. I had distributed questions to both parties giving lead in discussions on restoration. Our formal meetings had enabled both parties set forth their position. Thereafter, we had gotten leaders two parties together informally for ironing out major differences and deciding on over-all plan. I said we prefer continue in this fashion as long as progress being made. We shall have our own representatives on Preparatory Committee which we hope will be set up and sent Jogja shortly, and we can through them give definite suggestions. I said UNCFI will be continuing body at Batavia to carry on work here well as at Jogja during Hague Conference and will be responsible for achieving best implementation SC Resolution possible.
Called on Hatta 11:30 a. m. at his request. He said Jogja restoration still big problem. Said Sultan explained to Van Royen he could not assume responsibility for law and order Jogja unless entire residency restored as initial step. Pointed out Netherlands control only few towns and part of roads; that in remainder area Republican civil administration still functions; and that TNI troops have situation in hand except for bands Sjarifuddin Communists, some roving but principally centering around town Pakem between Jogja and Kaliurang. Hatta and Sultan both spoke with Van Royen re Maguwo, insisting if [Page 392] Netherlands troops left to control airfield they would likely subject night attacks. Hatta said Van Royen expressed concern lest Republic might arrange for resumption foreign planes landing Maguwo in trade with Singapore, etc. Hatta said he definitely has no intention establishing air service from Jogja with foreign lands. Thought, however, it should not be required of him to put this in writing. He emphasized that if his government to be strong and effective in issuing cease-fire order and having support of Republicans in going Hague and there negotiating, he must not be called upon to sign away prerogatives or make embarrassing pledges.
I reminded Hatta I could insist on no more extensive restoration Republic initially than envisaged in SC directive March 23. I added, however, that if responsible Republicans including Sultan can give convincing arguments that only feasible plan is to restore entire residency as initial step, and if Netherlands willing accept this, I would not oppose. Hatta said if NethDel agrees to this, he explained to Van Royen he would not ask latter give further undertaking on implementation paragraph 4(F), but would request promise that Netherlands would issue no denial when Hatta explained publicly to Republic that restoration Jogja residency initial step in light SC Resolution January 28. Furthermore, Hatta would not initiate any move toward asking extension Republic administration beyond residency during period round-table conference. Hatta said cease-fire order would require troops stand where they are or be concentrated in barracks. Thought military and technical officials could work out details satisfactorily once basic decision taken. Said no demarcation line necessary.
Hatta said he learned through his associates and from BFO that Van Royen meeting opposition on part Beel in effort give pledge to RepDel that during Batavia and round-table conferences Netherlands will not proceed with setting up new negaras such as Tapanuli and Djambi or permit other existing negaras enlarge their territory at expense former Republican areas. Hatta considers such pledge essential.
We talked over question of formula. Of various ideas I advanced, I found following to be best received: that Roem as BepDel Chairman make statement in UNCFI meeting that RepDel authorized by Hatta and Sukarno state they give their personal assurances they favor issuance cease-fire order and acceptance round-table invitation soonest possible after restoration Republican Government Jogja and will insist thereon to Government. Hatta preferred Roem should make statement in behalf delegation rather than in name himself and Sukarno, but I argued in favor other method. It was agreed I should endeavor work out formula with Van Royen and Roem. Hatta said if agreement [Page 393] could be reached on formula and on restoration Jogja residency as above outlined, he would be willing have this announced in UNCFI meeting and would then permit his delegation discuss arrangements for cease-fire and matters pertinent round-table conference. Said his delegation already preparing in agreement with Van Royen list questions on round-table which will be submitted formally through UNCFI or at UNCFI meeting formally by Van Royen. Hatta departs for Bangka 29th, 10 a. m., Sultan Jogja accompanying him. Latter plans return Batavia 2nd, and Van Royen 3rd, and perhaps go Jogja 4th. Hatta has no present plan for returning, but wants discussions move rapidly as possible as he thinks time against Republicans. He prefers I discuss matter of exploratory committee with Roem and Leimena.
Van Royen and Roem lunched together. Former phoned 2:15 unable for them discuss formula with me as planned since RepDel prefers first complete Leimena paper. Arranged Van Royen and Roem meet 29th 10:30 a. m. and join me noon. I told Van Royen Hatta and I had hoped get points of difference cleared prior Hatta’s departure.
Van Royen came my quarters 2:30 to explain situation. Talk with Roem had centered on restoration entire Jogja residency, progressive withdrawals under 4(F), setting up no more negaras and arriving at formula for Hague conference and cease-fire. Details agreed with position set forth earlier in day by Roem and Hatta to me, except on two points. First, while Hatta said would seek no extension beyond residency during Batavia and Hague conference, Roem seeks statement by NethDel that UNCFI would work on this problem during conferences. Second point concerned negaras. Van Royen said that following long talk with Beel, latter had conceded to him not to give formal status of negaras to two areas Tapanuli and Djambi pending outcome Batavia and Hague conferences. These are provisionally organized and have representatives with observer status in BFO. Beel also promised to recognize no further negaras to be cut or enlarged from former Republican territory pending outcome conferences. Signed Cochran.