Office of the Historian

856d.00/10–848: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands 1

secret
niact
Washington, October 9, 1948—1 p. m.

503. Statements FonMin contained ur 674 Oct 8, 4 pm, seem illogical and contradictory. Make early opportunity reiterate position which this Govt has consistently taken and which was clearly set forth in third from last para Deptel 436 to Batavia (Usgoc 145) Sept 20,2 which summarized memo conversation pouched to you.

I made it transparently clear to FonMin that if Hatta shared Neth fear of Communist success Jan elections and were to agree with Neth such elections undesirable, Cochran would as good officer incorporate in plan any changes agreeable Hatta Neth. Since statements quoted were made by me to FonMin, I will, if matters in connection with Sec arrival permit, call on Neth Amb. In any case matter will be taken up Neth Amb here as well.

Incidentally Dept finds it hard believe Stikker in fact does not understand US Govt position and therefore queries significance his action in view ur 680 Oct. 8, 7 p. m.

Lovett
  1. Repeated as 484 to Batavia.↩
  2. Telegrams 436, September 20, and 438, September 21 (Usgoc 145), neither printed, but see footnote 1, p. 347.↩