501.BC Indonesia/7–3149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
640. Gocus 771. Lovink received Sultan Jogja, Hatta and TNI Colonel Djatikusumo forenoon 30th with Van Royen present. Van Royen told me conversation went well and understanding confirmed which he had orally given Hatta Jogja. This involved Simatupang plan for progressive withdrawal Netherlands outposts and concentration in larger centers. This especially desired by Republican military as means of best achieving law and order and of making some centers available to Republican troops which are now almost exclusively in villages and mountainous districts. Van Royen said Hatta sought slightly broader understanding than Van Royen had given Jogja and preferred have in writing but seemed satisfied at result oral understanding on same lines set forth Jogja.
Van Royen told me in afternoon Boon had phoned from Hague documents well received by Netherlands Government but necessary consult some Ministers not immediately available. Consequently clearance could not be received in time for formalizing documents with UNCI 31st.
Roem arrived from Jogja afternoon 30th; stated documents cleared at Republican Cabinet meeting night 29th. BFO gave reception night 30th for Republican delegation arrived for opening second half inter-Indonesian conference 31st. Attended by Lovink, Sultan Jogja, Hatta, Netherlands Commander-in-Chief Van Vreeden, Colonel Simatupang and several other TNI officers in uniform. Spirit excellent. Commander-in-Chief told me satisfied with Jogja results and assured me would use best efforts achieve successful implementation cease hostilities. Hatta, Roem and Supomo talked with me of Hatta’s meeting with Lovink in forenoon. Satisfied with outcome and especially pleased with cordial relations and spirit mutual confidence being developed. Palar and Sumitro had just arrived. Former was only Republican to indicate to me any concern over course events.
Attended this morning opening session inter-Indonesian conference. BPO Chairman Hamid stressed “love of freedom” which inspires Indonesians. Republican delegation Chairman Hatta replied in temperate speech emphasizing “strong desire Republic and BFO to cooperate in order some common understanding re readiness accept sovereignty to be transferred unconditionally.” Conference expected terminate Tuesday. Hatta requested UNCI plane take him Jogja August 3. He plans leave Batavia 6th on first KLM special taking RTC group Hague but drop off for two days visit with Nehru Delhi.
[Page 467]UNCI representatives and chairmen Netherlands delegation and Republican delegation met with me this afternoon to review documents and agree on procedure for formalizing with UNCI at meeting to be held 10 a. m. August 1. BFO will participate. Press release will be given out 5 p. m. first to effect cease hostilities orders will be issued 3 August, 8:30 p. m. Batavia time (8 p. m. Republican time), giving terms and time of effect. It is likely that effective date will be midnight 10–11. At least one week required to disseminate information to outlying TNI and even longer to certain areas in Sumatra. Signed Cochran.