501.BC Indonesia/12–149: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Beam) to the Secretary of State
953. Gocus 830. At reception given by HRC last evening for Ministers Stikker and Schaik, NethDel and RepubDel, I had opportunity speaking with Stikker who said he had so far had no formal talks with Repubs but would proceed today to Jogja to meet with top leaders. He said object trip was to reassure himself on probabilities law and order Indonesia so that he might be able to report to Parliamentary commissions Hague. In view probable debate on RTC ratification on December 5 in Hague, he is returning Saturday but Schaik will remain in Indonesia until mid December.
Stikker said he thought Second Chamber approval RTC was “almost sure” but said it should be borne in mind that First Chamber approval also necessary and he less confident favorable action by First Chamber although he did not seem seriously to doubt this. I did not discuss [Page 579] this latter point with Stikker but spoke later with Gieben who said he thought First Chamber approval might be difficult to secure but that there was no doubt in his mind as to favorable action. Gieben mentioned over-riding influence which Crown could exert if necessary on First Chamber, adding that it was known that Queen Juliana desired Parliamentary approval re RTC agreements.
Simatupang, acting Chief Staff TNI, in press interview Batavia last evening stated six battalions of TNI troops and military police would be used to maintain law and order Batavia as of sovereignty transfer date. He told press these Batavia troops would not come under command of West Java commander but would be directly under orders High Command Jogja, in view “special status” Batavia as capital RIS. Signed Dow.
Department pass Hague.1
- This was done the same day.↩