Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Far East, Volume VIII

856E.00/4–2246: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Officers⁶⁹

secret

Washington, April 22, 1946—midnight.

Dutch FonMin told Emb⁷⁰ joint document by Van Mook and Sjahrir re proposed status NEI being submitted to Dutch Govt by Van Mook without recommendation and to Parliament before elections. Document calls for establishment republic embracing all Java within and under Indonesian Federation of Neth Empire. FonMin stated relations Sumatra to new republic determinable later on basis local wishes but other principal islands definitely do not wish be in republic. Foreign relations to remain in hands Neth Govt. FonMin added opposition to Govt’s plans had gained strength when “republic” mentioned for Java. Van Mook expected return Batavia end this week.

Byrnes

69. At Batavia, Chungking, London, Manila, Moscow, New Delhi, Paris, Rangoon, Saigon, and Singapore.
70. Telegram 359, April 20, noon, from The Hague, not printed.