501.BC Indonesia/4–2549: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
372. Gocus 672. Told Van Royen this morning of points on which he would find Hatta particularly concerned. Both lunched with me. Made USDel quarters available for their private conversation which lasted two and one-half hours. They jointly told me thereafter had made much progress in understanding each other’s position. Were confident they could reach agreement if two or three major problems solved. Each promised help find formula. Hatta to let Van Royen know when further talks desired. Tendency will be to avoid formal UNCFI meetings for present. Personal relationship between Hatta and Van Royen promises to be entirely cordial.
Van Royen phoned half hour after meeting broke up to give certain details. Said he and Hatta entirely in accord agreement must be reached soonest since only Communist benefit from delay and further deterioration situation. Said difficulties center principally on Hatta giving “binding agreement” on cease-fire and round table and on withdrawals envisaged paragraph 4 (F) SC resolution. Hatta willing give personal assurances. Van Royen thought these might be acceptable if formalized through UNCFI. He will sound out his government on acceptability and Hatta think over possibility such procedure. On 4(F) Van Royen told Hatta could insist to Indonesians SC stands by resolution January 28 including 4(F) but should not ask Van Royen give statement thereon. Is willing however assure Hatta no more negaras will be carved out former Republican territory. Hatta sought promise on restoration Jogja residency. Van Royen would make no promise beyond Jogja and immediate environs for initial step but suggested arrangement for extending Republican control might be worked out as counterpart to Netherlands having transit rights through Jogja and restored Republican territory. Van Royen desires technical-assistants of two parties get together soonest and also consider setting up joint investigating committee to proceed Jogja. Asked me see that well-balanced group military observers chosen to assist.
Hatta told Van Royen RepDel reply being made Netherland’s working paper. Said not be worried over seemingly stiff position on two or three points but Hatta obliged assert this. Van Royen and I have not yet seen reply. He thought Hatta’s attempt soften impact thereof indicates desire his part be reasonable but would regret if Rep Del [Page 388] is making off record reply which will so entrench position as to slow up progress.
Usgoc 3532 decoded only today after difficulties transmission (also reference Delhi’s 444, to Department2). Point 14 Netherlands’ working paper (Gocus 6673) should take care food, textile, medicine and fuel situation Jogja. Understand Netherlands military forces have distributed supplies in areas under their control. Prior having any knowledge efforts borrow abroad, I advised Republicans look to Netherlands sources for relief. I have opposed idea any foreign loan to Republic as such. Favor International Red Cross and similar agencies working with Netherlands and Republican officials to alleviate suffering. Recommend against any international borrowing prior formation USI. Signed Cochran.