856e.00/10–848: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State 1
[Received October 8—7:13 p. m.]
680. Negotiations between Dutch Government and non-Republican Indonesians for interim government are reaching climax, and information from Foreign Office, as well as releases to local press, indicate that substantial agreement has been reached on principles, there remaining only question of detail to be settled. Negotiations will apparently terminate this week and full agreement is expected. Subsequent bill regarding [Page 398] interim government will be submitted to States General and it is forecast that it will be law in 8 weeks. High ranking Foreign Office officials tell us that proposed government would be “in harmony” with Cochran proposals. It would consist of three Indonesians, 2 seats to be occupied by Federalists and one reserved for Republican nominee. (Further details see Weeka telegram October 82.)
We believe government is pushing negotiations with Federalists as hard as possible in order at least to have trump card of interim government in their pocket if GOC negotiations fail when the Dutch Government could set up structure of interim government under proposed parliamentary bill.
It is, of course, impossible for us to ascertain what Dutch contemplate as next step if GOC negotiations fail. In any event, it seems likely that interim government would be set up and that republics would be invited to join. Should they refuse and should situation deteriorate and threaten to get out of hand, there are indications that the Dutch might take firm measures, even involving police action.
We do not wish to be alarmist, but we sense a feeling of futility and running out of patience here. Dutch officials repeatedly talk to us about the concessions they have made under pressure from us; they say that little pressure has been used on Republicans despite numerous and persistent breaches of Renville Agreement; they point out difficult position of government vis-à-vis public opinion here which they assert will not countenance further concessions, particularly when Republicans flagrantly and persistently break armistice; and they maintain that the Dutch approach to this whole problem is frequently misunderstood and their sincerity questioned. We hope and feel, however, that our conversation with Foreign Minister yesterday based on your instruction Deptel 493, October 6, will have at least temporary restraining and steadying influence.
We are unable to get anything specific on possible further police action, but we cannot discount possibility. Several press articles have advocated such a step if negotiations fail, and the Military Attaché says that further troop movements to Indies are taking place to increase the total forces there (in this connection note speech from throne opening Parliament in which it was stated that army would concentrate on Indonesia). Further advocation of a strong-arm policy was made in press interview today by Admiral Helf rich, who said he resigned October 1 as Commander of Netherlands fleet because of disagreement with government’s policy towards Republic. Helfrich stated only way to restore law and order in Indonesia was to “march to Djocja and clean up Republic”. In addition, only today Secretary-General Foreign Office told us that lawlessness in Republican territory [Page 399] and infiltrations into NEI area has increased to such an extent that Dutch Government takes most serious view. Should further deterioration occur, he said, government, because of its nominal sovereignty and the responsibilities which it cannot avoid, would have to take firm measures to restore law and order.
It may be that our above remarks regarding possible police action are exaggerated or unjust to Dutch Government, but Embassy feels necessary in this summary to draw Department’s attention to possible future developments should GOC negotiations fail.