501.BC Indonesia/7–2049: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
624. Gocus 764. UNCI representatives visited Jogja today. Conferred with Sultan Jogja, now Repub Minister Defense, and Roem, Leimena and Colonel Simatupang on cease hostilities. With General Sudirman in hospital and necessity assembling military leaders from distant parts and acquainting them with understandings reached Batavia and problems yet to be faced, little progress made by Repubs on drafting for manual. Simatupang insisted TNI will obey government instructions. Military leaders desire participate solely as technicians in drafting field directives which will insure best possible implementation cease hostilities and related orders. Repubs preferred Netherlands and UNCI representatives meet with them Jogja for solution military matters. Our groups agreed far as UNCI concerned, since we feel time can be saved this manner and our presence and advice Jogja more likely be conducive to results than if we insist on small group Repubs coming Batavia in face necessity, their having [Page 462] continuous contact with other Repub authorities Jogja before taking final decisions. Van Royen promised me before UNCI went Jogja that he would go there with group to participate in talks on manual if found necessary.
We received at Palace by Sukarno and Hatta. They approved plan UNCI and Netherlands representatives arrive Jogja 24, begin talks 25 and remain there until concluded. Repub sending Van Royen invitation.
Sukarno and Hatta gratified at political situation. Hatta made excellent speech before Working Committee 19. Have not seen text speech made this morning by Sukarno at opening session Inter-Indo Conference but informed it peaceful one seeking good feeling and cooperation with BFO towards achievement US I. Sultan Hamid replied appropriately. We reviewed with Repub and BFO leaders parade in honor latter. We talked separately with various BFO leaders and found them delighted with their reception and general atmosphere. They return Batavia afternoon 23. Second half conference begins Batavia 30. Effort being made limit it to 3 days.
I talked separately with Sukarno and then with Hatta. Sukarno assured me positively that cease hostilities order would be issued soon as technicalities cleared up and was sure response would be good. Said Hatta would head delegation to Hague. I expressed satisfaction so much progress made on political side and Residency doing so well since restoration. I told him repercussions from tragic trip US correspondents made more urgent than ever speeding up final decisions and moving discussions to Hague. I said fulfillment by his government, its undertakings and straight-forward negotiating by both parties at Hague, should bring about settlement that would give USI opportunity prove to world genuine spirit Indo democracy and correctness SC policy.
Chairman Herremans visited Van Royen upon our return to give account our trip. I also gave account thereof to Van Royen by phone, 7 p. m. In addition above information I told him of undertaking given me orally by Laoh and Djuanda. They agree second airfield (GA reg.) in Residency be operated along lines agreed to for Maguwo. Van Royen pleased with our progress and seeking Lovink’s approval to arrive Jogja with four or five assistants morning 25. Van Royen insists meetings Jogja be informal and hopes possible formalize all documents Batavia by 30. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 638, July 22, 6 p. m., to The Hague.↩