856d.00/10–1048: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands 1
us urgent
niact
504. Other matters prevented undersec from discussing subject matter 503 October 9 with Neth Ambassador, but Director FE did so in his stead, making clear Dept’s continuing attitude this matter and requesting that Neth FonMin remove misimpression under which Brit FonMin and other Foreign Ministers had been left by him.
Only one new consideration arose in course conversation with Van Kleffens: at close of conversation Van Kleffens made personal appeal, citing difficulties his position, his desire to be helpful and constructive, in face of rising emotions in Dutch official circles both in Netherlands and in NEI as result of increase in violence in Neth territory Indonesia. He argued strongly the political desirability as well as the humanitarian compulsion of Cochran’s undertaking to secure from Republic practical guarantees that would have effect of terminating what he regards as a deliberate Republican campaign of murder and deprivation and if possible induce Hatta make speech condemning such activities. Such a speech, in Van Kleffens’ view, would have beneficial effect on Dutch political circles in Neth and NEI as well as restraining influence on perpetrators acts of violence.
- Repeated in telegram 486 to Batavia.↩