501.BC Indonesia/3–2849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Batavia
195. Usgoc 343. [For Cochran:] Brit Emb March 24 communicated to Dept fol summary info reed from Brit Amb Hague: Neth Govt might be disposed accept proposal approved Mar 23 by SC if SC would agree call upon Repub leaders issue cease-fire order within 24 hours return Jogja—object of this apparently to placate Neth Army also Neth opinion re safety Neth forces Indo. Bevin has instructed Brit Amb Hague he prepared support Neth proposal as being within terms SC Res Jan 28 and tho time limit short issuance cease-fire order soonest in best interest all parties. Bevin instructed Brit Emb Wash express hope Dept will likewise support Neth proposal on understanding Neth will then accept SC proposal Mar 23.
Dept agrees cease-fire order soonest desirable and so informing Brit Emb Wash but same time stating apparently no need specific SC action in this respect as (1) SC resolutions Dec 24 (“cease hostilities forthwith”) and Jan 28 call for cease fire and (2) purpose restoration Repub Govt Jogja enable Repub issue authoritative cease-fire order. Dept also stating fixing date issuance cease-fire order matter of practicability best decided on spot and stating further that US Rep UNCFI fully conscious responsibility re cease fire devolving upon Repub after they placed in position take action.
Officers Neth Emb informed Dept officer personal opinion Neth Govt would not move until Stikker had been to Wash where would discuss Indo with Secy, had returned Hague accompanied by Van Royen where Neth Govt would further consider matter, and Van Royen had proceeded Batavia where would consult with all concerned parties. If this timetable correct this would mean the discussions under [Page 351] SC proposal Mar 23 would not be under way until mid April at earliest.
Ur comments requested.