501.BC Indonesia/5–149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
394. Gocus 680. Van Royen came noon 30th, remained 1 hour. NethDel has studied drafts I gave him 29th. He stated they were suggesting [Page 394] some amendments thereto and preparing some drafts of their own all of which he hoped show me Sunday.
With reference my formula, he insisted he could not weaken on this as Roem requested. Said it was less than “ratification” formula which I had suggested at opening UNCFI meeting. He was not sure how it would be received by his government but was willing submit it as it stands and attempt influence his government accept it, supplemented by oral assurances of Hatta, Sukarno and Roem.
Reference sections Leimena’s plan regarding connection between restored government Jogja and Republic territory outside Jogja area, Van Royen said his delegation agreed unanimously with him they could not consider this subject at present stage. They insisted this beyond scope March 23 directive and opens up whole matter paragraph 4 (F) SC resolution January 28 which he stated he could not possibly discuss. Consequently his people not drafting on this section. I told him I had studied documentation thereon but since his group did not see fit to draft thereon I would not. I preferred leave it to NethDel to state their position directly to RepDel on this contentious part Leimena’s draft.
Confirmed we should meet 11 a.m. Sunday to go over draft material and have as much reconciliation on views as possible between Van Royen and Roem. Van Royen would favor Roem taking any draft material to Bangka. He thinks we should urge however that Hatta return from Bangka to Batavia on Monday with Roem. Van Royeir pointed out important topics on which Roem has assumed position different from that which Hatta had taken in talking with either Van Royen or me. Subject on which this most seriously occurred was extent Republic administration should be restored. Hatta had told me that if residency Jogja restored initially he would not ask any further restoration thru UNCFI recommendations or otherwise during Batavia and Hague conference. Van Royen had been given by Hatta impression regarding status desired for Republic civil servants presently in areas occupied by Netherlands in conflict with Roem position set forth in Leimena plan. Van Royen insists essential get Hatta here and two of us have direct and decisive talks with him on 4 or 5 main points of difference. He said Hatta had agreed with him when here as to identity these points. He had not included much of material set forth in Leimena plan presented too late for any discussion thereof by Hatta on his visit. Van Royen feels that if we can get these few points adjusted with Hatta himself technical groups should be able work out any arrangements necessary. He is especially anxious we should set up investigating committee to send Jogja soonest.
[Page 395]Referring story Sultan approached from Netherlands sources view to taking over matters law and order Jogja residency, Van Royen said possible one or more approaches may have been made to Sultan some weeks ago when Netherlands officials Batavia hoped a daerah might be formed out of that area. Said Stock had resigned and doubted there had been any approach to Sultan with approbations Batavia officials in sense RepDel indicated.
To my inquiry regarding territory Republic Government may have on initial restoration, Van Royen thought he should not go beyond city and immediate environs. Said Roem had shown too great proclivity take everything which we have handed him as basis for bargaining including formula which I had drawn up in consultation with Hatta. Said he had been favorably impressed by Sultan’s approach and if RepDel would respond in promising manner on my formula and refrain from insisting on 4 (F) arguments, he might be able go beyond limited area prescribed by SC directive. He thought maximum limit possible would be residency as whole and this could be only by steps and provided things go well in area initially restored.
Van Royen said Hatta figured 2 weeks required after government returns Jogja to have necessary meetings and take decisions on ceasefire, Hague conference, etc. He thought after third week should be possible for his group proceed Hague. Signed Cochran.
- Repeated in telegram 381, April 25, 6 p. m., to The Hague.↩