501.BC Indonesia/2–749: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
149. Gocus 580. Following letter sent NethDel by UNCFI today:
“Have honour submit following in confirmation and amplification points made in conversation 4 February between you and Commission’s chairman. Points reflected desire of Commission to make whatever progress possible in period pending decision by Netherlands Government re its attitude toward 28 January resolution.
Question of Republican mission Lake Success taken up originally with you on 21 January in accordance procedure outlined SC meeting 17 January. That time GOC informed matter referred The Hague. Although no formal reply received from you, Commission understands your government at this time has no objection in principle and necessary authorization and facilities will be granted soon as you informed composition of mission and proposed time departure.
Commission again urges release political prisoners called for by 24 and 28 December resolutions well as 28 January. As you know, more important Republican leaders at present exiled Prapat and Bangka, confined former Republican Secretariat quarters Batavia, or for time being, resident Batavia and Djogjakarta. If as immediate minimum your government should restore freedom of movement and political activity of president, members Republican Cabinet and chairman Republican delegation, it would be possible make considerable progress [Page 209] in preparation implementation 28 January resolution. It recommended therefore as first step these Republican political leaders be given opportunity come together Batavia or some other place where there convenient opportunity for consultation with Commission. You will recognize restoration freedom to political prisoners as called for by resolutions should not be conditioned upon acceptance by those released of any commitments which require them adhere to any political program, attend any particular meeting or otherwise accept any settlement other than one in formulation of which they themselves have participated.
Commission understands you will reply shortly to following questions first presented to representative of Commander-in-Chief Army by our MilEx Board 25 January and subsequently referred to you in Commission’s 29 January letter:
- 1.
- Will it be possible for MilEx Board see Netherlands Army situation map order decide further deployment military observers?
- 2.
- Can Netherlands authorities give MilEx Board information regarding present guerrilla [activ]ities all areas Java, Sumatra, Madura occupied?
- 3.
- What military action being taken against such guerrilla activities if any?
- 4.
- May MilEx Board send military observers to those areas order report on these activities and resulting conditions?
- 5.
- Will Netherlands authorities keep MilEx Board currently informed regarding disposition forces as is known and what military action taking place?
You will appreciate these questions designed elicit information needed for effective discharge by military observers of their duties under 24 December resolution as well as 28 January.” Signed Lisle.
- Repeated in telegram 105, February 7, 7 p. m., to The Hague.↩