501.BC Indonesia/6–1349: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State 1
531. Gocus 724. Ultimate paragraph Gocus 723.2 Van Royen came my quarters evening 11th to meet with Roem, Sultan Jogja, Sastroamidjojo and Leimena. Van Royen opposed strongly Republican idea of “leaving door slightly open” to amend three Committee Two documents after return to Jogja if Hatta might finds [find on?] visit absolutely necessary to meet TNI requirements. He insisted documents should be completed and formalized UNCFI before evacuation Netherlands military. He contended his government should then have privilege revealing these documents to Parliament. Republicans argued this would seriously prejudice acceptance thereof at Jogja since they would be publicized and criticized several days in advance of possible consideration by Republican parliamentary group and military leaders brought in from field. While convinced Hatta could get necessary support [Page 425] if matter handled properly, Republicans said Batavia decisions should not be presented as accomplished fact.
I commented that three documents are largely on political level, should be acceptable because of general and fair character and advanced idea that almost anything TNI advisors might have to say would likely fit in field manual for military both sides. Van Royen willing consider such idea but firmly against any subsequent amendments to three documents after formalized in UNCFI. Said he would visit Hatta if Republicans desired but could not change his position on this point or on revealing agreements to Netherlands Parliament. I observed that if documents formalized in UNCFI, they would be subject to UNCFI rules procedure re disclosure. I was confident UNCFI would only approve of public revelation of terms of documents simultaneously by parties or by UNCFI at time fixed by both parties. Question of Netherlands military providing arms for 600 Sultan’s police taken under advisement by Van Royen.
Met 8 p. m. 12th with Herremans, Critchley, Hamid and Anak Agung to consider invitation that would bring into UNCFI discussions representatives from Indonesian areas other than Republican. Three UNCFI representatives working today on text invitation which would not by-pass BFO but would still draw in representatives of areas other than Republic without constituting recognition of BFO as party to Indonesian dispute before SC.
Roem and Leimena came 9:30 p. m. after return from Bangka. Roem said no purpose Van Royen visiting Hatta unless willing reach gentlemen’s agreement with latter whereunder TNI would have something to say on three documents after return Jogja. Hatta unwilling follow “take it or leave it” tactics with TNI. Similarly he opposes revelation documents until they may be announced simultaneously at Hague and Jogja when Republican Government returns. Roem said had understanding with Van Royen he was to see him 13th re conditions for Hague Conference. In answer my question, said had cleared everything with Hatta re conditions Hague Conference but point of UNCFI’s role remained to be settled with Netherlands. I reminded Roem I had set forth clearly my views on this (Gocus 723). He was confident this matter could be adjusted amicably with Van Royen.
I suggested Roem make definite appointment at once with Van Royen and that he should let Van Royen know Hatta was agreeable to three documents in present form with only one or two minor alterations subject to “door being left slightly open” for TNI. I told Roem he should to [let?] Van Royen reveal his formula, unannounced to me, for determining UNCFI role and clearing document on plans for [Page 426] Hague Conference. He should then report Hatta’s feelings re leaving opportunity for TNI technical views to be considered and re simultaneous revelation formalized documents after government restored Jogja. I reminded Roem of Van Royen’s difficult position and insisted they should both continue work in spirit mutual confidence that has marked their relations to date. Roem phoned Van Royen from my quarters and made appointment for 10:30 a. m. Monday.
UNCFI representatives met this morning on draft invitation for representatives outside Republic. Hamid came see me immediately afterwards to state having difficulty with Mansur in keeping [apparent garble] out and group considering asking Hatta receive seven BFO leaders Bangka 15th to discuss question. I asked Hamid to come with Anak Agung 4 p. m. today to see with UNCFI representative whether UNCFI draft invitation would meet BFO situation.
Received Van Royen his request 11:30 a. m. He said Roem had just visited him and Republicans had not weakened any as result visit Hatta from position assumed night 11th herein above-mentioned. Van Royen expressed conviction Republicans felt they could not count on TNI. I said failure get TNI advisors here not necessarily due such reason but might partially be attributed to difficulty and risk traveling through Netherlands lines, objection of Netherlands to TNI advisors proceed Batavia from Jogja in uniform and insignia, et cetera Van Royen said BepDel should not be excused from keeping commitments because of inability control TNI. I reminded him Sassen and Stikker had used some same argument that Republic could not control TNI when mission broke off promising negotiations last fall and resorted to second police action. I said Republicans had suffered seriously through second police action and we had all realized from time SC Resolution January 28 that risk would be involved in attempting restore Jogja, et cetera. I complimented him on manner in which he had conducted negotiations and pictured great confidence which Republicans have in him. I recalled advice given him on our first meeting here to effect that we would have many disappointments in dealing with [apparent garble] since they do not always think along our lines and are in such comparatively weak position when it comes to making binding commitments that can be implemented.
Van Royen urged me talk alone again with Roem and associates and see if I could get them meet his position. I asked whether (1) he would agree to advice TNI advisors, when obtained, being placed in field manual; (2) he would agree restoration Jogja on formalizing three Committee Two documents in present form or as may be modified immediate future by RepDel and NethDel; and (3) he would see no publicity given documents so formalized until Republican Government [Page 427] restored Jogja in position present documents to Parliament. I asked further whether necessary he submit any amendments to three documents before considering them final from Netherlands side. He said he would and amendments would cover some serious points. Re my questions, he said there had been no undertaking on his part keep terms confidential and promise had been made Netherlands Parliament they would see agreement. I suggested terms might be made known confidentially to Parliament committee as had been gentlemen’s agreement on Hatta risking government in support policy decided Batavia discussions. Van Royen indicated willingness recommend documents be seen only in closed session Parliament as whole, provided I could get Republicans agree final approval three documents Batavia discussions. I stressed danger being overly formalistic and risk we would all incur if oblige Republicans act in any way other than that which they thought most likely obtain support TNI. He properly pointed out we could not leave too many loose ends to be tied up Jogja. I hope see Roem later today for frank discussion. Signed Cochran.