501.BC Indonesia/4–2049: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
360. Gocus 665. Van Royen phoned last night he had called on Roem alone in afternoon and enjoyed cordial visit and exchange views.
[Page 379]Visited Van Royen this afternoon his request. He recounted informal meeting held this forenoon Van Hoogstraten’s office between half dozen representatives each from Netherlands and Republic delegations. Agreed RepDel should meet alone this afternoon and let Van Royen know whether they desire further informal conversations tomorrow or formal meeting scheduled for 4 o’clock. Van Royen said considerable progress made in morning’s meeting. He opposed idea any reference this stage to paragraph 4(F) SC resolution January 28. Said only initial step of restoration Jogja and immediate environs should be discussed now. Republicans said they motivated by two principal reasons in including reference to 4 (F) working paper.
First they thought necessary get commitment from NethDel now that initial Jogja restoration would be only first step in giving back all pre-December 19 area to Republic. They were concerned in this connection lest followers would question existence constituency for government and would be uncertain as to Republic proportional representation in envisaged constitutional assembly. Van Royen assured them Netherlands still had in mind giving proportion of one-third to republic and this would not be affected by limited restoration Jogja. Secondly Republicans feared Netherlands might proceed with setting up new negaras from former Republic territory unless commitment now made on restoration and implementation thereof started shortly after city Jogja restored. Van Royen promised consult colleagues on this point and felt he could give necessary assurances.
For initial restoration Republicans presented map showing area extending approximately 5 kilometers outside perimeter city Jogja but including Maguwo airport and Kaliurang. Van Royen Said impossible yield Maguwo since it would be essential continuing Netherlands air service to Maguwo and technical staffs would have to be retained there for despatch aircraft, etc. Pointed out Republicans had no commercial aircraft and would be dependent on Netherlands services for transportation, supplies, etc. As for Kaliurang, Van Royen still considering this with colleagues including military advisors. He admitted to Republicans desirability letting Kaliurang be available for residence Republican officials and possibly for UNCFI and other representatives connected with restoration Jogja and conferences thereon. Republicans had presented argument Jogja water supply is at Kaliurang. To me Van Royen said principal concern comes from Netherlands military who fear Kaliurang might be place of contact for Republic military with subversive elements in mountain area back of town. I suggested rules could be established to diminish this danger and we might make Kaliurang headquarters for number military observers who could be useful this direction. Van Royen and Republicans exchanged [Page 380] views over difficulties administration area outside Jogja that normally depends on that center.
Republicans spoke of difficulty giving binding commitments Batavia on cease fire and Hague invitation. Said did not want government meetings restored Jogja have appearance rubber stamp concerns. Van Royen said Republicans should consult many as possible leaders now. Thought formula could be worked out by Republicans which could put Netherlands minds at rest on two points in question without too strict commitment being required. Willing make Hague conference easier for Republicans by stressing UNCFI assistance therein but made no commitment to Republicans that phrase “under UNCFI auspices” would be used.
Van Royen especially gratified by attitude Djuanda who desires no roadblocks or lines of demarcation and minimum impediments to intercourse between restored Jogja and rest of Indonesia.
Leimena raised question roundtable agenda. Van Royen replied preferable not anticipate roundtable conference entirely by going over Batavia everything to be discussed there but willing go far as practicable in letting Republicans and BFO know what to expect. Leimena inquired whatever scheduled could be promised by Netherlands as to time required for Hague Conference and for Netherlands ratification agreement reached. Van Royen held it impossible give definite dates but willing promise in official meeting that effort would be made to end conference within 6 weeks and secure ratification within similar period.
Van Royen expressed concern since BepDel not yet answered UNCFI letter transmitting BFO request made through NethDel for participation Batavia discussions. He aware some BFO leaders going Bangka tomorrow and feared Republicans might exact certain promises of support from them as price for Republicans letting them join UNCFI discussions. I reminded Van Royen BFO had already taken position in March 3 secret resolution strongly favoring Republic attitude toward Jogja, etc., and I thought only good could come from further contact between two Indonesian groups. He in turn expressed desire they hasten toward constituting Indonesian front. I told him Anak Agung spoke to me at noon and asked whether he could take any message to Hatta and Sukarno from me. I had told him I hoped Hatta would come Batavia next week at least for visit. Van Royen pleased I had said this. Anak Agung seeing him tonight but Van Royen prefers no request to Hatta come from himself. I told him Roem seeing me later. He said his delegation approved his idea returning call on Hatta Bangka if Hatta would make initial visit Batavia. He granted my request for permission convey this message to Hatta through Roem.
[Page 381]Visited Anak Agung 5 p. m. He and 5 other BFO leaders friendly Republic proceeding unofficially Bangka 21st, returning 23rd. Said they desire impress upon Sukarno and Hatta importance Batavia negotiations succeeding for future all Indonesia and their confidence success can be achieved if Hatta will lend his direct support. They desire Hatta come Batavia not only to have contact with NethDel and UNCFI but also to dissipate concern among some BFO members that Republic unfriendly or likely endeavor dominate USI. Premier Pasun-dan will offer house near Buitenzorg to Hatta if he comes but prefers not reside Batavia. I said Anak Agung at liberty to tell Hatta personally I thought well advised come Batavia for consultations without changing head RepDel. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 347, April 21, 7 p. m., to The Hague.↩