Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 11: Australia & Indonesia’s Independence, 1947

1. BALLARD TO EVATT: 6 January 1947; ‘Dispatch 1/1947 BATAVIA, 6 January 1947 SECRET I have the honour to trace, in roughly chronological sequence, the development of political feeling and events in this area since the departure of the British forces. References to the Den Pasar Conference [1] are incorporated here solely for the sake of continuity...’
2. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 8 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 3 CANBERRA, 8 January 1947, 12.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET REPRESENTATION IN THE N.E.I. Acting ‘by direction of his Government’, Netherlands Minister has informed us that no official standing can be granted any longer to any representatives formerly accredited with A.F.N.E.I.; that his Government expects that we ‘will withdraw the...’
3. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 8 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 5 CANBERRA, 8 January 1947 SECRET Your telegram No.1. [1] The Netherlands Minister called this morning to enquire whether Australia had recognised Mr. C. H. Campbell as Trade Commissioner in Australia of the Republic of Indonesia. The Minister was informed that no request for Campbell’s recognition as such had...’
4. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 5 BATAVIA, 9 January 1947 SECRET Your telegram No.3. [1] 1.(a) British Consul-General informs me that the United Kingdom Government made an application for an exequatur for him about April last; that owing to existence of Allied Military Administration at the time, matter was not proceeded with; he assumes...’
5. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 30 January 1947; ‘Cablegram 15 CANBERRA, 30 January 1947 SECRET Our 12. Representation at Batavia. Please approach Foreign Office seeking provisional recognition of Bertram Charles Ballard as Consul-General at Batavia with jurisdiction in Netherlands East Indies. London has been asked to submit Commission to Palace for signature and to forward for Counter-signature by...’
6. BALLARD TO EVATT: 31 January 1947; ‘Dispatch 5/1947 BATAVIA, 31 January 1947 SECRET I have the honour to give hereunder a survey of happenings in Indonesia during the month of January. 2. NEGOTIATIONS. The Commission-General returned to Batavia on the 9th of January and although they issued no statement, their return and the prospect of an...’
7. BALLARD TO EVATT: 26 February 1947; ‘Dispatch 6/1947 BATAVIA, 26 February 1947 SECRET I have the honour to report that another month is drawing to a close without the Dutch-Indonesian agreement having been signed. To judge from the public statements made by each side, a deadlock has been reached, but there is a little evidence that...’
8. KELLY TO BURTON: 10 March 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 10 March 1947 Mr. C. H. Campbell Mr. Campbell, appointed by the de facto Government of the Republic of Indonesia to act as its Trade Commissioner in Australia, seeks permission to proceed from Australia to Java in the next ship embarking Indonesians for repatriation. [1] 2. Mr. Campbell...’
9. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 10 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 286 CANBERRA, 10 March 1947 SECRET We are very much concerned at the delay in reaching final agreement between the Netherlands Government and the Indonesian authorities. You will have received the comment of the Minister in the House that a heavy responsibility will be placed on whichever party causes...’
10. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 350 WASHINGTON, 11 March 1947, 7.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Your telegram 286 of 10th March [1] was undecipherable until today 11th. Minister this evening saw Lacy acting chief of Division of Southeast Asian Affairs State Department. Lacy said that U.S. representative in N.E.I. Foote had telegraphed that National...’
11. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 354 WASHINGTON, 12 March 1947, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Your telegram 286 and our 350 of 11th March. [1] Minister today again saw acting chief Division of Southeast Asian Affairs and also Morgan acting chief of Division of North European Affairs. They said that they had today had...’
12. EVATT TO KILLEARN: 16 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 122 [1] CANBERRA, 16 March 1947, 11 a.m. SECRET I would greatly appreciate your personal assessment of present position in Java, reasons for failure to conclude agreement, extent and effect of blockade and any facts which you consider would help me to judge the present position. Regards. _ 1...’
13. NOTE FOR FILE BY KELLY: 19 March 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 19 March 1947 CHERIBON AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS I have received word that the Dutch Government has at last authorised the Netherlands Commission-General in the Indies to sign the Cheribon Agreement. [1] Hitherto, the Dutch have insisted that their interpretation of the agreement should be accepted by the Indonesians. Without agreeing...’
14. KILLEARN TO EVATT: 19 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 147 [1] SINGAPORE, 19 March 1947, 11.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Massey has given me your message saying that you would appreciate a personal assessment of the present position in Java. [2] The position is that signature of Linggadjati is once more tottering on the brink. On March 15th...’
15. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 20 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 38 CANBERRA, 20 March 1947, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please inform Sjahrir in confidence that we are considering what would be the most appropriate form of Australian representation in the area in which the Republic exercises de facto authority. Has Sjahrir any suggestions to make concerning Australian representation in...’
16. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 57 BATAVIA, 25 March 1947, 11.40 p.m. Received [26] SECRET The Agreement was signed this afternoon at 1730. [1] _ 1 The text of the Linggadjati Agreement is given in Appendix I. _ [AA:A1838/283, 403/3/1/1, v] ’
17. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 26 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 43 CANBERRA, 26 March 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 4[5]. [1] We assume that the Dutch will not actively oppose the repatriation of Indonesians in H.M.A.S. Manoora. For our part we cannot agree that the Manoora should visit a Dutch-controlled port before proceeding to Cheribon. We desire this repatriation movement...’
18. CAMPBELL TO EVATT: 26 March 1947; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 26 March 1947 Now that the agreement between the Republic of Indonesia and the Netherlands has been signed by both Governments, I desire to officially present to you at your earliest convenience my credentials as Indonesian Trade Commissioner in Australia. Needless to say I have not been idle...’
19. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 28 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 46 CANBERRA, 28 March 1947 SECRET It would greatly assist in moving shipping if Sjahrir made a statement to the effect that he was anxious for trade between Australian ports and Java to commence as soon as possible to supply goods urgently needed in Java, and to send to...’
20. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 62 BATAVIA, 29 March 1947, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 38 [1] and 45. [2] 1. Sjahrir has not been available until today. 2. Representation. Sjahrir considered that Australian representation with the Republic would be most effectively carried out by a representative living at Djokjakarta. His functions would...’
21. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 March 1947; ‘Cablegram 64 BATAVIA, 30 March 1947, 7.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 46. [1] _I have conveyed the substance of your paragraph 1 to Sjahrir. He said that Van Mook had proposed to him that they should make a joint statement to that effect in order to expedite the bringing...’
22. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 31 March 1947; ‘Submission CANBERRA, 31 March 1947 INDONESIA The Cheribon Agreement leaves for discussion between the Indonesians and the Dutch questions of foreign affairs and representation and of trade and economic arrangements. In order to obtain initiative it is necessary to develop much closer contact with the Republican authorities, and this should...’
23. BURTON TO MOODIE: 4 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 101 CANBERRA, 4 April 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL 1. It is desired you immediately seek out Sjahrir, Premier of Indonesian Republic, whom we understand is at present visiting India and go to him wherever he might be and talk to him without leaving any note along the lines...’
24. MOODIE TO BURTON: 7 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 191 NEW DELHI, 7 April 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Further to my telegram 190 [1], I had half hour’s private interview with Sjahrir on afternoon 5th April and delivered message on lines you indicated. Sjahrir listened quietly and intently and at end expressed instant appreciation of our proposals, which...’
25. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 8 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 54 CANBERRA, 8 April 1947 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. It is proposed to enter into early discussions in Java with Indonesians and, so far as necessary, with Dutch also, on questions of trade, shipping and representation. 2. Immediately following telegrams contain: (a) Text of message conveyed by Moodie to...’
26. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 8 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 57 CANBERRA, 8 April 1947, 4.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET (c) Proposed discussions on questions of trade, shipping and representation. [1] 1. Discussions will be exploratory, but if they develop favourably we would hope to reach definite conclusions and arrangements without delay. All proposals and commitments will of course...’
27. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 80 BATAVIA, 10 April 1947, 8.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram January 26th. My telegram 79. [1] I have just seen Van Mook to whom I spoke on the lines of your paragraph 4. The acting head of the Foreign Office, Doctor Boon, was also present. 2....’
28. OFFICER TO EVATT: 11 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 50 THE HAGUE, 11 April 1947, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL The Minister for Foreign Affairs sent for me today and told me that Van Mook had informed him of Ballard’s advice and that [we] wish to send trade, shipping etc. mission to the Netherlands East Indies. 2. Van...’
29. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag [1] 51 THE HAGUE, 13 April 1947, 6.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your telegrams 36 and 37. [2] Last night Van Vredenburch, Head of Political Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked me to meet him early this morning, April 13th. He informed me advice had been...’
30. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 14 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 38 CANBERRA, 14 April 1947 Your 51. [1] 1. Announced here today and supported by Ballard that important progress towards finality has now been made in Dutch-Indonesian negotiations on trade arrangements and that both parties had decided on appeal to Australian waterside workers to lift ban. In view of...’
31. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 14 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 63 CANBERRA, 14 April 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET For your own background information solely. Officer reports that Netherlands Government regrets it cannot at present authorise issue of visas, and feels time is inopportune for discussions by N.E.I. authorities with third parties. 2. Netherlands Legation in Canberra will not...’
32. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 52 THE HAGUE, 14 April 1947, 7.09 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference your telegram 38. [1] 1. I called on Van Vredenburch today and again strongly urged along the lines contained in your telegram 38 that the decision concerning the visas should be reconsidered. 2. I was advised...’
33. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 54 THE HAGUE, 15 April 1947, 7.52 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 53. [1] I have just discussed the matter thoroughly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2. The latter emphasized that visas have not been refused but are not yet authorised. There would be no objection to...’
34. OFFICER TO BURTON: 15 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 55 THE HAGUE, 15 April 1947, 9.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Reference my immediately preceding telegram 54. [1] I have just returned from a weekend in the Ruhr and Limburg during which I was in touch with Landale by telephone. 2. You have to appreciate that the Netherlands...’
35. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER AND BALLARD: 16 April 1947; ‘Cablegrams 40, 65 CANBERRA, 16 April 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE You have had authority to issue diplomatic and official visas without reference to Canberra. Please regard this authority as suspended in relation to Netherlands nationals or employees. Until further notice all such applications must be referred to us. _ _ [AA:A1838/2,...’
36. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 16 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 41 CANBERRA, 16 April 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 54. [1] 1. We have regarded your previous telegrams as refusal by Dutch to grant visas to Australian officials. As we have already indicated, we regard it as most serious and we have therefore instructed you and Ballard to refer...’
37. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 17 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 44 CANBERRA, 17 April 1947, 5.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your 61. [1] 1. As request for agreement has not been considered, question does not arise. 2. You will see from our telegrams that we regard seriously the attitude the Dutch have taken on the proposed visit of officials. Your...’
38. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 18 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 70 CANBERRA, 18 April, 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We learn from Officer that our request for visas has been favourably received on the basis of an arrangement suggested by Foreign Minister at The Hague for officials to go to Batavia as unostentatiously as possible and one by one. However,...’
39. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 18 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 45 CANBERRA, 18 April, 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Legation here has returned passports for four mentioned persons [1] stating visas cannot be issued without authorisation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which authorisation has not been received. Except for Soviet, this is the first occasion in the history of the Department...’
40. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 99 BATAVIA, 21 April 1947, 12.05 a.m. Received 21 April MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I have been informed by telephone by the Palace tonight that following receipt of a message from The Hague the Netherlands East Indies Administration has tonight instructed the Netherlands Legation, Canberra, to inform you that visas...’
41. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 21 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 46 CANBERRA, 21 April 1947, 6.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE We have been informed from Batavia that the local Administration has agreed to granting visas to two Commercial Attaches to the Consulate-General. Carne and Hetherington will reach Batavia Tuesday or Wednesday. When visas are actually issued, we will send messages...’
42. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 218 SINGAPORE, 22 April 1947, 7.26 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 217. [1] Interviewed Vigeveno who hopes to give visas for Carne and Hetherington tonight or tomorrow. He was authorized to give visas for permanent attache’s to Ballard and would not issue same to Carne and Hetherington pending further...’
43. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 23 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 80 CANBERRA, 23 April 1947, 6.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Understand that Davidson of firm of Australian Enterprises [1] which we previously mentioned to you is flying to Java on the understanding that Campbell has made some arrangements which would make it possible for Davidson to arrange trade with Australia....’
44. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 April 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 66 THE HAGUE, 23 April 1947, 1.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 46 [1] and 47. [2] I had been asked prior to their receipt to call at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last evening and was informed of the granting of the two visas and that- (a)...’
45. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 28 April 1947; ‘Cablegram 86 CANBERRA, 28 April 1947, 4.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Netherlands Legation advise us that there is no objection to visits by Richardson and Forsyth. Visas will be issued in Canberra. Legation requests that Richardson and Forsyth proceed separately, and this will be done. Will advise movements later, but...’
46. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 113 BATAVIA, 4 May 1947, 2.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 89. [1] Negotiations. Contact has now been made and preliminary discussions held with both Dutch and Indonesian Departments. Reception has been cordial in both quarters. A call was made on Van Mook who was quite amiable though no...’
47. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 114 BATAVIA, 4 May 1947 Your telegram No.80. [1] I have seen Sjahrir since his return and got from him (and from Gani also) an assurance that they have not entered into negotiations or made arrangements with Campbell. I made all the points you mention. Sjahrir said he thought...’
48. LLOYD TO BAILEY: 7 May 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 7 May 1947 MOST SECRET REPORTED PROJECTED TRADING COMPANY TO REPRESENT THE INDONESIAN REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT, IN AUSTRALIA The attached Most Secret report received from Sydney Office is forwarded for your perusal and suggested reference, through you, to the Department of External Affairs and the Department of Commerce and...’
49. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 123 BATAVIA, 9 May 1947, 1.30 p.m. Received 9 May 1947, SECRET Carne, Hetherington have discussed with Van Hoogstraten proposals in my telegram 113. [1] He stated that the Indonesians made three conditions for the lifting of the ban on Dutch shipping-namely:- 1. The Indonesians to have satisfactory share...’
50. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 124 BATAVIA, 9 May 1947, 5.15 p.m. SECRET We saw Sjahrir this morning and had a general discussion on the shipping ban. 2. His first observation was that he was now ‘very cautious’ in this matter which turned out to mean that he did not think it proper for...’
51. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD AND FORSYTH: 10 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 103 CANBERRA, 10 May 1947 TOP SECRET Reference our 46. [1] 1. It is reported that Roach, Waterside Workers Federation, is leaving Australia on 10th May for Indonesian Trade Union Congress. [2] Also reported Thornton leaving. 2. You must appreciate possibility that, for his own purposes, Roach may do...’
52. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 125 BATAVIA, 10 May 1947, 3.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We talked to Gani yesterday evening. He had, meanwhile, learned Sjahrir’s views reported in my telegram 124. [1] He had also been in touch with Van Hoogstraten and said that the latter was agreeable to a joint discussion with...’
53. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 126 BATAVIA, 11 May 1947, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET On Saturday afternoon we had discussion at the Consulate-General with Gani and Van Hoogstraten. The latter was accompanied by two senior officials. 2. Van Hoogstraten said that his Government was willing to join the Republic in a joint request to...’
54. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 12 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 128 BATAVIA, 12 May 1947, 3.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET In conversation with Dr. Oesman Sastroamijoyo, who is acting Chief of the Diplomatic and Consular Section of Indonesian Foreign Office and specially attached to Sjahrir, it appeared that the Indonesians would welcome an opportunity to send a small party...’
55. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 130 BATAVIA, 13 May 1947, 6.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Gani and Hoogstraten contacted separately say their talk Monday was satisfactory. Agreement not yet signed pending conclusions on details of division of goods, amount of rice to be supplied in return, and prices. This will take a few days. 2....’
56. FORSYTH TO BURTON: 14 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 133 BATAVIA, 14 May 1947, 5.50 p.m. SECRET The Indonesian Foreign Office were very favourable to me making a brief and entirely informal visit to Djokjakarta and wished to arrange this. Ballard and I, on Monday, approached Schuurman and requested the Dutch concur in an informal visit during which...’
57. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 15 May 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 56 CANBERRA, 15 May 1947, 4.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Forsyth reports that he was invited by Republican officials to visit Djokjakarta. Van Mook refused permission. This is in spite of the fact that two members of the British Consulate-General paid a visit to Djokjakarta. [1] 2. You...’
58. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 134 BATAVIA, 15 May 1947, 12.25 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram 110. [1] We had already discussed Roach and Healy informally with the Indonesian Foreign Office and secured that they would be informally requested by Sjahrir not to make any statements which might prejudice the successful outcome of our...’
59. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 140 BATAVIA, 17 May 1947, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET This afternoon Saturday Van Hoogstraten informed Forsyth that he had received instructions from The Hague not to agree on message or conditions concerning the ban until after the Trades Union Conference at Malang and until after details of the...’
60. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 141 BATAVIA, 18 May 1947, 10.40 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET Further to my telegram 140. [1] We saw Sjahrir on Saturday night. He expressed surprise when we informed him of Van Hoogstraten’s new attitude, which he had not known, although he and Gani had spent the whole morning...’
61. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 19 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 117 CANBERRA, 19 May 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET It is desired that you should not have any discussions whatever with Campbell, Roach, or Healy. _ _ [AA:A1838/278, 401/1/3/2, ii] ’
62. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 144 BATAVIA, 19 May 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Following is an appreciation of the present situation in Indonesia. [1] The Dutch-Indonesian negotiations on implementation of the political and economic provisions of Linggadjati reached a deadlock about a fortnight ago. Since then there have been ups and downs in...’
63. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 145 BATAVIA, 20 May 1947, 11.58 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE We have endeavoured to secure interview with Van Mook to urge the case for earliest agreement on joint message but he is fully engaged on matters set out in my telegram 144. [1] We therefore saw Schuurman and Boon this...’
64. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 148 BATAVIA, 21 May 1947, 6.50 p.m. SECRET Schuurman and Boon today inform us that as a result of our talk with them reported in my telegram 145 [1], the question of the ban was considered yesterday afternoon by Beel, Jonkman, Van Mook, Schermerhorn, Van Poll, Van Hoogstraten, Schuurman...’
65. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 151 BATAVIA, 23 May 1947, 1.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET We saw Gani yesterday and Van Hoogstraten this morning. The position is that agreement has been reached between them on the Dutch draft covering both the message and conditions (referred to as (A) and (B) in my telegram 148 [1])....’
66. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 154 BATAVIA, 24 May 1947, 1.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is text of letter to Ballard signed this morning: BEGINS: BATAVIA, Djakarta. 24th May. Sir, With reference to conversations you have recently had on the subject with the competent Netherlands Indies and Republican...’
67. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 24 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 127 CANBERRA, 24 May 1947, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 154. [1] 1. Message as at present drafted would not lead to most satisfactory results. Please take immediate steps to ensure no publicity and that it is not received as message but merely as draft. 2. Position is...’
68. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 156 BATAVIA, 25 May 1947, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 127 [1] and 128. [2] Before your telegrams were received the Dutch had last night Saturday, held a Press Conference and officially put out the news that a joint request to the Australian Government has been signed and...’
69. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 157 BATAVIA, 26 May 1947, 3.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram 106. [1] Dutch Far Eastern Office of Foreign Affairs have told Oesman and ourselves that there is no objection to the visit of Indonesian officials to Australia. Sjahrir has approved in principle. 2. Party would probably consist of...’
70. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 28 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 132 CANBERRA, 28 May 1947, 3.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please convey personally to Van Mook and to Sjahrir a message from the Minister that the Government congratulates each and expresses pleasure at the agreement to make a joint approach to the Australian Government. [1] The Australian Government has decided...’
71. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 May 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 84 THE HAGUE, 29 May 1947, 7.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Since the return of the Prime Minister and Minister for Overseas Territories last Tuesday [1], the Press has been full of reports and conjectures generally that important decisions would be taken immediately. it seems that many who...’
72. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 162 BATAVIA, 30 May 1947 SECRET 1. On 28th May Van Mook asked the United Kingdom Consul-General to see him. After saying rather plaintively that reports had apparently been going to various governments virtually to the effect that the Dutch were contemplating military action here, he told him of...’
73. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1947; ‘Cablegram 163 BATAVIA, 30 May 1947, 6.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 162. [1] Although Linggadjati Agreement confirms the sovereignty of the Netherlands during the transitional period the Republic wants to continue its international adventures which are based on political relations with certain Asiatics (mainly India and Egypt) and with...’
74. SJAHRIR TO CHIFLEY: 30 May 1947; ‘Letter DJAKARTA, 30 May 1947 In the course of recent history the relations between Australia and Indonesia have demonstrated a marked tendency to become closer and closer. This development has been partly due to the fact of our neighbourliness which has the effect of linking the destinies of our respective...’
75. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 702 WASHINGTON, 2 June 1947, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 626. [1] State Department confirm that they asked Netherlands’ authorities at Hague some weeks ago to notify Indonesian officials of United States decision to extend de facto recognition. [2] They state Sjahrir referred to this in a recent...’
76. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 88 THE HAGUE, 4 June 1947, 6.20 p.m. TOP SECRET Indonesia. My telegrams 84 [1] and 86. [2] The position here seems that the Government have decided that the present state of impasse must be ended but do not know what to do if the Republican Government fail...’
77. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 5 June 1947; ‘Cablegram D499 LONDON, 5 June 1947, 9.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram 4th June D.492. [1] Indonesia. The Dutch have now requested me [2] to use our good offices in representing to the Indonesians the desirability of accepting in substance the Dutch proposals of 27th May. They are making similar approach...’
78. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 7 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 142 CANBERRA, 7 June 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 157 [1] and our 135. [2] Massey now advises that Dr. Utoyo, Indonesian Secretary General, has requested him to arrange facilities for visit to Australia of Saroso, Usman and Wibowo. Your 157 indicated that Dutch Far Eastern Office of Foreign Affairs...’
79. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 9 June 1947; ‘Cablegram D511 LONDON, 9 June 1947, 11 p.m. SECRET My telegram 5th June D NO. 499. [1] INDONESIA The United Kingdom Consul-General, Batavia, visited Djokjakarta on June 7th and had extremely friendly and apparently successful secret interview with Dr. Soekarno at which Dr. Sjahrir was also present. 2. The United...’
80. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 173 BATAVIA, 10 June 1947, 3.35 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram 172. [1] The following is a summary: Introduction: The Government of the Republic bases its policy on Linggardjati Agreement and while noting with appreciation the declaration that such is also the policy of the Netherlands Government, it expects...’
81. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 89 THE HAGUE, 10 June 1947, 7.05 p.m. SECRET My telegram 88-Indonesia. [1] The Indonesian reply was published this morning. [2] It has no doubt been reported in the Australian press and I will send a copy by next bag. 2. Although the Dutch describe it as ‘disappointing’...’
82. KELLY TO BURTON: 11 June 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 11 June 1947 FUTURE OF DUTCH NEW GUINEA According to press reports, Indonesian Republican leaders appear to be pressing for the inclusion of Dutch New Guinea in the State of Eastern Indonesia and/or the United States of Indonesia [1], doubtless with the intention of incorporating Dutch New Guinea...’
83. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 178 BATAVIA, 14 June 1947 SECRET My telegram [174]. [1] Palace opinion (Van Mook and associates) has definitely hardened into regarding Indonesian reply as unsatisfactory, and Schermerhorn and Van Poll now understood to share the same view. Schermerhorn told U.K. Consul-General yesterday that though he had returned [2] prepared,...’
84. EVATT TO SJAHRIR: 17 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 151 [1] CANBERRA, 17 June 1947, 2.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE The Prime Minister and I are deeply impressed by your kind message sent through Dr. Oesman [2] and reciprocate your warm greetings. Please understand that if at any time our Government Offices can be further used they are entirely at...’
85. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 91 THE HAGUE, 16 June 1947, 4.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET INDONESIA My telegrams 88 and 89. [1] I discussed the situation this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Van Vredenburch, the Political Director. I found him very pessimistic and very much on the defensive. He...’
86. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 June 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 92 THE HAGUE, 16 June 1947, 6.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Indonesia. My immediately preceding telegram 91. [1] I think the situation is grave and that we may find ourselves faced at short notice by a Dutch decision to use force. I fear Van Mook has been persuaded...’
87. TONKIN TO MENZIES: 17 June 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 17 June 1947 TRADE WITH N.E.I. On Saturday morning, the 14th instant, Mr. Forsyth of the Department of External Affairs saw me with Dr. Oesman of the Indonesian Government who is here in Australia in an unofficial capacity in connection with trade. He has returned to Sydney to-day...’
88. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 17 June 1947; ‘Cablegram D534 LONDON, 17 June 1947, 9.54 p.m. SECRET My telegram 14th June D No. 525, Paragraph 5. [1] INDONESIA The Commissioner-General (Professor Schermerhorn) has informed the United Kingdom Consul-General, Batavia, that he has now reluctantly come round to the view held by the other Dutch officials at Batavia and...’
89. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 18 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 153 CANBERRA, 18 June 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Please convey following to Van Mook and Sjahrir and follow up urgently with Hoogstraten and Gani: As result of good offices of Australian Government in accordance with joint message from N.E.I. and Republican Governments, and with agreement of 24th May governing...’
90. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 154 CANBERRA, 19 June 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Please report action taken in respect of personal message to Sjahrir. [1] 2. Please follow up and inform Sjahrir that we have heard that it is intended by some other powers to offer their good offices [2] and we would...’
91. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 225 CANBERRA, 19 June 1947, 4.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL 1. Please see D.534. [1] Indonesia. 2. The course proposed by the United Kingdom, that of approaching United States with a view to a joint offer of good offices to the Netherlands and Indonesian authorities, should be amended....’
92. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 185 BATAVIA, 19 June 1947 SECRET Your telegram No.151. [1] Sjahrir returned to Batavia yesterday afternoon and I gave him the Minister’s message this morning. He was delighted with it and sends warm thanks. We had some conversation about the political situation, in the course of which he said...’
93. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 186 BATAVIA, 20 June 1947 SECRET My telegram No.185 [1] last paragraph. Tonight (Thursday) Sjahrir made a broadcast containing a lofty and powerful pl[ea] [2] for mutual trust and belief in sincerity of Republican negotiations, of which the following is a precis:- Since Linggardjati, atmosphere has deteriorated and distrust...’
94. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 187 BATAVIA, 20 June 1947, 1.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your tele 153. [1] Message has been conveyed and I have now discussed it with Schuurman and Van Hoogstraten on the Dutch side. 2. They assumed that the message meant that the ban had been removed in its entirety and...’
95. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 188 BATAVIA, 23 June 1947, 12.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Action on your telegram 154 [1] was delayed owing to my absence at Sourabaya meeting Mr. Calwell. [2] 2. Since my return, I have discussed developments in the meantime with the United Kingdom Consul-General and have seen numerous telegrams...’
96. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 23 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 204 LONDON, 23 June 1947, 12.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 225. [1] INDONESIA I asked McNeil why Australia had not been included with the United States in the proposal to mediate between the Netherlands Government and the Indonesian Republic, particularly in view of our recent successful contacts with both...’
97. ADDISON TO BEASLEY: 24 June 1947; ‘Letter LONDON, 24 June 1947 SECRET INDONESIA As the Minister of State and I promised at Friday’s High Commissioners’ meeting we have looked into the question of the extent to which the Australian Government was taken into our confidence before our recent approach to Mr. Marshall in connection with Indonesia....’
98. FORSYTH TO EVATT: 25 June 1947; ‘Submission CANBERRA, 25 June 1947 INFORMAL INDONESIAN REPRESENTATION IN AUSTRALIA Dr. Oesman’s visit is providing good opportunities for exchange of information and development of informal contacts with the Indonesian Republican administration. From a long-term viewpoint, as well as for the settlement of some immediate matters, it appears desirable to develop...’
99. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD AND OFFICER: 26 June 1947; ‘Cablegrams 168, 74 CANBERRA, 26 June 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Van Holst Pellekaan called today stating that he had been sent from Batavia because of doubts in the minds of Dutch authorities arising from comments made by the Waterside Workers as to whether in fact the Dutch ship, if sent,...’
100. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 199 BATAVIA, 27 June 1947 SECRET Press and radio reports received from Djokjakarta today announce that Sjahrir has tendered his resignation following resolution of left wing parties (including his own socialist party) disagreeing with his recent compromises. Information so far is meagre and unconfirmed but position appears to be...’
101. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 200 BATAVIA, 28 June 1947, 12.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is summary of Republican reply signed by Soekarno. 1. Owing to the resignation of Sjahrir Cabinet, Soekarno assumed powers of Government from June 27th. 2. From the aide-memoire of June 23rd [1] the Republic notes the Netherlands intention to...’
102. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 201 BATAVIA, 28 June 1947 SECRET My telegram 200. [1] Palace opinion regards Indonesian reply as unsatisfactory. Understand matter has been referred to The Hague with a recommendation that strong action be taken forthwith. _ 1 Document 101. _ [AA:A4355/2, 7/1/6/i] ’
103. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 202 BATAVIA, 29 June 1947 SECRET Today Sunday the position seems a little less tense. Secretary of Indonesian delegation, who brought the Indonesian reply to Batavia, has seen Van Mook and has followed up the reply with a verbal communication to the effect that Soekarno is not departing from...’
104. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1947; ‘Cablegram 204 BATAVIA, 30 June 1947 TOP SECRET Schermerhorn most confidentially confirmed to United Kingdom Consul-General yesterday that the threat of war has been averted for the present but that it would be foolish to imagine that the crisis is over. United States Consul-General has communicated to Indonesian Government an...’
105. BURTON TO WHEELER: 2 July 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 2 July 1947 INDONESIA U.S.A. Offer I attach for your information a copy of a telegram received from Batavia giving the text of a note presented by the American Consul-General at Batavia to the Indonesian Government. [1] You will observe that, in the final paragraph, the United States...’
106. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 209 BATAVIA, 2 July 1947, 12.24 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 208. [1] On the instructions of Netherlands Government I have the honour to convey to your Excellency the following observations concerning your answer of 27th June [2] to the aide-memoire of the Netherlands Government of 23rd of this...’
107. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 102 THE HAGUE, 2 July 1947, 12.16 p.m. Indonesia. My telegram 97. [1] Sjahrir’s resignation was followed by a flood of rumours and counter rumours here but the hot-heads have been kept in check and the Government seems decided to continue the discussions on the basis of Soekarno’s...’
108. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 216 BATAVIA, 8 July 1947, 11.48 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET The text of the Indonesian reply [1] dated July 5th (omitting instruction portion) is given in my immediately following telegram. [2] The local authorities consider it unsatisfactory and evasive and have so reported to The Hague whose instructions are now...’
109. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 217 BATAVIA, 8 July 1947, 11.50 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram 216. [1] As may appear already from our note of June 27th 1947 [2] the Government of the Republic have no objection that the Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands be a Member of the Interim Government...’
110. PRESS STATEMENT: 9 July 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 9 July 1947 NEW HOPE IN INDONESIA AUSTRALIA WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST The Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Evatt, stated today that the Australian Government welcomes reports that further progress has now been made towards a permanent settlement in Indonesia. The de facto authority of the Republic, on the...’
111. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 9 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 188 CANBERRA, 9 July 1947, 6 p.m. SECRET Your 219. [1] Immediately following telegram contains text of statement [2] issued by Minister today. This should be clearly understood as willingness to assist both parties. Ships are now loading from Australia. Oesman has been here without any embarrassment to the...’
112. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 220 BATAVIA, 9 July 1947, 11.40 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram 218. [1] Following is the text of the Republic appendix. Begins: 1. The Republic Government accept the de jure authority of the representative of the Crown in the interim government within the framework of the Netherlands de jure...’
113. RICHARDSON TO WHEELER: 9 July 1947; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 9 July 1947 PERSONAL I have read Dr. Burton’s memorandum about Indonesia [1] with considerable interest. For reasons well known to you, it is impracticable for me to pay another visit to that area in the near future. Nevertheless, I am really interested in the problems that exist...’
114. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 224 BATAVIA, 14 July 1947 SECRET 1. In spite of the narrowness of the gap between Dutch and Republican positions at the present time, there is still considerable uneasiness. 2. The Dutch are maintaining a very intransigent attitude and emphasising the necessity for acts showing the good faith of...’
115. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 15 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 91 CANBERRA, 15 July 1947, 3.10 p.m. SECRET Your 109. [1] The incomprehensible Dutch made formal protest yesterday at our offer to assist rehabilitation Indonesia. [2] If they think now there is measure agreement with Indonesia, which, incidentally, is largely due to United Kingdom, United States of America, Australian...’
116. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 16 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 181 CANBERRA, 16 July 1947, 4.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET We are greatly concerned at deterioration in Indonesian situation during last few days. We have watched negotiations carefully and patience of Republican authorities in the face of provocation. Your reports confirm that recently it was the Republican authorities that...’
117. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 16 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 255 CANBERRA, 16 July 1947, 4 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Please see No.181 to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations regarding position in Indonesia. [1] 1. Our reports from Ballard and confirmed from Secretary of State lead us to believe that United Kingdom Government policy is to restrain Dutch...’
118. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 227 BATAVIA, 16 July 1947, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram 224. [1] Since the arrival of Sjarifoeddin he and some of his Ministers have had talks with Van Mook and his advisers; and last night an agreement was reached subject to confirmation by Republic Cabinet at Djokjakarta...’
119. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 229 BATAVIA, 17 July 1947, 5.23 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 227. [1] Situation today is extremely confused. The Republican Cabinet did not accept the terms last night nor issue and publish order for cessation of hostilities, demolitions, etc., as required. They sent the Vice-Premier, Setiadjit, back to Batavia...’
120. CARNE TO TONKIN: 18 July 1947; ‘Minute MELBOURNE, 18 July 1947 TRADE WITH N.E.I. With reference to your Minute of 17th June, 1947 [1], 1 have to advise that I have seen Dr. Oesman on two occasions and have discussed with him in general terms the availability of goods which his Government requires. It is, however,...’
121. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 230 BATAVIA, 18 July 1947 TOP SECRET 1. This morning Gani and Tamzil (Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs) called to see me and offered an account of the present situation. 2. The Republican position is that since Commission-General’s note of May 27th [1] Republic has been under the threat of...’
122. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 233 BATAVIA, 18 July 1947 SECRET My telegram 230. [1] 1. I have now seen United Kingdom Consul-General who tells me Republican Ministers also visited him. Among other things he urged them to make a final attempt to induce Republican cabinet to issue statement that orders were being given...’
123. BURTON TO BALLARD: 19 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 193 CANBERRA, 19 July 1947, 3 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 230. [1] 1. My immediately following telegram is copy of message sent on 16th July to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. [2] 2. With respect to our willingness to mediate, previous messages have made this clear. The...’
124. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 18 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 148 LONDON, 18 July 1947, 8.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 181 of 16th July. [1] Indonesian situation. I have consulted the Foreign Secretary on proposal in your telegram that Australian Government should raise matter of the Netherlands-Indonesian dispute in the Security Council or the Assembly if agreement...’
125. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 239 BATAVIA, 20 July 1947, 11.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Van Mook informed head representatives of the Consular Missions this evening that ‘police measures of a strictly limited character’ would be begun at midnight tonight, Sunday, and handed us a statement which is being given later to the press....’
126. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 118 THE HAGUE, 20 July 1947, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET [1] INDONESIA The Minister for Foreign Affairs sent for me at 6 p.m. and gave me a copy of a memorandum. This was, I understand, given to Ballard some two hours ago and will be published...’
127. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 119 THE HAGUE, 20 July 1947, 9.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET INDONESIA My immediately preceding telegram 118. [1] After the Foreign Minister had advised me of the contents of memorandum, I said that I felt that I should immediately inform him of what I believed would be...’
128. GILCHRIST TO BURTON: 21 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 21 July 1947 INDONESIAN SITUATION Shortwave, Melbourne [1], rang at 10.50 this morning as follows: Monitored from B.B.C. The Dutch at midnight occupied all public buildings in Batavia and met no opposition. This was preceded by a Dutch announcement that the Dutch were resuming their freedom of action...’
129. BURTON TO CHIFLEY [1]: 21 July 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 21 July 1947 I attach a telegram giving latest advice from Batavia. [2] In summary, it states that military operations are of a limited character, that the N.E.I. Government proposes to carry out its agreement regarding the shipping of goods and expects the Australian Government to honour their...’
130. BURTON TO BALLARD: 21 July 1947; ‘Draft Cablegram [1] CANBERRA, 21 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Persistent reports here of Indonesian request to Australia either to intervene by way of mediation or take matter to Security Council. 2. You will have already made known [to both parties] [2] our willingness to assist in any mediation, but it...’
131. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 187 CANBERRA, 21 July 1947, 2.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 148 [1], D.616 [2], D.617 and 150. [3] Your comments regarding reference to Security Council are noted. At the same time, you do not suggest any alternative means of dealing with present situation. The information you gave to...’
132. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 198 CANBERRA, 21 July 1947, 3.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 239. [1] You can well imagine reaction here of reports of Dutch attacking Indonesian positions. It was previously arranged that ships at present loading should call at Indonesian ports on grounds that distribution through Batavia might not be...’
133. BONDAN TO CHIFLEY: 21 July 1947; ‘Letter BRISBANE, 21 July 1947 We learnt from tonight’s A.B.C. [1] news that no official approach had yet been made to you concerning the present acute situation in Indonesia. No doubt you are aware that our Committee [2] is not an official organ of the Government of the Republic of...’
134. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 241 BATAVIA, 21 July 1947, 6.10 p.m. Received 22 July IMMEDIATE SECRET No reports yet of action outside Batavia. Batavia quiet. Gani and Tamzil were put under house arrest last night. other arrests of officials have been made and villages have been screened. Republican buildings have been occupied. Indonesian...’
135. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 219 LONDON, 21 July 1947, 2.22 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 255 [1], Dominions Office telegram 148. [2] 1 discussed this matter with Addison on 16th July and asked him for an opportunity of discussing it with him and Bevin as soon as possible. In talking to Addison...’
136. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 22 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 256 CANBERRA, 22 July 1947, 2.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 219. [1] Please see our No.187 to Secretary of State. [2] We can do no more now than watch position and not miss opportunity to assist in solution. Public offer by United Kingdom, in which we should be...’
137. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 243 BATAVIA, 22 July 1947, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 198. [1] I have conveyed your points to Schuurman and discussed the matter with him and Van Hoogstraten. 2. The latter reiterated his intention to get textiles to Indonesian areas and said that he thought that was the...’
138. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 31 CANBFRRA, 23 July 1947, 12.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET STRICTLY PERSONAL Indonesia. 1. I have been puzzled as to course of action. You will appreciate the restraints experienced here very largely resulting from a feeling that any action taken by Australia to bring matter to Security Council would...’
139. BURTON TO EVATT: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, 23 July 1947, 11.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following puts in form of statement of the proposition outlined immediately preceding telegram [1]: 1. Minister announced that, because of vital concern Australia in fighting between Indonesians and Dutch, Government could not remain indifferent and must continue its previous...’
140. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 202 CANBERRA, 23 July 1947, 4 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 243. [1] This is an obvious attempt to place responsibility on Australian Government. 2. You should reply in writing to memorandum, particularly in answer [to] paragraph 4 [2], pointing out that there are two parties to Agreement under which...’
141. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 295 LONDON, 23 July 1947, 6.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 256. [1] I saw Bevin and Addison morning of 23rd July. Bevin opened by saying that he regarded the Indonesian situation as not being isolated. If no solution were found promptly it might lead to similar troubles in...’
142. EVATT TO BURTON: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAS KANIMBLA, 23 July 1947, 7.53 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL INDONESIA I agree with your suggestion that you should discuss at once with the Prime Minister. [1] My view is that Security Council has the right and duty to investigate the situation and recommend adjustment. It is appropriate...’
143. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN686 NEW YORK, 23 July 1947, 4.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Following is text of communication from the Netherlands Government to the Secretary-General. ‘From discussions which have been carried on with the Indonesian Republic since signing of the Linggadjati Agreement, March 25th, it has become clear that the present...’
144. USMAN TO CHIFLEY: 23 July 1947; ‘Telegram MELBOURNE, [23 July 1947] Received 24 July 1947 [1] Following the appeals of my President Doctor Soekarno [2] and my Prime Minister Doctor Amir Sjarifuddin [3] I as representative in Australia of the Republic of Indonesia appeal to you in the name of humanity and in the interests of...’
145. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON AND FRASER: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegrams 193, 190 CANBERRA, 24 July 1947, 9.50 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET INDONESIA 1. We have considered position very carefully and we have noted statement by Foreign Secretary to Mr Beasley that the United Kingdom Government would not wish to interfere with any action by the Australian Government but...’
146. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 246 BATAVIA, 24 July 1947, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Military Situation. Reports of detailed advance now announced in Dutch communiques will already be known to you. In the west of Java the main attack [is] on Cheribon in which stiffer resistance has been met half way from the already...’
147. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 389 CANBERRA, 24 July 1947, 10.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Following is text of telegram just sent to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. It is repeated to you in case we act in this direction. Work is being done on case and will be cabled. Please treat...’
148. MACKAY TO CHIFLEY [1]: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 390 NEW DELHI, 24 July 1947, 6.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA The Government of India has informed me of its approaches to the United Kingdom Government requesting action either for the cessation of hostilities or the submission of the Indonesian question to Arbitration. Failing the achievement of either assume...’
149. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 248 BATAVIA, 25 July 1947, 2.05 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Graham Jenkins has just told me that he personally heard and took a note of the following broadcast from Djokjakarta at a few minutes after midnight announced as a special message from Sjarifoeddin, Prime Minister of Indonesia, addressed to...’
150. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram D642 LONDON, 24 July 1947, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegrams 23rd July, D. Nos. 638 and 639. [1] INDONESIA It is our opinion that the Dutch may gain an initial military success but that the resulting situations in South East Asia cannot fail to cause dislocations...’
151. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 153 LONDON, [24 July 1947], 10.07 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram of today No. 193-Indonesia. [1] My telegram of today, D. No. 642 [2] will have shown you that we are convinced that the only hope of arresting the present course of events lies in inducing the Netherlands...’
152. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 223 LONDON, 24 July 1947, 10.43 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 260. [1] The proposal for arbitration in Indonesia in part arises from Article 17(2) of Linggadjati Agreement. [2] Dutch maintain that article did not contemplate arbitration in circumstances like present but legal advisers of United Kingdom Government...’
153. BURTON TO BALLARD: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 203 CANBERRA, 25 July 1947, 11.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 248. [1] Please reply: Australia along with some other Governments has given recognition to de facto authority of Republican Government. [2] Question of diplomatic relations was not determined before hostilities began. Consequently question of formal representation of Republican...’
154. BURTON TO CHIFLEY [1]: 25 July 1947; ‘Telegram CANBERRA, 25 July 1947 URGENT Tentative reply is earnest hope we will not act as indicated. [2] Reason given is a power on Security Council might take opportunity to discredit Western Powers in eyes Asiatic peoples. But inaction by Western Powers far more likely to discredit them, particularly us,...’
155. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON [1]: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 194 CANBERRA, 25 July 1947, 12.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your D. 642 and your 153. [2] 1. Your further telegram not yet received but in meantime two comments should be made. 2. Argument that reference to Security Council would give Russia opportunity to embarrass and discredit western powers...’
156. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 419 CANBERRA, 25 July 1947, 1.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Message sent late last night United Kingdom that Australia was disposed refer Indonesian matter to Security Council provided no strong objection. [2] Tentative reply is reiteration of argument that Russia would take advantage of embarrassing and discrediting western...’
157. BURTON TO BONNEY: 25 July 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 25 July 1947 SHORTWAVE MONITORING OF DUTCH AND INDONESIAN BROADCASTS With reference to conversations held today between officers of our respective departments [1] regarding the extension of monitoring cover of Dutch and Indonesian broadcasts, I wish to inform you that this Department desires the fullest possible coverage of...’
158. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 247 BATAVIA, 25 July 1947, 11.25 a.m. IMMEDIATE MOST SECRET The British Consul-General informs me confidentially that Van Mook spoke to him yesterday to the following effect:- (1) Major military operations should be over in a week. Occupation of Djokjakarta no longer intended; possibly some moderate or co- operative...’
159. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 979 WASHINGTON, 24 July 1947, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE British Minister today received instructions to propose to the United States Secretary of State joint Anglo-American arbitration in Indonesia. Balfour was unable to see Marshall but saw Lovett who was definitely discouraging. Lovett said he visualised three possible courses. (a)...’
160. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 195 CANBERRA, 25 July 1947, 4.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Further our 194. [1] 1. British Minister at Washington has advised Australian Ambassador that United States reaction to proposal was definitely discouraging on the. grounds that joint intervention to secure truce or joint offer of arbitration would be unacceptable...’
161. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1947; ‘Cablegram [UN]692 NEW YORK, 24 July 1947, 10.47 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Security 411. Your 389 [1] and 390. [2] INDONESIA. 1. Prior to receipt of these telegrams there was wide publicity given in the Press here and in England that either Australia or India would be likely to...’
162. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 148 WELLINGTON, 25 July 1947, 9.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Reference Commonwealth Relations telegram D.642 [1] and your 190 [2] and 191. [3] The United Kingdom proposal for an arbitral solution appears to me to offer the best chance of success. As I see it the vital issue at...’
163. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 249 BATAVIA, 25 July 1947, 6.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 203. [1] 1. Immediately asked the Dutch for facilities to make reply over radio as the Dutch radio is the only means available and consequently showed them the text proposed. They object to making of reply as well...’
164. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 155 LONDON, 25 July 1947, 7.15 p.m. SECRET I have seen the telegrams exchanged during the last few days between the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Australian Government on the subject of Indonesia. [1] As you know, we have been putting pressure on the Dutch as...’
165. EVATT TO BURTON: 25 July 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extract) TOKYO [1], 25 July 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET (4) Regarding Indonesia, I point out that to make approach only if the United Kingdom do not object is simply to invite such objection and thereby bypassing the only constitutional tribunal that is the Security Council which in relation to...’
166. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 26 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 197 CANBERRA, 26 July 1947, 11.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Thanks your No. 155. [1] Messages from my Government will have kept you fully and frankly informed of our very great difficulties here. You will see that, in spite of these difficulties, we have refrained from any action...’
167. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 26 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 194, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL CANBERRA, 26 July 1947, 11.12 a.m. Thanks your message. [1] My immediately following telegram is text of message I have sent to Attlee [2] in reply to a message from him asking us to hold our hand until attempt at mediation has been made....’
168. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 26 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 280 CANBERRA, 26 July 1947, 11.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 390. [1] We were informed from London of Indian approaches to the United Kingdom Government. [2] We have been in constant touch with the United Kingdom Government who are endeavouring to arrange with the United States Government...’
169. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 26 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 206 CANBERRA, 26 July 1947, 12.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 249. [1] Dutch objection to second sentence in which we state question of diplomatic relations was not determined is hard to understand, as we deliberately adopted this line so as not to offend Dutch. Jenkins has apparently already reported,...’
170. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 27 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 157 LONDON, 27 July 1947 SECRET PERSONAL Your 197. [1] Indonesia. I am very grateful to you for your message and can assure you that we will communicate with you as soon as we receive the United States reply. We fully understand the difficult position in which the Australian...’
171. LEGGE TO BURTON: 28 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 July 1947 SHORTWAVE Mr. Barsdell reported that he had broadcast several times on Saturday in English, Dutch and Malay the report of the Government’s reply to the Indonesian broadcast regarding diplomatic representation, as requested. [1] He wished to know if there were any further information about this...’
172. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 28 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 July 1947 SECRET INDONESIA If the Indonesia situation is to be raised by Australia in the Security Council it is suggested that the attention of the Security Council be drawn to the situation under [Chapter VII] [1] Article 39 [2] for the following reasons:- (i) There seems...’
173. SHANN TO BURTON: 28 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 July 1947 SECRET Briefly the argument behind this [1] is that under Chapter 6 the Dutch could go on with their aggressive activities (if that is what is happening) despite Security Council action. If, however, the matter is brought under Chapter 7 (by Article 39) the Council...’
174. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 28 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 200 CANBERRA, 28 July 1947, 4.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Thank you for your message of 27th July. [1] 2. It now seems apparent that, even though United States were reluctantly persuaded to approach the Dutch in association with the United Kingdom Government, there would be a...’
175. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 28 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 197 CANBERRA, 28 July 1947, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Thank you for your message on Indonesia. [1] I am informing Attlee that we feel matter must be referred to the Security Council. [2] If there is no immediate chance of settlement, we would propose to refer it with...’
176. MACKAY TO CHIFLEY: 28 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 397 NEW DELHI, 28 July 1947, 6.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 280. [1] On Sunday morning July 27th informed Sjahrir of Australian views and events in accordance with your telegram. Sjahrir was obviously pleased. His present intention is to remain in India some days and perhaps then...’
177. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 282 CANBERRA, 29 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your 397. [1] While appreciating your administrative difficulties delay in report has placed us in embarrassing position as previous advice was to the effect India would not refer the matter to the Security Council. If not too late please immediately inform Bajpai...’
178. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 400 CANBERRA, 29 July 1947, 11.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET 1. We were previously advised from United Kingdom that India would not raise matter in Security Council [1], but have now been advised their policy was similar to ours and they were prepared to await outcome United States...’
179. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 268 CANBERRA, 29 July 1947, 2 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. 1. Thanks your 225. [1] We have now been advised that India proposes to raise matter in Security Council. 2. You will appreciate that the whole of our tactics have to some degree depended upon the reactions of various...’
180. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 154 WELLINGTON, 29 July 1947, 6.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Indonesia. I now assume in the absence of any information to the contrary that the United States attitude continues to be unfavourable to the United Kingdom proposal for Anglo-American mediation. We find this both disappointing and disconcerting...’
181. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 155 WELLINGTON, 29 July 1947, 7.57 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 197. [1] I fully concur in the course you propose. You will have seen from my preceding telegram [2] that we had also come to the conclusion that no other course was possible in view of the failure to...’
182. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 227 LONDON, 29 July 1947, 1.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Pressed again this morning for an answer to your 200. [1] Advised that draft reply is being presented to Cabinet at the moment. No definite reply has been received from United States and unofficially I was informed that draft reply...’
183. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 309 LONDON, 29 July 1947, 7.06 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Following additional information has come to hand since last telegram. [1] 2. I understand Bevin has asked Nehru through Krishna Menon to defer action about bringing the Indonesian situation to the Security Council for a few clays anyway....’
184. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 161 LONDON, 29 July 1947, 4.52 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL Indonesia. Thank you for your telegram no 200 of 28th July. [1] Though we have still had no final reply from the United States Government, it, now appears improbable from the oral discussion which took place in Washington that...’
185. MACKAY TO CHIFLEY: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 399 NEW DELHI, 29 July 1947, 4.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 282. [1] Have had talks with Nehru and Bajpai together. The Indian External Affairs have prepared a message to be despatched in clear to the Chairman of the Security Council but following my representations to permit...’
186. EVATT TO BURTON TOKYO, 29 JULY 1947, 4 P.M. RECEIVED 30 JULY 1947, 9.15 A.M.: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Department 242, IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your 431. [1] In my opinion the Prime Minister’s view is sound but so long as the matter goes to the Security Council speedily there is a good chance that it will direct or at least recommend immediate cessation of hostilities. If that...’
187. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 286 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Please inform Government of India that we propose instructing today our representative on the Security Council to draw the attention of the Security Council to the Indonesian situation. 2. Please inform the Government of India that we do not propose to draw...’
188. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 200 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, 10.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Many thanks for your messages [1], all of which have been most helpful in assessing our position. 2. We have given further thought to most effective way of having hostilities cease immediately and have decided to call attention of...’
189. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 202 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, 10.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Many thanks for your message. [1] We have carefully taken into consideration the points you make and on balance feel it better that we should raise the issue and in that way have some control over proceedings rather...’
190. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 461 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, 11 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET You are instructed to bring to the attention of the Security Council the situation in Indonesia under Article 39 of the Charter. 2. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has been informed that we have reconsidered the position...’
191. BURTON TO EVATT: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 437 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Immediately following telegram contains text of statement to be made 4. p.m. today by the Prime Minister. [1] 2. India has delayed approach to Security Council as a result of message sent her and up to date no other approach...’
192. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD AND OFFICER: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegrams 208, 96 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, 12.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We have today instructed the Australian Representative on the Security Council to draw the attention of the Security Council to the situation in Indonesia under Article 39. [1] 2. My immediately following telegram contains text of statement to...’
193. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN702 NEW YORK, 29 July 1947, 7.51 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Security 415. 1. Your 399 [1] and 400. [2] We have been unable to ascertain the form in which India is raising the matter. Indian Representatives here have not yet received any instructions either as to form...’
194. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 908 CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, 2 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately following cable is text of statement [1] to be made at 4 p.m. today Canberra time on Indonesia. 2. You will see that we are raising the matter under Article 39 of the Charter. We are not...’
195. PRESS STATEMENT: 30 July 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 30 July 1947, [7 p.m.] [1] INDONESIAN SITUATION The Prime Minister announced today that the Australian Government had instructed its representative on the Security Council to draw the attention of the Security Council to the situation in Indonesia under Article 39 of the United Nations Charter. Australia takes this...’
196. HODGSON TO LIE: 30 July 1947; ‘Letter NEW YORK, 30 July 1947 I have the honour to advise that I have today addressed the following communication to the President of the Security Council. ‘Under instructions from my Government, I have the honour to bring to the attention of the Security Council the hostilities which are at...’
197. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 125 THE HAGUE, 30 July 1947, 2.30 p.m. TOP SECRET INDONESIA. The head of the Political Section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has spoken very informally but with some concern reference a conversation in Batavia between Ballard and Schuurman in which the former offered good offices and...’
198. EVATT TO BURTON: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram Dept 245 (extract) TOKYO, 30 July 1947, 9.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL 1. Many thanks for wires regarding Indonesia. I am sure that positive action by Australia will be of lasting benefit. Regarding the Security Council would strongly suggest that Killearn be sent to New York to advise...’
199. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 408 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 9.35 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. The text of the Prime Minister’s statement and supporting comment on the general line we wish to follow has been sent for transmission to the Governments of all members of the Security Council except Poland, Syria and Belgium....’
200. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 409 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 10.15 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The Australian Government desires to draw the attention of the Security Council to the present situation in Indonesia and to request the Security Council, under Articles 39 and 40, immediately to order the cessation of hostilities and to recommend...’
201. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 410 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 11.20 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Our immediately preced[ing] telegram. [1] Indonesia. Your speech might also include reference to the following:- 1. Include in opening words: ‘A duty is placed upon Security Council by Article 39 of the Charter to determine the existence of a...’
202. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 1012 WASHINGTON, 30 July 1947, 5 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET On receiving your telegram number 908 [1] I went accompanied by Minister to see Norman Armour, Assistant Secretary of State, immediately after his return from seeing President. 2. I gave him a full account of our proposed procedure...’
203. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 288 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Please inform the Indian Government that we are glad to see that the Indian Government has carried out its proposed action and referred the matter under Article 35. [1]Our action is not inconsistent with this and, in fact, if action under Article...’
204. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 290 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Security Council discussion will take place within the next 12 hours and so far we are not aware of any declaration by Indonesian Republic that they will carry out obligations of the Charter. The absence of the declaration will prejudice the whole...’
205. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 31 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 INDONESIA-WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS The present wording of point (b) of the Australian proposal for provisional measures under Article 40 is to ‘call upon the parties to comply with provisional measures to prevent an aggravation of the situation, namely to cease hostilities immediately and withdraw their...’
206. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 31 July 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 In reply to Mr. Loomes [1]-the following points:- 1. If the Security Council deems it necessary that troops should be withdrawn to their previous positions in order to prevent an aggravation of the situation it is empowered to do so under Article 40. 2. The...’
207. NETHERLANDS LEGATION IN CANBERRA TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Note C9/3823 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 URGENT The Royal Netherlands Legation presents its compliments and has the honour to transmit herewith to the Department of External Affairs the text of a press statement to be released by the Netherlands Minister in the course of today. This statement embodies the text...’
208. MACGREGOR TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 52 RIO DE JANEIRO, 30 July 1947, 7.25 p.m. SECRET With reference to your telegram 35 [1], Brazilian Foreign Minister is absent for a few days. I have however seen Minister Camillo de Oliveira in charge of Political Division of Foreign Office. He is in communication with Foreign Minister...’
209. BURTON TO HODGSON: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 412 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 4.30 [p.m.] IMMEDIATE SECRET It is reported over shortwave that Dutch Cabinet have now decided to accept United States - United Kingdom approaches for mediation. This is no doubt response to our move, though that will not be admitted. The situation will change hour...’
210. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 274 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET We do not know how Security Council negotiations will proceed. We hope that they will not last long and that an immediate decision will be given. There might, however, be debate and enquiry under Article 35. Dr. Evatt strongly suggests that the...’
211. BURTON TO HODGSON: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 413 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 5.55 [p.m.] IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET When presenting a note to the Dutch Minister [1] yesterday explaining action we were to take, he said, speaking off the record, that the objection to the Indonesians was not that they broke one part of the Agreement [2],...’
212. HODGSON TO BURTON: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN707 NEW YORK, 30 July 1947 Reference our conversations Indonesia. [1] Lange immediately raised the question with me this afternoon whether our resolution would have recommendation for status quo ante i.e. reversion to original perimeters. I would gather that there might well be an amendment to this effect. Have...’
213. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN708 NEW YORK, 30 July 1947, 11.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 419. Following is text of Indian communication to President of the Security Council today: ‘I have the honour on behalf of the Government of India to draw the attention of the Security Council under Article 35(1) of...’
214. BURTON TO HODGSON: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UNY414 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.707. [1] Am trying to phone you. Feel that whole success of case depends upon not prejudging issue. We are not condemning the Dutch for acting. We only ask for cessation of hostilities. An order to the Dutch...’
215. MACKAY TO CHIFLEY [1]: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 404 NEW DELHI, 31 July 1947, 12.55 p.m. TOP SECRET Your telegram 286. [2] Have conveyed contents to the Government of India and Sjahrir. Sjahrir is considering paragraph 4 but he has not indicated his intentions. The Government of India despatched their message to New York for the Security...’
216. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 293 CANBERRA, 31 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your 404. [1] By error statement [2] was not sent. It has now been sent. Please advise the Government of India that the Australian note to the Security Council was not lodged until after the Indian note. We regret any misunderstanding. Our...’
217. MACKAY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 406 NEW DELHI, 31 July 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Your 290. [1] Today at 1500 hours Indian Standard Time Sjahrir issued public statement for press and broadcasting which concluded as follows- ‘Under instructions from my Government, I am authorised to declare that the Government of the Republic of Indonesia will...’
218. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 245 MOSCOW, 31 July 1947, 11.28 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 138. [1] INDONESIA. 1. First four paragraphs of the Prime Minister’s statement [2] (ending with restoration of peace) was published in Pravda today. 2. Today I had informal talk with Yerofeev, head of the second European Department...’
219. WALKER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 175 PARIS, 31 July 1947, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Your telegram P.178. [1] I called at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and left the full text of the Prime Minister’s statement [2] on the Indonesian situation with Monsieur Baudet, Chief of the Pacific Division. Baudet said he appreciated receiving the...’
220. MACGREGOR TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram 53 RIO DE JANEIRO, 31 July 1947, 4.41 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Further to your telegram 35. [1] Foreign Office has communicated with the Brazilian Delegate to the United Nations and requested him to immediately confer with the Australian Delegate and to go over with him all the main points...’
221. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 1 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 416 CANBERRA, 1 August 1947, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET On reflection, it seems that just and neutral solution would be that, on cessation hostilities, Dutch forces withdraw to one point, for example Batavia, and Indonesian forces to one point, for example their capital. 2. A decision that, on cessation...’
222. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 July 1947; ‘Cablegram UN711 NEW YORK, 31 July 1947, 11.41 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 420. INDONESIA 1. At the outset of the meeting this afternoon we made short statement stressing the fact of hostilities, failure of mediation, need for urgency and desirability of avoiding long debate on procedure. We urged that...’
223. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 312 LONDON, 1 August 1947, 6.15 p.m. SECRET On receipt of your telegram 274 [1] yesterday afternoon I immediately spoke to Addison, who promised to have your request considered straight away. I have just received his reply. 2. ‘The United Kingdom Government much appreciate Australia’s wish to use Lord...’
224. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN713 NEW YORK, 1 August 1947, 7.54 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Council has just passed following Resolution by eight to nothing with France, United Kingdom and Belgium abstaining: ‘The Security Council noting with concern the hostilities in progress between the armed forces of the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia...’
225. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 299 CANBERRA, 2 August 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE Please inform the Government of India that we are most satisfied with the outcome of the Security Council discussions. Nevertheless we do not feel that matter can rest here. The reference to arbitration in the resolution [1] is vague and no doubt...’
226. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN716 NEW YORK, 2 August 1947, 12.06 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 421. Our 713. [1] Following is brief summary of complicated manoeuvring today [2] which preceded passage of Resolution. 1. When Council met, Van Kleffens announced that the Netherlands Government had accepted the United States offer of mediation...’
227. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 209 CANBERRA, 2 August 1947, 11 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We have just received the full report of the Australian delegate on the Security Council. [1] We greatly regret that the United Kingdom delegate did not find it possible to support a resolution calling for the cessation of hostilities...’
228. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 422 CANBERRA, 2 August 1947, [11.40] p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.716. [1] The conclusion, from an immediate point of view, is most satisfactory. However, the resolution leaves much to be desired, and, in any case, it is only a first step towards the cessation of hostilities and the...’
229. BURTON TO EVATT: 2 August 1947; ‘Draft Cablegram [1] CANBERRA, 2 August 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE You will have learnt that Security Council called upon the parties to cease hostilities and to settle their disputes by arbitration. 2. The brief reports we have would indicate that messages sent to the several governments were effective. The only opposition...’
230. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram D670 LONDON, 2 August 1947, 9.20 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. We realise the considerations which have prompted Australia to propose in Security Council that action should be taken in Indonesian crisis under Article 39 of the Charter. This however would involve dismissing the Dutch contention that the matter is...’
231. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN718 NEW YORK, 2 August 1947, 12.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 422. INDONESIA. Your unnumbered 2nd August. [1] Follow up of Council resolution. 1. We are keeping in close touch with Secretariat and will advise immediately reply received from Netherlands or the Republic of Indonesia to telegrams sent...’
232. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO ADDISON: 3 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 210 CANBERRA, 3 August 1947 SECRET Further reference our 209. [1] Information you have received on the reaction of both parties will be similar to that we have received but no action has been taken yet to cease hostilities. Indonesians will want assurance on position of Dutch troops. Unless...’
233. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 261 BATAVIA, 4 August 1947, 2.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The President of the Security Council addressed an urgent message to Sjarifoeddin containing text of Security Council Resolution [1] and asking for acknowledgment. This message received at Batavia by Cable and Wireless at midday, and in the normal course...’
234. EVATT TO BURTON: 3 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered HMAS HOBART, 3 August 1947, 3.59 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Indonesia. [1] The Security Council should retain general jurisdiction without prejudice to the matter being raised in the Assembly under the Assembly’s security powers. 2. Australia should be included in any formula for mediation or arbitration. I have no...’
235. SHANN TO BURTON: 4 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 4 August 1947 With the cessation of hostilities, now reported to have been ordered by the Dutch authorities, presumably arbitration on the dispute will take place. 2. It is suggested, however, that the occupation by the Dutch forces of considerable areas of territory previously under the jurisdiction of...’
236. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 425 CANBERRA, 4 August 1947, 4.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference my immediately preceding telegram. [1] This is the situation we feared would develop and it is essential that the Secretary-General be informed of the inadequate way in which his message was sent and that he inform the Security...’
237. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 216 CANBERRA, 4 August 1947, 4.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET You are well acquainted with our views and the dangers we anticipate if the decision of the Security Council is not carried out by both parties. Australian reputation is high with Indonesians and, therefore, we can help. You should...’
238. BURTON TO BALLARD: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 217 CANBERRA, 4 August 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I do not know whether you have any means of direct communication with the Indonesians. I particularly want a message to go to them to the effect that they should endeavour to have Australia included in any mediation negotiations, for...’
239. ADDISON TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 171 LONDON, 4 August 1947, 5.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams No. 209 [1] of 2nd August and No. 210 [2] of 3rd August. INDONESIA We are sure that you will understand that the United Kingdom Representative’s abstention from voting on the Security Council Resolution [3] did not signify...’
240. LEGGE TO BURTON: 5 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 5 August 1947 INDONESIAN SITUATION The following is a transcript dictated by Shortwave Division, Melbourne, this morning: The Indonesian Radio, Djocjakarta, announced a statement by the Indonesian Prime Minister, directed to the President of the Security Council. It says the Government of the Republic has decided to order...’
241. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegrams 939, 428 CANBERRA, 5 August 1947, 11.10 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reports suggest that Republican authorities may not accept mediation by America, but will ask for mediation by a number of nations. [1] In the terms of the Council resolution they are not obliged to accept America merely because...’
242. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram [100] [1] CANBERRA, 5 August 1947, 12.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. While the results of our reference to the Security Council are satisfactory insofar as they go, we cannot be content to leave the matter there. Hostilities have ceased, but mediation has not commenced. The American offer of...’
243. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1037 WASHINGTON, 4 August 1947, 6.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE Your 930. [1] Indonesia. All points in your telegram were conveyed this morning by Forsyth to Reber, Acting Deputy Director of the European Division of State Department, and two assistants concerned with Indonesian situation. Reber undertook that we should be kept...’
244. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN722 NEW YORK, 4 August 1947, 10.17 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 425. INDONESIA Your 425. [1] 1. I approached both the President of the Security Council and the Assistant Secretary-General and urged that United Nations official should be flown to Java to observe action taken to comply with...’
245. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN723 NEW YORK, 4 August 1947, 10.17 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 426. INDONESIA. 1. Following is text of Netherlands reply [1] to the President of the Council- ‘The Netherlands Government, although persisting in its denial of the Council’s jurisdiction in this matter, fully understands the Council’s desire to see...’
246. EVATT TO BURTON: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extract) HMAS HOBART, 5 August 1947 SECRET [PERSONAL] [1] 5. Unless Australia is included in some tangible way in the Indonesian arbitration or mediation the net result would be that instead of open judicial arbitration, secret political bargain on Munich style might result to prejudice Australian interests. If...’
247. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 433 CANBERRA, 6 August 1947, 10.20 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN722 [1], paragraph 5. If this matter is to be raised, it is what we anticipated in yesterday’s telegram [2], and there will be considerable embarrassment caused both to the Dutch and the Americans if a group of...’
248. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 945 CANBERRA, 6 August 1947, 12 noon MOST IMMEDIATE Your 1037. [1] Please discuss with Hodgson message just despatched to him. [2] Romulo is proposing arbitration by a number of countries and this is what we anticipated and it should make your approaches to the Americans easier as they...’
249. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 434 CANBERRA, 6 August 1947, 2 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Djocjakarta Radio this morning at 4.15 broadcast what was described as an official report from the Republican Government to the President of the Security Council protesting against a number of violations of the cease fire order. The report claimed...’
250. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1048 WASHINGTON, 5 August 1947, 8 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram No. 939. [1] I went this afternoon to State Department accompanied by Minister and had a long interview with Under Secretary Lovett who had with him Freeman Matthews, Assistant Secretary of State, Charles Bohlen, newly appointed Counsellor of...’
251. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 267 BATAVIA, 6 August 1947, 5.40 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegrams 215 and 216. [1] You will have reports of broadcasts of Sjarifoeddin and Soekarno [2] ordering cessation of hostilities. The first point of Secretary-General’s [3] resolution has thus been complied with and the other two remain for action....’
252. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN731 NEW YORK, 6 August 1947, 4.39 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 433. INDONESIA. 1. We are not entirely clear as to your immediate objectives. For example in telegram 428 [1] you say you are endeavouring to persuade Dutch to accept Indonesian suggestions on mediation, i.e. by a number...’
253. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1057 WASHINGTON, 6 August 1947, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE Indonesia. 1. Marshall stated to press men today that United States is prepared to send mediators to Java if both parties agree. He added that United States had laid down no conditions such as withdrawal to positions held before outbreak of...’
254. SHANN TO BURTON [1]: 7 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 7 August 1947 INDONESIA It is suggested that discussion in the Security Council on violations of the [decision] [2] of 1st August may be the last opportunity to secure withdrawal of Dutch troops. Once it is established that hostilities have ceased, it may be argued that the breach...’
255. PRESS STATEMENT: 7 August 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 7 August 1947 INDONESIAN DISPUTE Australian Offer of Joint U.S.A.-Australian Arbitration The Prime Minister commented today concerning reports of an American offer to mediate in the Dutch-Indonesian dispute. The decision of the Security Council was that the two parties should cease hostilities and then submit to arbitration or other...’
256. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 221 CANBERRA, 7 August 1947, 2 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Many thanks your 267 [1] which was most useful. My immediately following telegram [2] contains text of statement [3] made by the Prime Minister. We are concerned at the way in which the situation is drifting and particularly the...’
257. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 130 THE HAGUE, 6 August 1947, 7.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA The attitude set out in the first part of paragraph 2 of your telegram 99 [1] if passed on to The Hague by Teppema has not prevented the assumption of an attitude of injured innocence. I have...’
258. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 439 CANBERRA, 7 August 1947, 4 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN. 731. [1] Prime Minister’s press statement [2] will make position clear and give you clear mandate. Please contact Sjahrir as soon as possible and put our point of view on Australian United States arbitration. Understand he has...’
259. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 269 BATAVIA, 7 August 1947, 11 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 267. [1] Following is reply of the Republican Government broadcast this afternoon. 1. The Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia heard with great gratitude and appreciation the broadcast offer on behalf of the United States Government...’
260. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 131 THE HAGUE, 7 August 1947, 6.08 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA. My telegram 130. [1] As the Minister for Foreign Affairs was fully occupied in long cabinet meeting I saw the acting chief of the Political Section last evening and acted in accordance with paragraph six your telegram...’
261. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN737 NEW YORK, 8 August 1947, 12.11 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 438 (repeated as 435). INDONESIA. 1. The Indonesian question came forward for discussion late this afternoon [1] (first part of the session was devoted to statements by Albania and Bulgaria on Greece). 2. We supported the request...’
262. BURTON TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 449 CANBERRA, 9 August 1947, 11.25 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.737. [1]Your general approach is wholly consistent with the approach we have been advancing with other missions overseas and with overseas representatives here, and the suggestion in your paragraph 6 is the type of compromise for which we...’
263. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 286 CANBERRA, 9 August 1947, 11.50 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET United Kingdom High Commissioner has transmitted a message from the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister in which he states he is concerned at reports that Hodgson has been suggesting that the Egyptian dispute [1] should be referred to the...’
264. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 287 CANBERRA, 9 August 1947, 12 noon MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference Australian suggestion American-Australian arbitration. [1] Dr. Oesman, Indonesian representative in Australia, has made public statement [2] saying that he considers his Government could accept proposition, especially if third party were included. He gives the interesting explanation that arbitration...’
265. CHIFLEY TO TEPPEMA: 9 August 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 August 1947 During your informal discussions with me you referred to two statements which Colonel Hodgson had been reported to have made at New York. I understand that you raised these matters with the Secretary of the Department of External Affairs and, as a result of enquiries...’
266. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 133 THE HAGUE, 8 August 1947, 9.42 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. My telegram 131. [1] The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me that since the Indonesians have advised that they are prepared to accept the United States offer of good offices [2] the Netherlands Government considers that...’
267. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 134 THE HAGUE, 8 August 1947, 10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My telegram 130 [1] paragraph 1. I have just seen the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I reported his attitude favours proposals in your telegram 100 [2] and Prime Minister’s statement [3] in my immediately preceding telegram...’
268. SJARIFUDDIN TO CHIFLEY: 10 August 1947; ‘Radio Message [1] DJOKJAKARTA, 10 August 1947, 3 a.m. [2] I have learned with sincere gratitude of your Excellency’s statement regarding the Indonesian-Dutch dispute. [3] Since conditions in our country have deteriorated, the Government and people of Indonesia have, with relief and deep gratitude, followed every move of your Excellency’s...’
269. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 9 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 238 LONDON, 9 August 1947, 9.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Bevin’s reaction to suggestion that United Kingdom should be one of proposed Arbitration Panel of Three [1] is based on history of attempts to stop hostilities in Indonesia in past three weeks. 2. Bevin said that Dutch had declined...’
270. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 10 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 452 CANBERRA, 10 August 1947, 12.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Indonesian Prime Minister has accepted our proposal. [1] 2. Position is clear. Dutch have accepted American mediation. Indonesians have virtually rejected it by requesting good offices be used to secure arbitration. Indonesians have accepted idea of joint American-Australian...’
271. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 10 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 224 CANBERRA, 10 [August] 1947, 12.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. American Consul-General’s interpretation of Indonesian reaction to their offer [1] is in our view correct. It asked that good offices be used to secure arbitration. 2. Last night Indonesian Prime Minister accepted our proposal for joint American-Australian arbitration....’
272. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 10 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 103 CANBERRA, 10 August 1947, 1.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 133 and 134. [1] 1. Indonesians accepted American offer of good offices and ask them to be used to obtain arbitration by group of nations. This is virtually polite rejection and has been so interpreted by American Consul-General...’
273. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 271 BATAVIA, 10 August 1947, 11.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 224. [1] The American Consul-General informed the Republic Government by radio tonight that he intended to visit Djokjakarta tomorrow in an American plane if they advise he could land. The reply is expected later tonight. [2] 2. I...’
274. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 11 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 462 CANBERRA, 11 August 1947, 5.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately following telegram [1] contains the text of a message from Ballard. [2] We are considering taking similar action ourselves. Decision in Council on your resolution [3] should not be postponed because of United States Consul-General’s action. Replies...’
275. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 1079 WASHINGTON, 11 August 1947, 7.01 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Forsyth saw Morgan in order to follow up State Department undertaking that we would be kept informed of developments in Indonesia. [1] Morgan was not aware that Foote had returned to Batavia and said that official report on...’
276. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN746 NEW YORK, 11 August 1947, 10.42 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 440. Indonesia. 1. We have been in close touch with Sjahrir, Hadji Agoes Salim and their advisers over the weekend and they have been very receptive to our suggestions. However the following factors have made planning difficult....’
277. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN747 NEW YORK, 11 August 1947, 11.42 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 441. Our UN.746. [1] Following is text of proposed resolution on Indonesian question. Quote: Whereas the Security Council on 1st August, 1947, called upon the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia (a) to cease hostilities forthwith and...’
278. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 276 BATAVIA, 12 August 1947, 3.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET The American Consul-General told me that he had seen Soekarno, Sjarifoeddin and senior Ministers for some hours. [1] He explained to them what good offices were along the lines set out my telegram 271. [2] He said they had completely...’
279. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 468 CANBERRA, 12 August 1947, 11.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference 1079 from Washington [1] reporting State Department is against mediation and arbitration, we have just learned of Dutch offer to meet Republican and other representatives at round table conference to work out United States of Indonesia. [2] It...’
280. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 472 CANBERRA, 13 August 1947 SECRET Indonesia. 1. It is now two weeks since the Security Council made its decision on cessation of hostilities and arbitration. The two parties are no nearer agreement on means of arbitration. 2. The Security Council must maintain its position and delaying tactics should...’
281. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN751 NEW YORK, 12 August 1947, 10.47 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 444. INDONESIA 1. In the Council this afternoon, we presented the resolution as contained in our 747 [1] with the following modifications made after consultations with other Delegations this morning. (A) Telescoping the second and third preambles....’
282. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN755 NEW YORK, 13 August 1947, 9.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 446. Your 472 [1] and related messages. Indonesia. Position following on private consultation with most members of Security Council is as follows- 1. United Kingdom, Belgium and France will object strenuously to any further action by Council...’
283. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 479 CANBERRA, 14 August 1947 SECRET Your UN755. [1] 1. You should go ahead with our resolution asking for election of arbiters and observers as we suggested. [2] 2. If defeated each section should be taken separately endeavouring to obtain at least a commissioner to observe the cessation of...’
284. SHANN TO BURTON: 14 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 14 August 1947 NOTE ON CONVERSATION WITH MR. HARRY IN NEW YORK As instructed I conveyed your directions as to the proposing of a Commission of Arbitration directly appointed by the Security Council [1], and enquired as to the chances of success for such a move. Harry said...’
285. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN760 NEW YORK, 14 August 1947, 10.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 449. Indonesia. 1. Council has adjourned until tomorrow following excellent speech by Sjahrir. 2. Earlier the Council reversed decision o[f] 7th August [2] and decided to invite Philippines to participate. Reversal was due to switch by France,...’
286. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 15 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 481 CANBERRA, 15 August 1947, 10.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN760 [1] part 2. We have not yet received part 1 of your report [2] and unless you hear to the contrary before the next meeting of the Security Council go ahead with instructions as already given. [3]...’
287. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN763 NEW YORK, 15 August 1947, 9.41 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 451. Indonesia. 1. After today’s debate position is confused and uncertain but not unsatisfactory to our point of view. Netherlands opened with long emotional statement challenging jurisdiction and competence anew of Security Council, making extravagant assertions about incompetence...’
288. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 18 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 485 CANBERRA, 18 August 1947, 3.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA 1. It has been announced from Batavia that the Republican Government has for a second time clearly rejected the United States offer of good offices. [1] 2. The United States authorities have stated that they propose to inform...’
289. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BALLARD: 18 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 233 CANBERRA, 18 August 1947, 5.57 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have received a note [1] from the Legation here indicating the Netherlands Government invites Consular representatives in Batavia to examine actual situation and report. [2] 2. Our first reaction is that this proposal is unacceptable to us, as it...’
290. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 282 BATAVIA, 18 August 1947, 1.42 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram 281. [1] The following is the text of the Republican Government’s reply to America’s offer of good offices. BEGINS: The Government of the Republic state with deep satisfaction that personal contact and exchange of views recently held between...’
291. BURTON TO TEPPEMA: 19 August 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 19 August 1947 I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 18th August regarding the proposal that all Consuls de Carriere in Batavia should report on the actual situation in Java, Sumatra and Madura. [1] It is noted that this suggestion has been made to the Security...’
292. BALLARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 284 BATAVIA, 19 August 1947, 6.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 233. [1] 1. Press reports here state that Van Kleffens announced at New York that the Netherlands Government was prepared to propose to the Republic: (A) Machinery for the designation of an impartial third state which would send...’
293. SHANN TO BURTON: 20 August 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 20 August 1947 INDONESIA In view of reports that the Dutch authorities in Java are seeking permission to resume ‘police action’ with the view of eliminating Djokjakarta [1], it is suggested that our representative on the Security Council should have a counter measure ready to place before the...’
294. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN772 NEW YORK, 19 August 1947, 8.48 p.m. SECRET Security 454. INDONESIA. Your 485. [1] 1. At outset of todays debate U.S.S.R. used 1 1/2 hours including interpretations, condemning Netherlands action, questioning U.S. motives in ‘forcing’ good offices on Indonesians, and calling for mediation and arbitration by Commission of...’
295. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN774 NEW YORK, 20 August 1947, 11.52 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 456. Indonesia. Our UN772. [1] Following is text of Chinese amendment to Australian resolution [2]:- ‘Substitute for the paragraph numbered 3 the following three paragraphs. 3. Notes with satisfaction the statement by the Netherlands Government issued on...’
296. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 145 THE HAGUE, 21 August 1947, 5.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. My telegram 144. [1] 1. In spite of moderately worded resolution passed by Congress of the Dutch Labour Party on 16th August, I fear that the Government is under heavy pressure locally and from Batavia to disregard...’
297. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN784 NEW YORK, 23 August 1947, 2.24 p.m. SECRET Security 460. INDONESIA. Reference our Security 455. [1] 1. Following on requests from President that Australia should confer with China and Poland with a view to reaching agreement over the Australian resolution and the Chinese and Polish amendments we worked...’
298. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 25 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 503 CANBERRA, 25 August 1947, 12.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.784. [1] INDONESIA. 1. Australia took the initiative on this matter and put forward clear-cut propositions for observation of ‘cease fire’ order and for arbitration based upon Chapter seven of the Charter. These had, in principle, the support...’
299. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 25 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 504 CANBERRA, 25 August 1947, 12.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA. You will, of course, strongly oppose any United States move for reference to Court [1] as suggested in press. [2] It is another means of delaying and by-passing Council. The fact that Council had already made a decision...’
300. NETHERLANDS LEGATION TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 August 1947; ‘Note C15/4249 CANBERRA, 26 August 1947 The Royal Netherlands Legation presents its compliments and has the honour to refer to various conversations held with the Department of External Affairs concerning the continued presence of Dr. Radin Usman Sastroamidjojo in Australia. The Legation begs to recall that the mission of Dr....’
301. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN787 NEW YORK, 25 August 1947, 10.44 p.m. SECRET Security 461. INDONESIA. 1. Council voted first on new Soviet amendment to Australian- Chinese resolution providing for establishment of Commission composed of the States Members of the Security Council to supervise fulfilment of the decision of the Security Council of...’
302. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 27 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 508 CANBERRA, 27 August 1947, 1.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your No. 787 [1] gives us no adequate account of proceedings or decision. This is most embarrassing as we must take immediate action to arrange observer. 2. You do not state whether Australian-Chinese resolution was amended as we instructed....’
303. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 August 1947; ‘Cablegram UN793 NEW YORK, 26 August 1947, 10.17 p.m. SECRET Security 466. Indonesia. Belgian proposal for reference to International Court [1] was rejected today by four (United States, United Kingdom, France, Belgium) to one (Poland) with six abstentions. 2. We made it clear that in principle we favoured reference of...’
304. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CONSULATE-GENERAL IN BATAVIA [1]: 28 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 246 CANBERRA, 28 August 1947 SECRET 1. Eaton carries certain medical and other supplies which he is free to distribute as he may desire. He should, however, be most careful not to open any charge of discrimination. Please discuss with him. 2. Eaton should immediately obtain and report to...’
305. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 August 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 150 THE HAGUE, 30 August 1947, 1.30 p.m. SECRET Reference to our 148. [1] INDONESIA Netherlands Government has accepted two resolutions of the Security Council on the understanding that the Republicans cease all hostile action in word and deed. Government maintains the standpoint that the Council is not...’
306. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 August 1947; ‘Cablegram 294 BATAVIA, 31 August 1947, 10.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET E.1. Arrived at Batavia 1500 August 30th after delay of one day painting flags on aeroplane. [1] Endeavoured to see Van Mook who left August 31st [2]; impossible. This day, saw the head of the Dutch Far Eastern Office, American...’
307. BURTON TO OFFICER: 1 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 115 CANBERRA, 1 September 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Minister leaves 4th (September) for New York. He is candidate for Assembly President. Assembly Session will be [most] [1] difficult one and you will agree that no [one] is better placed than Minister to assist [deliberations] and endeavour to maintain balanced debates....’
308. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 1 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 252 CANBERRA, 1 September 1947, 5.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 294. [1] We agree with United States-United Kingdom interpretation that investigation should be both individual and joint. You should offer to take both with you to Djokjakarta, but in any case endeavour to obtain their agreement that there must...’
309. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 295 BATAVIA, 1 September 1947 SECRET E.2. Result of meeting of Consuls-General, American, French, Belgian and self, Chinese absent, as follows. 2. In discussion American Consul-General stated his instructions were to advise how many military and other assistants he required for observance ‘cease-fire’ order and present conditions and to...’
310. OFFICER TO BURTON: 2 September 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 152 THE HAGUE, 2 September 1947, 12.20 p.m. PERSONAL Your telegram 115. [1] I heartily agree with your paragraph 1. Please convey my good wishes for a successful trip to the Minister. 2. I am, however, pessimistic about securing Dutch support, though I will do my best. Perhaps...’
311. SHEDDEN TO DEDMAN: 3 September 1947; ‘Submission MELBOURNE, 3 September 1947 SITUATION IN INDONESIA The following is a copy of a message received from the Department of External Affairs, relative to the attachment of four Australian Military officers to the staff of the Australian Consul at Batavia, to observe the ‘cease fire’ order:- ‘As you know,...’
312. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN817 NEW YORK, 2 September 1947, 1.46 p.m. SECRET Security 478. Your 508. [1] Study of verbatim records all meetings confirms the view that our 787 [2] with texts all resolutions previously given give[s] a complete picture. Most of the meeting was occupied with discussions of a procedural nature...’
313. TEPPEMA TO BURTON: 6 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 6 September 1947 When I last met Dr. Evatt on September 2nd at the French Legation I mentioned to him that I had gladly complied with his request, formulated on the previous day, to send a personal message on his behalf to The Hague. This message conveyed his...’
314. OFFICER TO BURTON: 6 September 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 158 THE HAGUE, 6 September 1947, 7.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL AND MOST CONFIDENTIAL I discussed the situation today with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, his Political Director, Dr. van Mook and Dr. van Roijen. The two latter go to New York tonight and hope to see the...’
315. EATON TO BURTON: 6 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 298 DJOKJAKARTA, 6 September 1947 [1] TOP SECRET E.4. This morning in informal talks at Jocja[carta] President and Prime Minster said that it was hoped Australia would be Republican representative on Commission [2] and that United Kingdom would be chosen as third power. Russia and China not considered suitable....’
316. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 299 BATAVIA, 7 September 1947 TOP SECRET E.5. Following are conclusions of report by French Consul-General and self [1] as a result of visit to South-Eastern Java, a round trip of approximately 500 miles from Jocjakarta:- 1. POLITICAL The Republican Government will in no way agree to or recognise...’
317. SJARIFUDDIN TO CHIFLEY: 7 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 300 [1] BATAVIA, 7 September 1947 I have the honour to request you, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia, to arrange for the Commonwealth of Australia to represent Indonesia on the United Nations Three-Power Commission which will assemble in the future to...’
318. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 7 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 526 CANBERRA, 7 September 1947, 1 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesians have nominated Australia to the Committee of Three. [1] Our understanding of Council resolution is that Australia and Belgium [2] must now agree on third member of Committee. 2. Please consult urgently with Belgian representative on the Council...’
319. BURTON TO TEPPEMA: 8 September 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 Thank you for your letter of 6th September. [1] I wish to inform you that I have conveyed to Dr. Evatt the messages you asked to be sent. I fully appreciate and reciprocate your desire for an early improvement in Australian-Dutch relations. However, those relations...’
320. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO NETHERLANDS LEGATION: 8 September 1947; ‘Note CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 The Department of External Affairs presents its compliments to the Royal Netherlands Legation and, in acknowledging receipt of the Legation’s Note (C.15/4351) concerning the reported activities in Melbourne of Dr. Raden Usman Sastroamidjojo [1], has the honour to inform the Legation that, in this as...’
321. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 8 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 257 CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 299. [1] While the general report is most satisfactory, the greatest care must be taken in placing it before the Consular mission at this early stage. You are stating as a fact many matters with which your colleagues will disagree,...’
322. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 8 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 234 CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL I have a letter from Teppema [2] referring to conversations with you and asking me to convey a message that Van Boetzelaer will not be at New York, but it is hoped that you will have a free discussion with Van...’
323. CHIFLEY TO SJARIFUDDIN: 8 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 259 [1] CANBERRA, 8 September 1947 I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your request made to the Government of Australia to act as Indonesian nominee on the United Nations Committee of Three set up by the Security Council. [2] The Australian Government throughout has offered help in...’
324. EATON TO BURTON: 8 September 1947; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 8 September 1947 I seem to have been rushing around a bit here but I am pleased that I feel I have been able to initiate a real commencement of the investigation. I have had minor opposition which I have taken no notice of, and now all is...’
325. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN847 NEW YORK, 8 September 1947, 7.25 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Security 483. Your UNY526. [1] INDONESIA 1. The Belgian Representative is out of New York until Wednesday and his Delegation have received no instructions from Brussels. We stressed the need for immediate action and the Belgians undertook to contact...’
326. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 510 SINGAPORE, 9 September 1947, 6.38 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram No.474. [1] I saw Killearn at once. He was deeply appreciative of the request. He is however in a state of considerable emotion because your message has reached him almost simultaneously with a secret and personal...’
327. OFFICER TO EVATT: 9 September 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 159 [1] THE HAGUE, 9 September 1947, 1.01 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Ministry of Foreign Affairs inform me that they expect Mr. Spaak to proceed to New York within the next two or three days and express the hope that you and he will meet and discuss the question...’
328. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 11 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 1091 CANBERRA, 11 September 1947, 6.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE Press Reports state that Van Mook saw Secretary of State yesterday [1] and that in a press conference later he stated United Nations intervention had done little more than to delay a proper solution, that the communist party in Indonesia had...’
329. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 11 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 266 CANBERRA, 11 September 1947 SECRET Evidence is accumulating that Van Mook has been sent to United States to try out United States reaction to further military moves, and that a final decision will be taken at The Hague before Van Mook returns to Batavia. The Dutch, in making...’
330. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 September 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 163 THE HAGUE, 12 September 1947, 5.23 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA My telegram No.158 [1], your telegram 124. [2] In absence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is spending a few days in the country, I discussed the situation with the head of the Political Section this morning....’
331. SJARIFUDDIN TO CHIFLEY: 13 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 312 [1] BATAVIA, 13 September 1947 I have received with deep gratitude favourable and prompt reply [2] to my Communication asking Australia to represent the Republic of Indonesia on the Three Power Commission. I should be most grateful if you would now authorise an Australian representative to visit Djocjacarta...’
332. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN863 NEW YORK, 13 September 1947, 1.57 p.m. SECRET Security 487. Indonesia. 1. Minister has had preliminary talk with Langenhove, the permanent Belgian representative to United Nations, regarding the designation of the third country for the Security Council arbitration committee on Indonesia. 2. Langenhove said his Government favoured the...’
333. BURTON TO EVATT: 15 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 545 CANBERRA, 15 September 1947, 2.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Confirming my ‘in clear’ message [1], Bevin has expressed view that United Kingdom Government having twice attempted to reach a peaceful settlement and having failed, now looks to a totally new approach, and considers it would be unwise for either...’
334. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 15 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 270 CANBERRA, 15 September 1947, 3.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Dutch Minister here has urged early completion of Consular Commission work and asked that priority be given to the consideration of measures which would render the ‘cease fire’ order effective. This comes as a surprise to us, and it...’
335. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 320 BATAVIA, 16 September 1947, 4 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Had informal personal talks with Schuurman today. He agreed with the view that the three power committee would obtain the best results if definite terms of reference were given to obtain solution of the problem particularly from the Dutch point...’
336. BURTON TO EVATT: 17 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E11 CANBERRA, 17 September 1947, 2.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Eaton seems to have made favourable impression both on Indonesians and Dutch and was entertained at dinner at the Palace and his suggestion of a permanent representative at Djokjakarta was sympathetically received. The joint report will be compiled on...’
337. EVATT TO BURTON: 17 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E4 NEW YORK, 17 September 1947, 5.24 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Reference your E.11. [1] Spaak and I saw Marshall this morning and in view of reports regarding the United Kingdom [2] we made a joint request of the United States to nominate a third party. Marshall said...’
338. BURTON TO EVATT: 19 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E17 (extract) CANBERRA, 19 September 1947, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL 2. In view of doubts on effectiveness of others suggested, and your strong preference for Kirby, which I share, I have asked the Prime Minister to reconsider this decision. [1] Ashley is away and is concerned not to...’
339. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 19 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 273 CANBERRA, 19 September 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET It appears from reports that United States will be the third member of the Three Power Committee [1] and possibly Sayre. Do not communicate this to the Dutch as yet. 2. Our representative is not yet selected but will advise within the...’
340. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 September 1947; ‘Cablegram UN881 NEW YORK, 19 September 1947 SECRET Security 491. Indonesia. 1. In the Security Council on 10th September, Gromyko drew attention to the fact that no information had yet been received from the Consular Commission on the situation in Indonesia. He indicated that if information was not received, ‘in...’
341. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 20 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 126 CANBERRA, 20 September 1947 Please inform Netherlands Authorities that we understand Netherlands Representative at Assembly voted for Dr. Evatt as President [1] and that we greatly appreciate this gesture of fundamental goodwill and friendship between the Netherlands and Australia. _ 1 On 16 September, Evatt was defeated by...’
342. BROOKES TO BURTON: 22 September 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 22 September 1947 INDONESIA Objectives- 1. To secure maximum conditions for Indonesia. 2. To achieve as much as possible through U.N. and thereby assist to build up reputation. 3. To allow the Dutch to save as much face as they can within U.N. and without. 4. In an...’
343. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 22 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 275 CANBERRA, 22 September 1947 SECRET You will be commencing drafting report. You have given us very little information of significance [to] date or indication as to what might be in report, and at this stage we would like to be fully informed. 2. It would seem to us...’
344. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 322 BATAVIA, 22 September 1947 SECRET E.12. Returned to Batavia 21st after visiting Palembang, Padang, Fort de Kock and Medan areas. Position is similar to other areas except that armed bands under Japanese are operating against both Dutch and Indonesians in North Sumatra. As in other areas consider it...’
345. BURTON TO OFFICER: 23 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 127 CANBERRA, 23 September 1947, 6.40 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your 164. [1] 1. Our guess had been, from the attitude of Dutch here, Dutch at Batavia, and reports from New York, that, for the time being, the decision had been taken there could be no further military moves....’
346. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 323 BATAVIA, 23 September 1947, 12.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET E.13. Your telegram 275. [1] In view of the despatch of the Consular Mission telegram to the Security Council [2], suggest consideration be given that question be raised by the Australian member of the Council for immediate formation of joint...’
347. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 September 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 168 THE HAGUE, 23 September 1947, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Received 24 September 1947, 9.30 a.m. INDONESIA Prime Minister Beel today made a policy statement on Indonesia to the second Chamber of the States-General. 2. After reviewing events both in Indonesia and in the Security Council since the...’
348. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 24 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 279 CANBERRA, 24 September 1947 IMMEDIATE The Prime Minister announced today that Mr. Justice R. C. Kirby, Judge of the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration, will be the Australian representative on the Committee of Three on Indonesia, set up by the Security Council. 2. Mr. Chifley said that...’
349. BURTON TO EVATT: 24 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E31 (extract) CANBERRA, 24 September 1947 SECRET PERSONAL INDONESIA. Now that we have nominated our representative and expressed the view that the meeting should be as soon as possible, the next step is presumably for the Secretariat of the United Nations to communicate with all three Governments and to...’
350. MINUTE FOR BURTON: 25 September 1947; ‘CANBERRA, 25 September 1947 AGREEMENT [1] The Netherlands Government represented by ……….., and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia represented by ………, Moved by a sincere desire to ensure good relations between the peoples of the Netherlands and Indonesia in new forms of voluntary co-operation which offer the best...’
351. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 328 BATAVIA, 25 September 1947 SECRET E.17. Our 327 [1] para 3. Mission saw Van Mook this morning after which Schuurman informed me no decision would be given on representation to Djocjakarta and Republican representative proceeding to Canberra until Saturday earliest. Have pressed as far as possible for decisions...’
352. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 3433 LONDON, 25 September 1947, 3.50 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram 4054. [1] I called on Sjahrir morning of 25th September. He expects to be in London another week during which he will see Attlee and Bevin, to put the Indonesian case in a general way. He hopes to...’
353. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 26 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 280 CANBERRA, 26 September 1947, 5.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 328 [1] is disturbing as we had formed opinion that Dutch were being cooperative with respect to Committee of Three and would not use delaying tactics. We were expecting a more favourable reaction to your approach asking what their...’
354. SJARIFUDDIN TO CHIFLEY: 26 September 1947; ‘Letter DJOKJAKARTA, 26 September 1947 It is with great pleasure that I received the news of Mr. Kirby being appointed by your Government as Australia’s representative to the Three Power Commission. I am convinced that a good understanding of the Indonesian problems will serve Mr. Kirby a great deal in...’
355. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 29 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 282 CANBERRA, 29 September 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. You have every right to maintain a leading position in the drafting of the report as the Australian observers are the only ones who turned up in time and the only ones who are in a position to make full report....’
356. BURTON TO EVATT: 29 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E41 CANBERRA, 29 September 1947, 6.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your E15. [1] Eaton supports report which is merely warning that final report will probably have to recommend troop withdrawals. Position is that Dutch claimed areas containing many Indonesian strongholds and have been ‘mopping up’ in them. Indonesians...’
357. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 September 1947; ‘Cablegram 334 BATAVIA, 29 September 1947 SECRET E.20. Interrogation of Republican [1] and Dutch [2] senior officials now completed and consular mission compiling joint report which should be completed by October 3rd. Belgian Consul-General at this morning’s meeting stated he ad received cable from his Government that joint report NOT...’
358. BURTON TO EVATT: 30 September 1947; ‘Cablegram E42 CANBERRA, 30 September 1947 IMMEDIATE PERSONAL Indonesia. 1. Delay is occasioning concern. Eaton reports Belgian Consul- General endeavouring to delay final report to the Security Council which Eaton hopes will be completed by 3rd October. American officers have delayed in arriving. American Government has delayed appointment of member...’
359. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 October 1947; ‘cablegram [337] [1] BATAVIA, 1 October 1947, 10.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET E22. Your telegram 285 first paragraph [2], I agree. Definite information intensified mopping up operations will occur immediately and if no immediate solution by Committee of Three probable further police action. 2. At yesterday’s Mission meeting my...’
360. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY OBSERVING OFFICERS TO EATON: 1 October 1947; ‘BATAVIA, [1 October 1947] [1] TOP SECRET REPORT ON THE MILITARY SITUATION IN JAVA AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1947 1. Object The object of this report is to cover:- (a) The observance of the ‘CEASE HOSTILITIES’ order and (b) The conditions prevailing in areas under military occupation or from which armed forces now...’
361. BURTON TO EATON: 2 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 289 CANBERRA, 2 October 1947, 5.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your E.22. [1] Must stress again that it is essential you keep us fully and immediately informed at every stage. You should at once send us your part of the Joint Report; if too long to telegraph in...’
362. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 3518 LONDON, 2 October 1947, 7.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram No. 3433. [1] I called on Sjahrir again on 2nd October. He said that unless something arose to stop him, he would leave here early next week for Delhi where he would spend a few days. Thereafter he would...’
363. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 3 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 290 CANBERRA, 3 October 1947, 4.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET You will have heard that Dr. Frank Graham has been appointed American representative on Committee of Three. This removes one reason adduced by American and Belgian Consuls against need for speed in completing report. [1] The fact that American...’
364. EATON TO BURTON: 3 October 1947; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 3 October 1947 Your telegram regarding my movements [1] arrived last night, I feel you understand that there was no personal motive involved. A mass of useful information was in draft yesterday and we worked all last night typing copies which have not yet even been officially received...’
365. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN944 NEW YORK, 3 October 1947, 10.58 p.m. SECRET Security 499. 1. Council today discussed Indonesian question and had before it interim report from Consular Commission. [1] At outset Dr. Evatt stated that reports should not be treated as confidential and should be made public. This was agreed and...’
366. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 346 BATAVIA, 4 October 1947, 2.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET E.26. The British Consul-General and self decided to despatch following telegram to our respective Governments. ‘In the course of its investigations the Consular Commission has borne in mind the possibility of finding some way of securing the reduction of casualties...’
367. OFFICER TO EVATT [1]: 8 October 1947; ‘Ministerial Despatch Hag 26/47 THE HAGUE, 8 October 1947 TOP SECRET I have the honour to advise that a strictly confidential report has reached me according to which the Dutch Government recently approached the Portuguese Government with a view to enlisting their support in the prevention of any possible anti-Dutch...’
368. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN958 NEW YORK, 8 October 1947, 9.59 p.m. SECRET Security 501. Committee of Three, Indonesia. 1. Informal meeting was held this morning at office of Secretary- General between Van Zeeland, Graham and Minister. 2. It was unanimously agreed that the two members should proceed first available air reservations along...’
369. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 9 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 606 CANBERRA, 9 October 1947, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.952. [1] Eaton, and also military observers, one of whom has returned [2], is emphatic that there can be no satisfactory outcome unless there is a demarcation line set or troop withdrawals to some given points. They are convinced...’
370. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 10 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 608 CANBERRA, 10 October 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.958. [1] 1. The arrangements which have been made are greatly welcomed by the Prime Minister and by Kirby, and all necessary steps will be made to meet members of the Committee and the Secretariat staff and to look after them....’
371. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN966 NEW YORK, 10 October 1947, 4.10 p.m. SECRET Security 502. Council on October 9th continued discussion on Indonesia. United States and Belgium both opposed the Soviet resolution [1] and suggested that Council should await final Consular report. Both countries referred to establishment of Commission of Three and expressed...’
372. EATON TO BURTON BATAVIA, 11 OCTOBER 1947, 3 P.M. RECEIVED 11 OCTOBER 1947, 11 P.M.: 11 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 360, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following conclusions of joint report being despatched to Secretary-General, Security Council today. [1] Begins. _by the Dutch or the Indonesians that the other side would carry them out, and no attempt was made by either side to come to an agreement with the other about...’
373. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 612 CANBERRA, 13 October 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.966, Security [5]02. [1] Indonesia. 1. We feel that your resolution in its present form is not sufficiently realistic in terms of the actual situation in Java to provide effective observance of cease fire order, even if it were adopted...’
374. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 3635 LONDON, 13 October 1947 SECRET My telegram 3518. [1] At small luncheon given by Indian High Commissioner to Mr. Sjahrir on 9th October at which the High Commissioner was present, Bevin asked Sjahrir what the Indonesian objectives now were. Would they be satisfied with a return by both...’
375. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN971 NEW YORK, 13 October 1947 SECRET SECURITY 505. Council on October 11th continued discussion on Indonesia. Poland opposed delay on issue and spoke in support of Soviet resolution. [1] In moving our resolution [2] we emphasised need to obtain cessation of hostilities and ensure observance of cease fire...’
376. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 14 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 300 CANBERRA, 14 October 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Moore has handed us copy of the draft [report] [1] and has indicated that, while draft in the form in which we have it was agreed to by the Committee, signing still remains, and that the French Consul has meanwhile indicated that...’
377. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN983 NEW YORK, 15 October 1947 SECRET Security 507. Your UNY612. [1] 1. We feel that Interim Consular report [2], the summary of final report [3] and the discussion in the Council show that Council’s task is to ensure implementation of cease fire order and that no approval either...’
378. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 361 BATAVIA, [15] [1] October 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 300. [2] Returned to Batavia 1400 hours October 15th. Joint [Report] [3] signed by all without major amendments. [4] Conclusions [5] paragraph 7 [6], ‘as individuals’ included after the word ‘Dutch’ as this had been omitted from the...’
379. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 16 October 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 16 October 1947 INDONESIA Why can’t we face the withdrawal issue squarely. 2. The Consular Commission has satisfied itself that Dutch mopping up was [1] responsible for breaches of the cease fire order. 3. Eaton has said that complete retirement of both sides is necessary to attain cessation...’
380. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 17 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 303 CANBERRA, 17 October 1947, 12.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 361. [1] Have noted your views in paragraph 4. We note with some surprise your emphasis on the need for early establishment of Joint Police Force, and would like to know your reasons for this conclusion. Our impression has...’
381. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 366 BATAVIA, 18 October 1947 SECRET Your telegram No. 303 [1] and refer also my 323 [2] paragraph 1. From maps submitted to you by Brigadier Dyke it can be seen that some centres of Republican resistance are located up to 100 miles within the area formed by lines...’
382. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 20 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UNY630 CANBERRA, 20 October 1947, 12.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Dutch Army communique of 17th October announced four separate large-scale mopping up operations. Eaton’s description of situation cabled to you in our No. 629 [1] makes it clear that such operations would amount to full scale warfare. These moves are...’
383. BURTON TO EVATT: 20 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E74 CANBERRA, 20 October 1947, 1.55 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Committee of Three are down to work [1] and Kirby states that their relationships could not be better. We have accommodated them at Lapstone, and the informality has helped tremendously to establish good relations. They will probably proceed to the...’
384. KIRBY TO EATON: 20 October 1947; ‘Cablegram SYDNEY, 20 October 1947 Following communication addressed to the Prime Minister of the Government of the Indonesian Republic by the Chairman of the Security Council’s Good Offices Committee [on] Indonesian question as approved by Committee first meeting today Sydney. Request transmit text to Indonesian Government and transmit their reply...’
385. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1018 NEW YORK, 22 October 1947, 8.13 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 510. Your UNY637 [1], no vote yet taken. Council continued discussion on Indonesia today. Final Consular report without annexes distributed at meeting. Annexes not available till the end of the week. Philippines proposed that M.S.C. [2] should assist...’
386. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 23 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 644 CANBERRA, 23 October 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN.1008, Security 509. [1] Indonesia. According to United Nations broadcast monitored here resolution circulated by United States contains, in addition to two points you have mentioned, a third point requesting the Consular Commission, Batavia, to make its services available for arbitration...’
387. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1022 NEW YORK, 23 October 1947, 12.08 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 511. Your UNY644. [1] Following is full text of American resolution. The Security Council- Having received and taken note of the summaries of the report of the Consular Commission dated 11th October 1947 [2], indicating that the...’
388. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 24 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 645 CANBERRA, 24 October 1947, 11.20 a.m. SECRET It is reported here by radio that Van Kleffens at the Security Council [1] stated it was impossible to negotiate with Republican Government in [what] he called its present belligerent mood. It is unfair such statements should be made unchallenged by...’
389. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1023 NEW YORK, 24 October 1947, 11.29 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 512. We have repeatedly opposed delaying tactics in Council and urged expeditious handling of Indonesian question. At last meeting we spoke strongly against United Kingdom proposal for meeting next week, but as indicated in last paragraph our Security...’
390. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 25 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 314 CANBERRA, 25 October 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET _Power Committee has met and agreed upon following further message to Djokjakarta: BEGINS- ‘The Committee has received the communication from the Republic of Indonesia for-warded by Vice-Premier Gani on October 23rd, 1947. The Committee notes with pleasure that the Government of...’
391. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 28 October 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 October 1947 INDONESIA The Listening Post [1] Report for 28th October reports Hilversum Radio as claiming that representatives of East Indonesia and autonomous territories and ‘other organisations’ will participate in the first contacts of the Committee of Three. It is questionable whether the areas referred to by...’
392. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 28 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 317 CANBERRA, 28 October 1947, 3.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The following message intercepted early this morning from Djokjakarta Radio: Communication to the Chairman of Committee of Good Offices of the United Nations Security Council from Dr. Sjarifoeddin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Indonesia. In reply to your communication...’
393. BURTON TO EATON: 28 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 318 CANBERRA, 28 October 1947 SECRET An Indonesian ship is within radio contact of Australia and endeavouring to arrange a means of communication between the Republic and the Australian Government. We will supply further details when known, but meanwhile, this is a clear indication that in the Indonesian view...’
394. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1036 NEW YORK, 27 October 1947, 10.13 p.m. SECRET Security 513. Council considered Indonesia this afternoon. India and Indonesia, basing their remarks on full consular report, spoke in support of withdrawal of forces to positions ante bellum. Only other speaker was U.S. who introduced amended version of their resolution...’
395. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO STEELE AND MASSEY: 30 October 1947; ‘Cablegrams 190, 562 CANBERRA, 30 October 1947, 5.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Sutan Sjahrir, ex-Premier Indonesia, is reported to have left Paris on 27th October for Cairo whence his intention is to leave for Australia. 2. Please ascertain Sjahrir’s movements and likely date of his arrival in Australia. He should...’
396. KIRBY TO BURTON: 30 October 1947; ‘Cablegram 384 BATAVIA, 30 October 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET So as to establish beyond argument authority of the Committee we are seeking at the outset, with the full support of the United States, to manoeuvre parties into asking us to make recommendations (vide Article 38 of Charter [1]). 2. Accordingly at...’
397. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1047 NEW YORK, 29 October 1947, 10.07 [p.m.] SECRET Security 151. Council continued discussion on Indonesia Wednesday afternoon. At outset United Kingdom withdrew their resolution [1] in favour of United States proposal. [2] Poland delivered long speech directed against Netherlands and presented new resolution finding Netherlands responsible for breach...’
398. BURTON TO EVATT: 31 October 1947; ‘Cablegram E89 CANBERRA, 31 October 1947 SECRET Following report from Kirby, dated 30th October, is forwarded for your personal information. It would seem undesirable that fact that Kirby is reporting Committee’s proceedings independently to us should become generally known. [1] _ 1 The text of Document 396 followed. _ [AA:A1838/274,...’
399. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 390 BATAVIA, 1 November 1947, 6 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The main points of the first official meeting with the Dutch yesterday are (A) The Netherlands ‘provisional’ delegation of five [1] was headed by Abdulkadir and included only two Dutch. In answer to a direct question Abdulkadir admitted all...’
400. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 October 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1057 NEW YORK, 31 October 1947, 11.42 p.m. SECRET Security 516. 1. Council held two meetings Friday. 2. Netherlands spoke at length justifying their position. Opposed Soviet [1], Australian [2] and Polish resolutions. [3] 3. [China] [4] repeated opposition to Soviet and Australian resolutions. Suggested various amendments to United...’
401. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1062 NEW YORK, 1 November 1947, 11.50 p.m. SECRET Security 517. Sub-committee on Indonesia met Saturday morning, reached agreement on text of resolution which was eventually carried at afternoon session of Council by 7 votes with Poland voting against. Colombia, Syria and Soviet Union abstained. Text in immediately following...’
402. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1063 NEW YORK, 1 November 1947, 11.51 p.m. SECRET Security 518. Our immediately preceding cable. [1] Following is text of resolution adopted by Council: ‘Text of the resolution on the Indonesian question submitted by the United States and amended by sub-committee appointed by the Security Council at its 217th...’
403. BURTON TO KIRBY: 3 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 326 CANBERRA, 3 November 1947 SECRET PERSONAL Glad to know, for the information of the Prime Minister in particular, whether, following first contacts with the Republican and Netherlands authorities, the Committee’s future programme has become clear enough to enable you to give any indication of when your work will...’
404. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 6 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 330 CANBERRA, 6 November 1947, 3.40 [p.m.] SECRET Our 325. [1] We asked our United Nations Mission, New York, for clarification of last paragraph of United States resolution adopted by Security Council 1st November. [2] Following explanation has now been received from New York: ‘After defeat of Soviet and...’
405. KIRBY TO BURTON: 6 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 396 BATAVIA, 6 November 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Regret that constant discussions, meetings and travel between Batavia and Djokjakarta have prevented me from informing you developments and views as they occur. Further the situation has changed from time to time so rapidly that I have hesitated to communicate in...’
406. EATON TO BURTON: 6 November 1947; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 6 November 1947 Yesterday I had quite a long personal off the record talk with Jonkheer H.F.L.K. van Vredenburch, Director of the Political Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This man is thought to be one of the most liberal minded men of the Dutch. The conversation was very...’
407. THROSSELL TO SHANN: 7 November 1947; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 7 November 1947 INDONESIA The Security Council has three times ordered a cessation of hostilities in Indonesia: On 1st August, the Security Council called upon the parties ‘to cease hostilities forthwith’; on 25th August, ‘to adhere strictly to the recommendation of the Security Council of 1st August, 1947’;...’
408. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 7 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 332 CANBERRA, 7 November 1947, 1.45 p.m. SECRET Djokjakarta Radio accuses Dutch of having sent planes to strafe population of Bandjarnegora, in Central Java, on 30th October and 4th November, killing seven civilians and injuring others. Challenge which these attacks constitute to latest Security Council resolution has been pointed...’
409. BURTON TO OFFICER: 7 November 1947; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 7 November 1947 TOP SECRET I have read with interest your Top Secret Despatch (Hag.26/47) of 8th October, 1947 [1], concerning a proposed arrangement between the Dutch and Portuguese to counter nationalist movements in their respective portions of . . . Timor. Reports of nationalist movements in any...’
410. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 397 BATAVIA, 7 November 1947 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET At meeting with Republican Government at Djokjakarta on Wednesday they agreed (a) to proposal for meeting on ship; (b) that Committee should suggest procedure for settlement; (c) that Committee should suggest actual basis of settlement; (d) to appoint a Committee with...’
411. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 398 BATAVIA, 7 November 1947 My telegram 397. [1] Following is text of press release. The Committee has always been mindful of the importance of the speediest possible agreement between the parties as to a meeting place for substantive discussions. At the same time, it was obvious that many...’
412. MASSEY TO CHIFLEY: 7 November 1947; ‘Ministerial Despatch 4/47 SINGAPORE, 7 November 1947 CONFIDENTIAL The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia (Hadji Agus Salim) passed through Singapore last week on his way back to Jogjakarta from the United Nations Security Council meeting at Lake Success. During his stay in Singapore, the Hadji remained rather in...’
413. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 10 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 336 CANBERRA, 10 November 1947, 5.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Military Advisers. Question of return of Dyke and Spence [1] taken up with Defence authorities. Dyke has important work here as Director of Artillery, and it is at present proposed that he should proceed to the United Kingdom in January...’
414. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 405 BATAVIA, 11 November 1947, 1.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET On November 7th at a meeting of the Committee of Three with the Consular Commission and the Military Observers, the Committee of Three requested that a report be made by the Military Observers regarding military assistance [1] to implement Security...’
415. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 308 LONDON, 11 November 1947, 6.15 p.m. SECRET Subandrio, London Representative of Indonesian Government, called on me on 10th November for the first time. 2. After discussing generalities Subandrio said his Government wanted to know the view of the Australian Government as to the future of the Indonesian movement....’
416. KIRBY TO BURTON: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 12 November 1947, 6.10 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL This telegram entirely personal to you alone, unless you care to pass on to the Prime Minister, and Minister. 2. In Australia, it was impossible for me to ascertain from Graham and Van Zeeland their predispositions (if...’
417. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 407 BATAVIA, 12 November 1947 Following document received from Judge Kirby was submitted informally to Dutch on 7th November and is referred to in paragraph 9 of his personal telegram to Dr. Burton [1]: ‘The Committee of Good Offices at this stage considers it to be desirable to state...’
418. BURTON TO KIRBY: 13 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 342 CANBERRA, 13 November 1947, 7.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL I am very grateful to you for your personal message [1] which I have handed to the Prime Minister and summarised to the Minister. I would fear your leaving at this stage, and suggest you take risk on...’
419. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 14 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 144 CANBERRA, 14 November 1947, 3.50 p.m. SECRET You should know that we have been negotiating for some months with Netherlands Legation here on question of disposal of Netherlands Indies Army munitions, stores and other equipment still remaining in Australia, and repatriation of remaining Netherlands Indies Army personnel. 2....’
420. KIRBY TO BURTON BATAVIA, 14 NOVEMBER 1947, 2.03 P.M. RECEIVED 15 NOVEMBER 1947, 9 A.M.: 14 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 412, MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Interpretation of Security Council resolution of November 1st has been debated by Committee with Americans and ourselves making some progress against limited interpretation of penultimate paragraph [1] by Van Zeeland. Strategy of seeking best possible basis for showdown had required me to accept an...’
421. EATON TO EVATT [1]: 14 November 1947; ‘Ministerial Despatch 8/1947 (extracts) BATAVIA, 14 November 1947 SECRET I have the honour to state that the work of the Committee of Good Offices still holds the main interest in the East Indies, particularly in Java, and full details of its work have of course been promulgated officially. It is...’
422. BURTON TO KIRBY: 15 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 349 CANBERRA, 15 November 1947, 11.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your 412. [1] See our 330 of 6th November [2] giving you text of New York cable explaining Council resolution. In my view, no good purpose is served by seeking further interpretation. Paragraphs in question [3] are clear and...’
423. BURTON TO KIRBY: 18 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 351 CANBERRA, 18 November 1947, 2.35 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL I have now seen summary (telegraphed from London) of report made by Military observers at request of Committee on subject of observance of cease-fire order. [1] Summary confirms your statement that recommendations of military observers are in several respects very...’
424. KIRBY TO BURTON: 19 November 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 19 November 1947, 11 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram 349 [1] compels me to make three observations for which I regret the necessity: (1) In my telegram 412 [2] I did not ask for your opinion as to whether I was correct in seeking further...’
425. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 19 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 422 BATAVIA, 19 November 1947 SECRET PERSONAL Yesterday at Djokjakarta [1] a number of Republicans, including Sjarifoeddin and Setiadjit, expressed concern lest Kirby be recalled at end of month. (They referred to Prime Minister’s statement.) [2] 2. I am aware of difficulties and also know you appreciate Kirby’s personal...’
426. JOHNSTON TO BURTON: 19 November 1947; ‘Memorandum MELBOURNE, 19 November 1947 I refer to your teleprinter message No. 730 dated 10th November, 1947, which concerns the Indonesian request for landing rights in Australia. [1] In reply, I wish to say that provided it is established that the Indonesian aircraft could comply with the safety requirements, this...’
427. EATON TO EVATT [1]: 19 November 1947; ‘Ministerial Despatch 9/1947 SECRET BATAVIA, 19 November 1947 I have the honour to state that the main interest in diplomatic circles in Batavia is still confined to the progress of the Committee of Three. The general reaction is that negotiations are very slow and that unless something spectacular develops at...’
428. BURTON TO KIRBY: 21 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 360 CANBERRA, 21 November 1947 TOP SECRET PERSONAL I am sorry if my telegram 349 [1] was as unhelpful as you make it appear. It was sent with no other desire than to assist you. As I informed you therein, I passed on your request immediately to Dr. Evatt...’
429. KIRBY TO BURTON: 20 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 425 BATAVIA, 20 November 1947, 1.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Following is part two of my telegram. [1] 6. I must stress that the Dutch advance and mopping up ever since 4th August have overrun areas of economic importance and many plantations have thus fallen into their hands and...’
430. EVATT TO BURTON: 21 November 1947; ‘Cablegram E65 NEW YORK, 21 November 1947, 2.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your E115. [1] Indonesia. 1. In my view the resolution of 1st November should be interpreted as requiring Dutch withdrawal to areas physically occupied on August 4th and Kirby would be fully justified in continuing to...’
431. BURTON TO KIRBY: 22 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 362 CANBFRRA, 22 November 1947, 3.05 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL After discussion with Prime Minister I feel I should tell you that he is strongly of opinion that discussions on cease fire cannot be allowed to drag on. He feels that the Committee should announce to both parties a...’
432. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MACKAY: 24 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 481 CANBERRA, 24 November 1947 IMPORTANT SECRET Your 627 and 633. [1] We are prepared to make arrangements for Sjahrir’s accommodation in Australia but do not think it expedient that he should be received here as the official guest of the Australian Government or that the Government should be...’
433. KIRBY TO BURTON: 23 November 1947; ‘Cablegram K1 BATAVIA, 23 November 1947, 10 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Parts I and II. Thanks for your telegram 360. [1] Unfortunately your telegram 349 [2] as received did not state that you had passed on my request to Evatt. Naturally I read from the remainder an implication that...’
434. KIRBY TO BURTON: 24 November 1947; ‘Cablegram [K1] BATAVIA, 24 November 1947, 5 p.m. PART THREE [1] 7. Very confidentially I have sent Critchley to Jogjakarta today to discuss with the Prime Minister the advisability of making a written appeal to the Committee to consider urgently- (1) Measures to provide for equitable distribution of food and...’
435. BURTON TO KIRBY: 25 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 369 CANBERRA, 25 November 1947 IMMEDIATE 1. Thank you for your telegram K1. [1] I think the idea of the Indonesian plea is very good from two points of view in particular: (a) Situation described in your paragraph 5 can only be regarded as warfare. When the plea reaches...’
436. BURTON TO JOHNSTON: 26 November 1947; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 26 November 1947 I desire to acknowledge receipt of your memorandum 38/104/92 of 19th November, 1947 [1], on the subject of a request from the Republican Government of Indonesia for landing rights in Australia. 2. The attitude of the Australian Government towards the Republican Government of Indonesia cannot...’
437. WHITE TO BURTON: 26 November 1947; ‘Memorandum 151 DILI, 26 November 1947 TOP SECRET DUTCH-PORTUGUESE RELATIONS 1. I refer to your memo. No. 64 dated 10th November 1947 (file No. P47/67/4). [1] 2. An opportunity of discussing this matter with the Governor of Portuguese Timor was presented on 12th November, but his remarks gave no suggestion...’
438. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY [1]: 27 November 1947; ‘Memorandum, CANBERRA, 27 November 1947 1. In the course of the last few months Notes have been exchanged which constitute a basis for the liquidation of the military supplies (except arms and ammunition) belonging to the Netherlands East Indies Government. [2] 2. Financial consequences of the projected sale of arms...’
439. NOTES OF A MEETING OF THE AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, COMMITTEE OF GOOD OFFICES: 27 November 1947; ‘Extract BATAVIA, 27 November 1947, 9.30 a.m. Overall procedure: Various methods of procedure discussed. Judge Kirby suggested that as soon as discussions start [1], we get the parties to put their offers, and counter offers, in writing. And should there be set up an interpretation committee in case of dispute...’
440. KIRBY TO BURTON: 27 November 1947; ‘Cablegram K2 BATAVIA, 27 November 1947, 11.05 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Thank you for your telegram 369. [1] Reference your paragraph one (b), the question of recommencing trade was in our minds and Critchley is now working out a plan to endeavour to do something about specific matter mentioned by you....’
441. KIRBY TO BURTON: 27 November 1947; ‘Cablegram K3 BATAVIA, 27 November 1947, 9.13 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET I am very concerned about the insecurity of the Republican communications. The Dutch continually make statements showing that they have broken the Republican code [1] and although the Republicans are aware of this, they seem unable to devise...’
442. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 28 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 719 CANBERRA, 28 November 1947, 5.10 p.m. SECRET Following received from Kirby [1]-Begins. ‘The United States Delegation is cabling the State Department today [2] raising the question of the Committee’s status when Australia goes off the Security Council at the end of next month. The United States Delegation is...’
443. BURTON TO KIRBY: 28 November 1947; ‘Cablegram 12 CANBERRA, 28 November 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your 435. [1] There will be no difficulty about having Australia continue on the Committee beyond our term of appointment on the Security Council. A resolution will have been adopted in the Security Council. 2. The problem goes deeper than this,...’
444. BURTON TO OFFICER: 1 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 156 CANBERRA, 1 December 1947, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL You will appreciate that Kirby’s position is, as Commissioner, not subject to instructions. We have, however, been in the closest personal touch, as he, on occasions, seeks advice. The time has arrived when the utmost pressure must be put...’
445. BURTON TO KIRBY: 1 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 14 CANBERRA, 1 December 1947, 6.15 p.m. PERSONAL Many thanks your K.2. [1] I have sent a personal message to Officer at The Hague [2] including point in paragraph 11, and also requests to London and Washington [3], and at all three posts appropriate pressure should be applied. 2....’
446. KIRBY TO BURTON: 1 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 445 BATAVIA, 1 December 1947 TOP SECRET PERSONAL Further to my telegram K1 [1], I am glad to report that at Saturday’s meeting I succeeded in having Committee give very favourable consideration to Republican requests in the memorandum which we advised Republic to present. Critchley did excellent work on...’
447. OFFICER TO BURTON: 2 December 1947; ‘Cablegram Hague 207 THE HAGUE, 2 December 1947, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Reference your telegram 156. [1] I had already decided to discuss the situation informally with the head of the political section on the basis of your telegram 155 [2] and did so this morning. 2. I dealt...’
448. BURTON TO KIRBY: 3 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 16 CANBERRA, 3 December 1947, 2 p.m. PERSONAL Prime Minister is anxious that Stevedoring Commission commence work definitely by the New Year. In fact, because of the dispute [1], he would like to commence within the next two weeks, and asks you to endeavour to return by then or...’
449. COMMITTEE OF GOOD OFFICES TO SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE INDONESIAN REPUBLIC AND THE NETHERLANDS: 3 December 1947; ‘Memorandum S/AC.10/CONF.1/9 BATAVIA, 3 December 1947 RESTRICTED A PLAN FOR ACHIEVING A SPEEDY AND EFFECTIVE TRUCE [1] 1. That each party should present a map to the representatives of the Committee of Good Offices [2] on which it defines the demilitarized zones that it submits should divide Netherlands occupied and...’
450. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1191 NEW YORK, 2 December 1947, 11.55 p.m. SECRET Security 530. Indonesia. Your 719 [1] was transmitted to Washington by telekrypton 29th November and we understand Ambassador plans to discuss the matter with the State Department tomorrow. [2] The United States Delegation here who had received copy of Graham’s...’
451. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 1586 WASHINGTON, 3 December 1947, 9.33 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. Your telegram No. 1387. [1] I went today to State Department accompanied by the Minister [2] to see Armour, Assistant Under Secretary, on his return from New York. (Under Secretary Lovett is appearing before Congressional Committees regarding aid to Europe.)...’
452. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 5 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 731 CANBERRA, 5 December 1947, 11.45 a.m. SECRET Your U.N. 1191. [1] Indonesia. 1. You will have received our 728 [2], instructions in which still hold good. We wish to avoid lengthy and possibly acrimonious debate in Security Council at present time. Palar should accordingly be discouraged, from raising...’
453. KIRBY TO BURTON: 5 December 1947; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 5 December 1947 I am taking the opportunity of the R.A.A.F. plane leaving for Sydney today to send you these hurriedly dictated notes on the situation here. Apart from our success in getting our economic proposals through the Committee (see my reference telegrams [1]), the past week has...’
454. KIRBY TO BURTON: 5 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K9 BATAVIA, 5 December 1947, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram I.6. [1] 1. Appreciate the Prime Minister’s anxiety to have the Stevedoring Commission commence work definitely by the new year and I am myself most anxious for that reason to return at once. 2. Further, I have...’
455. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1200 NEW YORK, 5 December 1947, 7.55 p.m. SECRET Security 534. INDONESIA. Your UNY731. [1] 1. Minister [2] had satisfactory talk with Netherlands Representative today. Snouck, who had been informed by The Hague of Officer’s representations [3], said he personally considered there was no objection to Australia continuing on...’
456. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 685 SINGAPORE, 6 December 1947, 1.40 p.m. Doctor Sjahrir leaving Singapore [by] Constellation December 9th. He has not made any arrangements for his visit to Australia, leaving itinerary etc. to Dr. Oesman. Dr. Sjahrir desires to pay respects to the Prime Minister, Dr. Evatt, Messrs Pollard and Menzies. He...’
457. NOTE FOR FILE BY BROOKES: 7 December 1947; ‘Extracts BATAVIA, 7 December 1947 TOP SECRET SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CEASE FIRE COMMITTEES FROM 15TH NOVEMBER TO 6TH DECEMBER 1947 [matter omitted] 4. During the course of discussions it became abundantly clear that the Dutch did not intend to withdraw to the areas they occupied on August 4th...’
458. NOTE FOR FILE BY BROOKES: 7 December 1947; ‘BATAVIA, 7 December 1947 TOP SECRET TACTICS OF THE PARTIES The tactics of the parties can be summarized as follows:- Netherlands: (i) To endeavour to insist that the political discussions should await an agreement on Cease Fire. (ii) To put their best brains in the Cease Fire Committee, not, of...’
459. SJARIFUDDIN TO CHIFLEY: 8 December 1947; ‘Letter DJAKARTA, 8 December 1947 In the first place I have the honour to convey to you, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the expression of our deeply felt appreciation for the readiness on the part of Australia to become member of the...’
460. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 9 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K12 BATAVIA, 9 December 1947, 11.40 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET We understand that the Security Council is at present considering the Indonesian question. [1] I know Kirby has in mind suggesting that Australia or some other delegate should call for an early interim report from the Committee of Good Offices....’
461. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1208 NEW YORK, 9 December 1947, 10.31 p.m. SECRET Security 536. 1. Council [met] today with Agenda as in our UN.1197. [1] [matter omitted] 4. First report of Committee of Three on Indonesia (S/611) [2] was noted, after U.S.S.R. had stressed need for greater speed in Committee’s work and...’
462. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1211 NEW YORK, 10 December 1947, 10.18 p.m. SECRET Security 537. Indonesia. Our UN1200 Security 534 [1], paragraph 5. 1. Indonesian Representative informed us yesterday that he intends to make statement on these matters at earliest opportunity, presumably next meeting. He said that he had been informed that Committee...’
463. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K13 BATAVIA, 11 December 1947, 7 p.m. SECRET Following is brief summary of events during the last two days. [1] 1. The Committee has under consideration comments of the Netherlands on rules of procedure (see document SAC10). [2] 2. At the second meeting Tuesday the Netherlands delegation gave notice...’
464. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1222 NEW YORK, 13 December 1947, 3.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 540. INDONESIA. 1. Palar, Indonesian representative, urgently sought our advice today on following situation. 2. During debate on 27th October [1] regarding Dutch action following the cease fire order, the Indonesian representative claimed that Dutch had abrogated the...’
465. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K15 BATAVIA, 14 December 1947, 12.40 p.m. TOP SECRET Sjarifoeddin informed us today that Grey was endeavouring to persuade him and the Authorities at Djokjakarta that since the Republican position was so weak, they must accept the Dutch terms. [1] 2. We have reason to believe that the prime...’
466. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K16 BATAVIA, 15 December 1947, 2 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Received 16 December 1947 The Committee has requested permission of the parties to send its assistants to investigate conditions in Java, Sumatra and Madura and as a first step has accepted the invitation of both to enquire into the position...’
467. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K17 BATAVIA, 15 December 1947, 2.02 p.m. SECRET Having prepared the way with Graham, I propose to submit to the Committee a paper suggesting the United States-Philippine model as a basis for settlement. [1] The proposal will be presented as a working paper; not in expectation that it will...’
468. SUBMISSION BY THE AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, COMMITTEE OF GOOD OFFICES [1]: 15 December 1947; ‘Working Paper S/AC.10/68 U.S.S. RENVILLE, 15 December 1947 RESTRICTED OUTLINE OF DRAFT PLAN FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS- INDONESIAN DISPUTE A. PROCEDURE 1. Short-run measures to be taken without prejudice to the rights, claims or position of either party (a) Implementation of the cease fire Both parties should agree...’
469. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON AND OFFICER: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegrams 395, 164 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947 IMMEDIATE Please convey earnest invitation from Acting Prime Minister and Minister External Affairs [1] to Prime Minister of the Netherlands to visit Australia. We consider his visit would do much not only to better Netherlands-Australian relations but also in the ultimate solution of...’
470. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 19 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947, 1 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Judge Kirby [1] desires Committee of Three to communicate to President Security Council by telegraph most urgently full text of Document [S/AC.10/CONF.1/9] [2], which is restricted document giving plan for truce together with covering letter. Judge Kirby realises this...’
471. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 747 CANBERRA, 16 December 1947, 1 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Please make the following statement at the Security Council meeting when Indonesia is discussed and after it is agreed that Australia continues . . . as member of Committee [1]: Begins: I am instructed to raise with the Security...’
472. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K18 BATAVIA, 16 December 1947, 3.30 p.m. (a) Cease Fire Interpretation (1) The G.O.C. agreed unanimously today [1] that ‘Territory which was not occupied or controlled on August 4th’ is territory which on August 4th was not ‘actually under authority of the hostile army’. Occupation or control on August...’
473. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 16 December 1947; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 16 December 1947, 3.35 p.m. TOP SECRET A. Possible [1] Second Police Action 1. Sjarifoeddin confirmed today that the Dutch are continuing to mass troops at strategic points particularly in Java and in the region of Soerakarta. 2. As a precaution against a possible second police action...’
474. BURTON TO HOOD: 17 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 753 CANBERRA, 17 December 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Reports from Indonesia suggest Dutch are massing troops at strategic points. [1] There is no objection to you stating this as a report, and the statement which we have telegraphed to you [2] should be made in the context of a firm...’
475. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K20 BATAVIA, 17 December 1947, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram [I]9. [1] After long discussions with Graham last night and this morning, I eventually managed to obtain his agreement to forwarding the full text of the last truce plan [2] to the Council and he arranged a special...’
476. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K21 BATAVIA, 17 December 1947, 7.10 p.m. Received 18 IMPORTANT SECRET Annex 1 [1] to a plan for achieving, a speedy and effective truce sent to the parties on [3rd] December [2], begins. 1. [3] A demilitarised zone is defined for the purposes set forth in S and C...’
477. EATON TO EVATT: 18 December 1947; ‘Ministerial Despatch 12/1947 BATAVIA, 18 December 1947 SECRET I have the honour to state that during the last week the main points of interest regarding the Indonesian question and the talks have been firstly the arrival of Mr. Paul Grey in Batavia on a routine visit to Eastern countries. Mr....’
478. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K22 BATAVIA, 19 December 1947, 1.50 p.m. SECRET The chips have begun to fall on the table. There is a possibility of a major crisis early next week primarily on the cease fire; it may also extend to political discussions. At this afternoon’s meeting of Special Committees [1] (called...’
479. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 20 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K24 BATAVIA, 20 December 1947, 7.56 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL Sjarifoeddin told me last night that a telegram from the Republic’s representative in London confirmed advice given by Grey. [1] 2. Prime Minister Beel last night in Sumatra made a ‘last appeal’ to the Republic for co-operation...’
480. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1[2]42 NEW YORK, 19 December 1947, 10.20 p.m. SECRET Security 545. 1. After the Indonesian Representative had formally stated the wish of his Government to maintain the nomination of Australia to the Committee of Good Offices, the Council today unanimously agreed to continuation of Australian Membership on the Committee...’
481. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 22 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K25 BATAVIA, 22 December 1947, 1.27 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The Netherlands Special Committee presented a memorandum this morning [1] regarding the Committee’s plan for a speedy truce. [2] The main points are summarised below: (1) The Netherlands Special Committee accept the principle of the truce in general terms as...’
482. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 22 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K26 BATAVIA, 22 December 1947, 1.25 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram [1] sets out the Dutch position on the truce plan. Today Van Zeeland [2], Graham and self discussed informally the crisis which had developed and the Dutch memorandum. 2. Van Zeeland argued strongly that the Republic...’
483. BURTON TO CRITCHLEY: 22 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 403 CANBERRA, 22 December 1947, 12 noon TOP SECRET Your K.24. [1] You should make strongest possible appeal to Committee as suggested in your para.5. The Dutch clearly cannot expect to have it both ways; if they still pay lip-service to the Linggadjati Agreement they cannot openly flout it....’
484. BURTON TO CRITCHLEY: 23 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 110 CANBERRA, 23 December 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Your K.25, K.26. [1] Thank you for your comprehensive reporting of recent developments. I have been in constant touch with Kirby who is contemplating returning to Batavia in next few days. 2. Pending Kirby’s return you should continue to pursue course...’
485. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1947; ‘Cablegram Hag 225 THE HAGUE, 22 December 1947, 2.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Director of the political section asked me to call urgently this morning. 2. He spoke with some heat of the Australian attitude at the last meeting of the Security Council and the repetition of [suggestion] the Dutch...’
486. HOOD TO BURTON: 23 December 1947; ‘Cablegram UN1245 NEW YORK, 23 December 1947, 2.56 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Security 548. 1. Your UNY.763. [1] Would be perfectly prepared personally to call a meeting 26th December but must point out that absolutely no purpose would be served by this. On the contrary, it might badly prejudice the...’
487. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 24 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 5482 CANBERRA, 24 December 1947, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Your 350. [1] We fully appreciate disadvantages of Kirby’s absence from Java at a crucial time and are doing our best to enable him to return as soon as possible. Present arrangement is that he will fly back, leaving here 29th...’
488. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 25 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K28 BATAVIA, 25 December 1947, 11.53 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Thanks for your telegram I.10. [1] I passed on the message in the last paragraph to Sjarifoeddin who was pleased to get it. 2. After vigorous debates in Committee it was agreed that we should endeavour to prepare a...’
489. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K29 BATAVIA, 25 December 1947, 4.20 p.m. SECRET Annex 1. [1] Plan for Implementation of Truce. Committee recommends- (1) That a stand fast and cease fire order be issued separately and simultaneously by both parties. This order will apply to the troops of both parties along the ‘Van Mook...’
490. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K30 BATAVIA, 25 December 1947, 2.05 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Annex 2. [1] On the basis of views presented by the parties and considered by the Committee of Good Offices, the Committee will suggest to the parties that they accept the following principles as a basis for reaching a...’
491. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 27 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K31 BATAVIA, 27 December 1947, 6.45 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Notwithstanding strong appeals both informal and formal, including use of your telegram 404 [1], both Graham and Van Zeeland were insistent that cabling of a section of the report to the Security Council yesterday would have jeopardized the probable...’
492. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 29 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 770 CANBERRA, 29 December 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Our 767. [1] There now appears to be no chance that summary of Good Offices Committee report will be telegraphed to the Security Council in time for the next meeting. The present position, according to Critchley, is that report has been...’
493. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 467 BATAVIA, 29 December 1947, 1.06 p.m. SECRET From frankly informal talk with the Dutch Premier he informs me that a decision on a visit to Australia is not yet Possible. [1] Apparently there is dissension among the Dutch on account of the latest proposals of the Committee of...’
494. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON AND KIRBY [1]: 30 December 1947; ‘Cablegram K32 BATAVIA, 30 December 1947, 5.50 p.m. SECRET On Saturday night the Committee met the Dutch ministers (Beel, Drees, Jonkman and Neher), Van Mook, Vredenburch and Abdulkadir. I shall forward as soon as possible a comprehensive summary of the attitude of the ministers. [2] In brief the Netherlands want...’
495. BURTON TO KIRBY: 31 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 411 CANBERRA, 31 December 1947, 8.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference Critchley’s telegram K.32. [1] Every effort should be made to press Dutch to accept statement of principles contained in Annex 2 of Committee’s plan. [2] We had anticipated that they would be prepared to accept Annex 1 [3] in...’
496. BURTON TO KIRBY: 31 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 412 CANBERRA, 31 December 1947, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Dutch have now decided to pursue plan of United States of Indonesia making Republic one amongst many States (see cable K.32 _respect of foreign relations and also domestic policy will be decisions dictated by Dutch through their influence on separate...’
497. EVATT TO BEASLEY: 31 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 389 CANBERRA, 31 December 1947 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 351. [1] You will appreciate that American and Belgian representatives on Committee of Good Offices cannot be expected to entertain feelings of same concern as does Judge Kirby at the effects which Dutch policy is having on Republican position. In the...’
498. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 468 BATAVIA, 31 December 1947, 11.55 a.m. SECRET Beel advised me privately he must return to Holland either 1st or 3rd January and regrets unable to accept invitation. [1] Official confirmation will be notified December 31st. Vredenburch also informed me privately that impossible for Beel to accept the invitation...’

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Volume 11: Australia & Indonesia’s Independence, 1947

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