501.BC Indonesia/6–1849: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
545. Gocus 730. Lovink entertained RepDel, NethDel and UNCI at dinner night 17. He pledged early USI that should be based on four freedoms and should be bulwark against Communism.
RepDel had just returned from visiting leaders Bangka via Palembang where Malik, Sumatran BFO leaders, had invited them for short stop. Van Royen speaking with Roem asked me join them and decide which was right. Van Royen argued that three principal draft documents Committee 2 should be formalized secretly in UNCI session after expected approval in present form by Hatta and Netherlands Government. I said formalizing with UNCI should only come after Republican Government has returned to Jogja and there approved final form and Netherlands Government concurred therein. Roem said this was certainly his understanding of situation, after we resorted to exchange of letter idea. Van Royen did not argue further apparently accepting our view.
Roem said he had experienced more difficult time Bangka than expected. Said leaders had thought three draft documents, as they had seen them previous Sunday, were in form desired by Netherlands and had not realized that Netherlands military and Hague had not had opportunity give their opinions thereon. Three of us agreed tentatively on changes two or three words in drafts.
Roem then said Hatta sought fixing definite date for return Republican Government, namely, by beginning of Muslim fast days on 27 June, before he would consent to exchange letters. I opposed this as did Van Royen. I pointed out that:
- (1)
- Van Royen had yielded to RepDel on practically every point in amendments suggested by Netherlands Military and Hague;
- (2)
- RepDel familiar with all aspects our negotiations had found six documents and plan involved in their handling as reasonable way out of impasse;
- (3)
- My two UNCI colleagues and I thought this fair arrangement;
- (4)
- Netherlands Minister Maarseveen due arrive Batavia 20 and Netherlands Cabinet meets same day Hague;
- (5)
- We have all been rushing negotiations vigorously as possible this week and in agreement in pursuing same policy until we can get to Hague;
- (6)
- Van Royen should not now be faced with ultimatum as to restoration date;
- (7)
- This would not only prejudice chances for acceptance documents by Maarseveen and Netherlands Cabinet, but would also set [Page 447] precedent for fixing deadlines to which Van Royen might justifiably resort, for example, in demanding cease hostilities order after restoration Jogja;
- (8)
- This would be contrary spirit good faith in which our discussions have been conducted and might destroy atmosphere so badly needed for possibly troubled times ahead;
- (9)
- Even if we agree on all six documents and additionally on round table plans this weekend, Sultan requires two days notice before Netherlands military evacuation should begin;
- (10)
- That would take five to seven days and Sultan would then have to have few days in which to get Jogja in satisfactory state of order and preparation for return of leaders;
- (11)
- This would all take time that would pass June 27;
- (12)
- Republicans should be satisfied undertaking of Netherlands to announce just early as possible fact that Netherlands military evacuation is to commence on certain date be expedited and Sultan takeover thereafter;
- (13)
- If everything goes well, should be possible issue this communiqué before fast days and thus give psychological effect which Hatta stresses is so important.
I followed same lines talking later with Leimena and Supomo in Van Royen’s presence. Latter was appreciative my support and promised do everything possible expedite whole procedure preparatory to Hague.
We agreed RepDel should meet morning 18 on results Bangka and then meet with few members NethDel and myself to clear up questions on six document procedure and begin conversations on round table plans. Was agreed BFO should not participate in this first talk on roundtable.
Van Royen phone[d] 9 a. m. today asking that BFO be brought into today’s meeting and that it be postponed until 4 p. m. He finally accepted my idea we go ahead with meeting as planned; get six document matter cleared, make some progress on round table with only two delegations represented and then bring BFO’s in second meeting on latter subject this afternoon.
Roem came 9:30. Reviewed Bangka meeting and our conversation preceding evening. I reaffirmed my opposition to requesting Netherlands guarantee restoration Republican Government Jogja by 27. I promised however do everything possible toward getting Netherlands announce prior that date beginning evacuation by Netherlands military and timetable for turning over to Sultan re time and conditions Hague conference, we agreed approximate date probably August 1 should be fixed for assembly RTC, and it further specified conference should be completed within maximum of eight weeks with both governments undertaking endeavor ratify agreements within six weeks after [Page 448] conclusion conference, with view complete transfer sovereignty before end 1949.
11 a. m. met in Van Royen’s office with him, Gieben, De Beus, Roem, Leimena, Sastroamidjojo and Supomo. We agreed on following changes in texts documents quoted Gocus 728.2
Document 1 paragraph A omit “explicitly.” Change “cooperation in patrolling” to “mutual coordination in patrolling, cooperation in avoiding.” Make some change paragraph B. Document 2, 3rd paragraph should read “endeavors of everyone.” Document 3 paragraph 3 after word “goods” insert “between zones.” Document 5 point 8 add after “goods” words “between zones.”
Van Royen promised endeavor clear six documents and handling thereof with Maarseveen on latter’s arrival Monday and thereafter communicate urgently with Hague if further approval from Cabinet necessary. He hopes therefore be able by Tuesday or Wednesday 22 latest to state date Netherlands Military evacuation Jogja can begin. Republicans agreed that simultaneously with issuance communiqué on this point they would consummate exchange of letters included six documents. (Hatta has actually signed.)
We moved from Van Royen’s to room of Blom, ill, confined to bed. As deputy chairman he has been assisting Van Royen through handling round table matters. It was agreed that on same date communiqué re military evacuation issued and letters above mentioned secretly exchanged, there would be formalizing with UNCI of document to be agreed upon by prospective participants RTC, setting forth general principles under following heads: aim of RTC; participants; procedure of RTC result of conference; items of agenda—(a) Provisional constitution USI, (b) charter of transfer of sovereignty, (c) fundamental provisions of statute of Netherlands-Indonesian union, (d) other items.
We spent hour revising latest draft this document on which parties have been working independently of UNCI. Study to be resumed in Blom’s quarters 6 p. m. today with four BFO members whose names Hamid selected, and provided me in advance, also present. Effort being made to have this completed before Maarseveen’s arrival. Signed Cochran.