501.BC Indonesia/5–2649: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
482. Gocus 711. Gieben called forenoon 25th to leave Netherlands suggestions for revision draft material Committee Two on peace and order. Leimena and Roem followed with their suggestions. Raised question of cease hostilities order to Republican adherents operating outside Renville territories. They had discussed this with Anak Agung, Hamid and other BFO representatives. I asked Roem hasten letter leaving discretion to UNCFI for inviting BFO into discussions in order chairman Hamid could be informed of prospective invitation in time communicate with Mansur before second Sumatran conference opens 27th and thus try prevent further division between Sumatran leaders and remainder BFO and Republicans.
General Spoor died 12:15 noon 25th.
Abbey returned from Jogja with Netherlands and UNCFI members Committee One 25th. Republican members with Austr[al]ian and Belgian military experts returned 26th. Abbey said good progress made on reaching agreements main problems. UNCFI press release on accomplishments Committee One tonight. Sultan unable to date to reach Simatupang. Abbey stressed to Sultan Leimena’s need for military advisor Batavia soonest. Evacuation civilians from Jogja now between thousand and 1500 daily. Hope reach [Page 415] by June 2 desired daily rate 3,000 but doubt whether total figure will be high as originally expected. June 15 considered more likely date than 10th for completion military evacuation residency indicated Gocus 709.2
Sultan was to issue afternoon 25th proclamation considerably delayed through submission to Netherlands officials Jogja and Batavia ensuring security life and property to all irrespective nationality and religion, promising against personal retaliation and offering allow anyone who wishes to evacuate after return of Republican Government to Jogja.
Van Royen, Roem, Gieben and Leimena met again with me afternoon 25th. We progressed satisfactorily on draft cease hostilities order and proclamation. Drafts now to be checked with Netherlands and Republican military soon as latter available. UNCFI military experts will also help prepare regulations under order and proclamation.
Brought Critchley and Herremans to date this noon on drafting on peace and order accomplished this week. They approved drafts with one or two minor changes.
Received letter dated 26th from Roem re BFO request. Wrote chairman Hamid thereof and indicated BFO would be invited UNCFI meeting shortly.
In separate conversation with Van Royen and Critchley today, reviewed Republican situation. From Netherlands military and civilian sources Van Royen and I had rumors possibility Sultan endeavoring aggrandize personal position expense Sukarno and Hatta and also of certain TNI elements, possibly preferring emergency government to Sukarno–Hatta regime. Critchley insists no danger either development if present trend in negotiations and arrangements continues although no one can vouch for scattered Republican military groups. Critchley thinks some possibility Sultan may be named Acting Prime Minister under Sukarno after restoration to permit Hatta functioning solely as Vice President participate Hague conference. Signed Cochran.