501.BC Indonesia/8–949: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
684. Hicus 1. Arrived Hague August 8, 4 p. m. At airport followed Van Royen and Roem in broadcast saying “As US member UNCI, enjoyed working with good friends Van Royen and Roem in Indonesia. We all looked forward with anticipation to further negotiations in Hague. Am confident that with little time and patience satisfactory outcome can be achieved.”
Pringgo Digdo, Secretary General Republican Delegation, called this forenoon. Is working with Secretary General Conference on rules procedure and agenda. Said Hatta and Roem instructed him Batavia insist on UNCI holding chairmanship Steering Committee. Pringgo favors gesture opening RTC 17th, Republican Independence Day.
Lunched with Van Royen and Secretary General RTC. Latter said might be no debate in second chamber 16th, but simply study of message which government will send Chamber on Indonesian situation. Doubted if anyone would risk hurting chances RTC by criticism government policy just before opening. Said if good news received from cease hostilities situation Indonesia by that date, no trouble would result in Second Chamber. I told Van Royen I thought UNCI members should be ex officio members all RTC committees and be specifically named to Steering Committee. I said was not seeking UNCI chairmanship of Steering Committee, but would not oppose Indonesians if they insist thereon. When Van Royen replied UNCI chairmanship very difficult politically for Netherlands, I suggested he should be one to approach Hatta and Roem with frank explanation. He would suggest chairmanship that committee rotate between Netherlands, BFO and Republic as chairmanship other committees. Secretary General expects conference open 20th or 22nd.
[Page 470]Stikker in Strasbourg. I see Drees and probably Boon tomorrow. Signed Cochran.1
- The Secretary of State replied in telegram 693, Ushic 2, August 10, 7 p. m., to The Hague, welcoming Mr. Cochran on his arrival, and adding approval of his position in general as stated in his telegrams (501.BC Indonesia/8–1049).↩