501.BC Indonesia/8–2949: Telegram
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Steere) to the Secretary of State
742. Hicus 14. Van Royen visited me Sunday,1 Monday. Said Prime Minister Drees requested he inform me contents long message received from Lovink this week-end. Van Royen read excerpts therefrom.
General tenor message was concern re conditions East and Central Java and fear deterioration might spread to West Java. General Engles reported satisfactory cooperation presently received from TNI West Java particularly in matter division patrolling areas although some tendency part TNI insist upon running civil administration. Principal problem apparently that of suppressing Daral Islam.
In Central and East Java TNI reportedly moving considerable numbers to “envelop” Dutch outposts and lines communication. Instances cited of armed TNI lining railway for long distances with result maintenance employees refuse work and trains able move only slowly if at all. Lovink reported Indonesian civilian authorities these areas sometimes kidnapped but more frequently fled because intimidation on part TNI. Feared disappearance such civilian officers would lead to general break-up of authority and such poor administration that economic situation, well as that of law and order will worsen. Lovink said circumstances called for exercise extreme self-control on part Netherlands military.
Report suggested younger TNI officers, including one colonel, were evidently trying see “how much they could get away with”. Sultan Jogja reported as hesitant intervene alleging instructions should emanate from Sukarno or Sudirman. Answer my question, Van Royen said he would bring reported situation to attention Hatta. I suggested he [Page 479] also consult Leimena and Simatupang, arrived Saturday night via India.
Van Royen said Lovink and he both thought best hope obtaining amelioration situation is through UNCI acting independently or through CJB to emphasize strongly to Republicans that TNI violating cease hostilities orders when they move to improve their situation even though they may not fire and when they threaten or intimidate other party. I said I would pass this to Department and Dow although sure latter doing everything possible to achieve desired end. Van Royen agrees that RTC can result in satisfactory agreement notwithstanding several contentious issues provided military situation Indonesia permits. I discussed with Roem recently idea letting few reputable representatives return Indonesia soon to report on conference progress and seek full cooperation from authorities Indonesia.
Van Royen asked me if I giving consideration NEI economic and financial troubles. I said planned attend any [subcommittee] meetings this coming week and obtain fullest possible data from all, sides. Reminded him of our conversations Batavia and my willingness he approach me any time on this subject. Told him ECA representatives Hague already pressing me on ECA revival. Hunter had talked with me again Saturday morning his request and with his deputy again advancing arguments. But I still thought premature any action this direction. I said I especially opposed ECA suggestion of sending survey group to Indonesia. Van Royen agreed this should not be done. He thought someone in ConGen Batavia could do whatever necessary when time came for checking needs, deliveries, et cetera, I said would follow developments closely and would not fail recommend action soon as I thought it could be helpfully and safely undertaken.
Leimena and Simatupang called Sunday night. Had left Batavia August 20. Simatupang confident TNI can control military situation accordance cease hostilities agreement. Regretted what he thought nervous tendency part NEI officials including Lovink and Jacob to overstress minor incidents and expect too complete compliance too soon. Explained lack coordination in TNI as result separated commands over many months and present difficult communication.
I told visitors of vital importance peace in Indonesia to success RTC. I said possibility expressed at opening conference of suspension thereof if cessation hostilities not effective. I said I had strongly advised Netherlands against any consideration such possibility and now believe it will not arise if Netherlands can be assured of good intent and serious efforts TNI. Simatupang said any break in RTC would have disastrous effect with complete loss confidence on part TNI.
Told visitors unhappy reports still coming from Lovink. Said Van [Page 480] Royen had earlier in day mentioned them to me and I thought he would also tell Hatta. Told them I had urged Van Royen speak with them soonest. I emphasized that Drees, Stikker and others all look to Van Royen for explanation Indonesian developments and that failure on part TNI abide by agreements would weaken Van Royen’s position and great helpfulness which he desires continue extend Indonesia.
When I told Simatupang of Lovink’s story of infiltration incidents, mentioned herein above, Simatupang ridiculed most of them. He said Netherlands took serious offense at such petty matters as one group TNI politely asking permission use swimming pool in area barely within Netherlands patrolling district. Said most so-called infiltrants had actually been in areas where now in evidence but had simply kept out of sight of Netherlands patrols until cease hostilities ordered. Confirmed that his commanders could and should order back troops which had actually improved situation since cease hostilities order.
Visitors stated departure Netherlands delegation and UNCI representatives had been seriously felt. Said Lovink, Jacob and De Beus lack sympathetic understanding and tact of Van Royen. Mentioned Lovink’s insistence Sultan Jogja come Batavia August 17 in spite urgent necessity his being Jogja as acting Prime Minister on that Independence Day. Said when Sultan and Simatupang arrived Batavia by UNCI plane August 18, were not met by Netherlands officials and Sultan only summoned hours later to appear at Palace. Lovink then talked with him from 9 until 1:30 a. m., criticizing his lack of effectiveness but refusing radio equipment which Sultan required for better communication with scattered forces. Nevertheless, Sultan remained calm and proceeded Surabaya 4 hours after conversation ended to investigate complaints against TNI there.
I told Simatupang Lovink reported better situation West Java than Central and East Java. Simatupang insisted this resulted from personal visits by Sultan and Colonel Nasution to various parts West Java and contact with both TNI and Netherlands commanders. Said Netherlands military made big mistake preventing Sultan from continuing visits this type and hoped arrangements now working for Sultan resume personal contacts in all areas. Said this only effective means for achieving best results and thought unselfish and courageous efforts Sultan should be appreciated. Visitors agreed my idea at least one TNI officer and one civilian member Republican delegation should go Indonesia within few days taking first-hand hews of conference and either returning or being replaced at Hague by fresh arrivals from Indonesia. They also promised give Van Royen frank statement situation and reassure latter of soundness his decision taken in Indonesia. [Page 481] They hope we continue strengthen MilEx, support UNCI Batavia and encourage latter render own reports and not let itself be used as messenger for Netherlands delegation. Signed Cochran.
Sent Department 742, repeated Batavia 41.
- August 28.↩