Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 13: Indonesia

1. BURTON TO KIRBY: 2 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 112 CANBERRA, 2 January 1948 TOP SECRET PERSONAL Netherlands Minister has raised with Minister again question of shipping ban [1] and, in particular, has asked for an assurance that airplanes and ships calling here will be serviced. Discussion got back to point that there should be some revival of...’
2. BURTON TO KIRBY: 2 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 113 CANBERRA, 2 January 1948 TOP SECRET PERSONAL Dutch are maintaining that they are keeping to Linggadjati Agreement. [1] The Minister asked Dutch Minister what population would be included in Republic if and when United States of Indonesia were established according to present plans. Incidentally, Dutch Minister stated that...’
3. KIRBY TO BURTON: 2 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K33 BATAVIA, 2 January 1948, 5.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET At the moment all activities on other matters are suspended whilst the committee is having a frenzied drive to have a truce agreement plebiscite [1] on Monday and a simultaneous publication of the agreement on matters of political...’
4. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 31 December 1947; ‘Cablegram 114 CANBERRA, 3 January 1948, MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your K.33. Invitation was stimulated by no other desire than to extend a sincere and friendly invitation to the Prime Minister of a country with which Australia has always maintained the closest relations, in particular, in work with the United...’
5. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 13 CANBERRA, 9 January 1948, 4.30 p.m. SECRET Press and Short wave Radio quote reports from Djokjakarta that Republican Government has indicated its preparedness to join in establishment of a democratic sovereign United States of Indonesia. 2. At the same time there are disturbing press reports from Batavia to...’
6. KIRBY TO BURTON: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K35 BATAVIA, 9 January 1948, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL The object of this and following telegrams K.36 and K.37 is to get the benefit of your own, the Minister’s, and if you consider it desirable, the Prime Minister’s opinon. Grateful if you could let me have these...’
7. KIRBY TO BURTON: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K36 BATAVIA, 9 January 1948, 2.45 p.m. Received [10] [1] January 1948, SECRET My telegram 35. TRUCE PROPOSALS OF THE NETHERLANDS DELEGATION That a stand fast and cease fire order be issued separately and simultaneously by both parties immediately upon signing of this agreement and to be fully effective...’
8. KIRBY TO BURTON: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K37 BATAVIA, 9 January 1948, 2.46 p.m. Received 10 January 1948, SECRET PERSONAL My telegram K.35 [1], Dutch political principles. 1. That assistance of the Committee of Good Offices be continued in working out and signing an agreement for settlement of political dispute in the Islands of Java, Sumatra...’
9. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1948; ‘THE HAGUE, 9 January 1948 Cablegram Hag 5 INDONESIA My telegram No. 230/47. [1] I discussed situation with Minister for Foreign Affairs last night and urged views in your telegram No. 166. [2] Boetzelaer emphasised that their policy was not to crush Republic but to bring it into the Federation....’
10. PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 9 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 33 (extracts) WASHINGTON, 9 January 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is substance of conversation today with Butterworth, Chief of office of Far Eastern Affairs, U.S.A. State Department: [matter omitted] 5. Indonesia. Butterworth said that desire of U.S.A. was that committee of good offices reach early agreement acceptable to both parties....’
11. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 10 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 14 CANBERRA, 10 January 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your K.35, 36, 37. [1] We agree in principle with course of action you are following. Proposal in para. 12 of your K.35 appears logical and desirable in the circumstances. Before committing yourself to go to New York you should, however,...’
12. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 28 SINGAPORE, 10 January 1948, 1.37 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Sharifoeddin and Agoes Salim are now in Singapore and are proceeding to Sumatra to collect Hatta and fly with him to Djokja. Batavia’s telegram No.1 [1] was received after their arrival. But we have been in touch through Oetoyo....’
13. KIRBY TO BURTON: 11 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K39 BATAVIA, 11 January 1948, 9.10 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Just as I am leaving for Djokjakarta this morning, Sunday, the Dutch have indicated that they will most likely accept the undermentioned 6 points if the Republic accept the Truce agreement and other principles already forwarded to you. [1]...’
14. BURTON TO KIRBY: 12 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 15 CANBERRA, 12 January 1948, 2.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Thanks your telegrams. At this stage, there is little advice which we can usefully give and would prefer to leave matter in your hands. It can quite probably be arranged for you to pay flying visit to New York,...’
15. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 12 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 5 LONDON, 12 January 1948, 3.46 p.m. SECRET Your telegrams 388 [1], 389. [2] Indonesia Owing to Noel Baker’s visit to New York and Bevin’s absence on holiday, I only got an appointment with Bevin on Saturday afternoon 10th January. 2. I made the various points in your telegram...’
16. PLIMSOLL TO BURTON: 12 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 42 WASHINGTON, 12 January 1948, 5.17 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA 1. Lacy, Chief of the South-East Asia Division of the State Department, spoke to me today about Indonesia. He said that Graham had put forward certain alternative proposals on the political aspect of the settlement with a view to...’
17. KIRBY TO BURTON: 14 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K39 BATAVIA, 14 January 1948, 10.40 p.m. SECRET Your telegrams [1] much appreciated. Discussions are still proceeding and the Dutch have extended the time limit until Thursday. A stiff attitude on our part and the Republic’s, may yet gain further concessions. Offer on return to Batavia tomorrow. [2] The...’
18. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 7 THE HAGUE, 14 January 1948 INDONESIA Prime Minister made statement to States General yesterday. English translation goes in next bag. 2. Principal points are (a) Creation by Royal decree new collegial body to jointly perform task of Lieut. Governor General and consisting of Lieut. Governor General as...’
19. BURTON TO KIRBY: 15 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K39 CANBERRA, 15 January 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL We think it would be unfortunate if your two colleagues arrived in New York before you, and it might be wise to offer them transport with you to Sydney, and we would arrange onward transport. You can perhaps emphasise the...’
20. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MASSEY: 15 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 30 CANBERRA, 15 January 1948 SECRET Your 28. [1] Obviously we have had uppermost in mind for some time future commercial interests with N.E.I., but we have no knowledge of a Malayan-N.E.I. Commercial Agreement, and, in any case, it is difficult to see the relevance at this stage. If...’
21. KIRBY TO BURTON: 16 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K40 BATAVIA, 16 January 1948, 2 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegrams 17 and 18. [1] The proposals mentioned by Lacy [2] would be those I left for telegraphing to you on leaving Batavia on Sunday 10th January. [3] 2. These proposals were adopted by the Committee in these circumstances:-...’
22. RENVILLE AGREEMENT: 17 January 1948; ‘Committee of Good Offices USS RENVILLE, 17 January 1948 Document S/AC.10/CONF.2/2 UNRESTRICTED The Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, referred to in this agreement as the parties, hereby agree as follows: 1. That a stand fast and cease fire order be...’
23. PRINCIPLES FORMING AN AGREED BASIS FOR POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS: 17 January 1948; ‘Committee of Good Offices USS RENVILLE, 17 January 1948 Document S/AC.10/CONF.2/3 UNRESTRICTED The Committee of Good Offices has been informed by the delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and by the delegation of the Republic of Indonesia that, the truce agreement having been signed, their Governments accept the following...’
24. ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS SUBMITTED BY THE COMMITTEE OF GOOD OFFICES: 17 January 1948; ‘Committee of Good Offices USS RENVILLE, 17 January 1948 Document S/AC.10/CONF.2/4 UNRESTRICTED The Committee of Good Offices is of the opinion that the following principles, among others, form a basis for the negotiations towards a political settlement: 1. Sovereignty throughout the Netherlands Indies is and shall remain with the Kingdom...’
25. STATEMENT BY KIRBY: 17 January 1948; ‘USS RENVILLE, 17 January 1948 It is some four months since the Government of the Netherlands and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia accepted the help and cooperation of the United Nations in settling the Indonesian dispute. That help and cooperation were sent to the parties by the Security...’
26. TEPPEMA TO EVATT: 17 January 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 17 January 1948 The gratifying news which has come to hand from Batavia prompts me to write to you pursuant to the conversations I had the pleasure of having with you on January 2nd. [1] You will recall that on that occasion, as during my talks with the...’
27. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K43 BATAVIA, 19 January 1948, 7.16 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Truce developments require the immediate despatch of at least fourteen military observers (Brigadier Neylan’s minimum estimate) including the return of Chesterman whose experience valuable. Each day’s delay will work to the disadvantage of the Republic. Even this number would require...’
28. EATON TO EVATT: 21 January 1948; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 2/1948 BATAVIA, 21 January 1948 SECRET I have the honour to report that the general feeling since the signing of the truce agreement between the Dutch and Republicans is of wondering what is going to happen next, rather than any great relief and jubilation at the results obtained....’
29. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND BURTON: 22 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K45 BATAVIA, 22 January 1948, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. At Monday’s meeting the Republican Delegation accepted the Committee’s additional six political principles ‘on the strength of’ the clarifications given by the Committee to the Republicans. The Netherlands Delegation now claims that this acceptance is conditional to such an...’
30. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 January 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 11 THE HAGUE, 22 January 1948, 3.55 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA The news of the signature on Saturday of the agreement reference the cease fire was received with general relief, and there was a surprising absence of criticism even from the extreme right. Now the news that the Republican...’
31. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 January 1948; ‘Cablegram Hague [1] 12 THE HAGUE, 22 January 1948, 5.35 p.m. My telegram No. 11. Following is statement. Begins:- The Netherlands Government have accepted 6 points proposed by Committee Good Offices fully and unconditionally as a basis for political discussions for Republic. It now appears Republic for its part, has...’
32. EVATT TO TEPPEMA: 23 January 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 23 January 1948 I wish to refer to your letter of 17th January [1] in which you draw my attention to the settlement recently arrived at in Indonesia and to the present hold-up in the shipment of goods to Indonesia. It concerns me that, right throughout the negotiations...’
33. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 January 1948; ‘Cablegram K46 BATAVIA, 24 January 1948, 5.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram K.45. [1] The Committee will go to Djokjakarta to-day to obtain, if possible, the Republic’s unconditional acceptance of the six principles. I will suggest that their reply makes use of the Hague statement that the Netherlands accepts fully...’
34. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 27 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 80 CANBERRA, 27 January 1948, 4.15 [p.m.] IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA Judge Kirby is proceeding shortly by air to New York, where together with his two colleagues on the Committee of Good Offices, he will report to the Security Council on events leading up to conclusion of truce agreement between...’
35. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 January 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 15 THE HAGUE, 27 January 1948, 12.34 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA My telegram 11. [1] ‘Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed to me last night that with Republican acceptance of the ‘Six Points’ without conditions, the immediate crisis is over. He seemed more hopeful than usual. _ 1 Document 30....’
36. STUART TO BURTON SINGAPORE, 27 JANUARY 1948: 27 January 1948; ‘Letter, PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL In our telegram No. 28 of 10th January [1], we pointed out that, as seen from Singapore, the recent development of the Indonesian crisis appeared definitely unfavourable to Australia. I meant to amplify this telegram with a despatch, but I was taken ill just then and...’
37. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 28 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 14 CANBERRA, 28 January 1948, 2.40 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET On the question of Republican desire to maintain its own representatives in countries overseas, whilst you will best be able to judge from local situation how contentious this is likely to become, it would appear to us that it should...’
38. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1948; ‘Cablegram 133 WASHINGTON, 29 January 1948, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Indonesia I went today accompanied by Minister to State Department to see Associate Under Secretary Armour who had with him Lacy, N.E.I. expert, and Richards. I developed at length the views set out in your telegram number 80. [1] Lacy said...’
39. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY [1]: 3 February 1948; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 3 February 1948 [matter omitted] There is little doubt that the Dutch are extremely anxious to continue their policy of breaking the country up into small units which will be dependent on them, and there is already considerable evidence that they will not be too particular about the...’
40. KIRBY TO BURTON: 3 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN73 NEW YORK, 3 February 1948, 8.04 p.m. SECRET 1. As reported by Officer [1], Members of the Committee met the Netherlands Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers while we were passing through Amsterdam. The Prime Minister stated that the Opposition were planning to ask a series of questions in...’
41. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 4 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 22 CANBERRA, 4 February 1948, 4.20 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL Military Observers Government is most concerned that no Australian observer should become involved in the course of his duties in any shooting affray or other incident involving use of violence. If Dutch should become aware of this they might perhaps...’
42. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 156 WASHINGTON, 4 February 1948, 7.30 p.m. SECRET Indonesia You will recall that in my telegram No. 133 of 28th January [1] I advised that Armour had said he would communicate with me again. Lacy, N.E.I. expert, today conveyed their informal reactions. He said that in the State Department’s...’
43. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 6 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 60 CANBERRA, 6 February 1948, 2 p.m. IMMEDIATE It seems to us strange that you and the rest of the Committee should be made the instrument of party politics at The Hague, and, in fact, it was unfortunate that there was any meeting with The Hague authorities. [1] You...’
44. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 6 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 64 CANBERRA, 6 February 1948, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Dutch Authorities at Batavia are raising last minute difficulties about admission of Australian observers. [1] In our view their action amounts to open contempt for authority of Committee of Good Offices. [2] The decision to increase the number of military...’
45. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN91 NEW YORK, 6 February 1948, 8.16 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 64. Three members of Committee here have agreed to telegraph individually their deputies as follows- ‘Understand the Committee in Batavia has called the attention of Dutch authorities to the urgency of arranging for immediate supplementation of number of...’
46. EATON TO BURTON: 6 February 1948; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 6 February 1948 With reference to my telegram No.20 of 4th February concerning the formation of a new Republican Cabinet [1], I forward herewith a list of the new Cabinet members. 2. Hatta announced the Cabinet on 31st January. It consists of fifteen Ministers, five of whom are...’
47. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 9 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 33 CANBERRA, 9 February 1948, 6.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 24. [1] At the request of the Committee of Good Offices we agreed to make available a team of military assistants to work with the Committee on the implementation of the truce agreement. The Australian party is still at...’
48. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K57 BATAVIA, 9 February 1948 SECRET 1. Ever since the Committee of Good Offices came to Java it has been pinpricked by the Dutch who have sought delay by excessive legalisms. 2. It might have been expected that with the truce some of their unnecessary sensitivity would have disappeared....’
49. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K59 BATAVIA, 10 February 1948, 3.15 a.m. Received 10 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 28. [1] Herremans has received a similar cable from Van Zeeland, and Scott a message from Marshall directing him to clear up the misunderstanding over Australian Military Assistants. Herremans as Chairman of the Committee and I...’
50. KIRBY TO BURTON: 9 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN105 NEW YORK, 9 February 1948, 8.58 p.m. PERSONAL Your UNY60. [1] 1. I am sorry that you have again seen fit to telegraph me in a manner objectionable both in form and in substance without even the courtesy of making the telegram secret and personal to me. [2]...’
51. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN106 NEW YORK, 10 February 1948, 12.54 a.m. SECRET 1. Have just returned to New York after long talks this morning at State Department, Washington, with Butterworth (Head of Far Eastern Division), Lacy (South East Asia), Nolting (Netherlands Desk) and Bancroft (United Nations Affairs). Hickerson (Head of European Division)...’
52. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 10 February 1948, 10.56 p.m. Press release Reports reaching the Committee of Good Offices from its Military Assistants in the field have shown that on the whole the implementation of the evacuation of Republican troops from Netherlands-controlled areas has proceeded smoothly and without serious incident. The Committee...’
53. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K60 BATAVIA, 10 February 1948, 11.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Vredenburch to-day further clarified the Dutch position re additional military assistants on the basis of advice from The Hague. 2. The Dutch are prepared to accept the proportions suggested by the Committee (see paragraph 3(a) and 3(c), my telegram 89...’
54. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN109 NEW YORK, 10 February 1948, 5.51 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference U.N. 106. [1] There is an important omission from paragraph 4. Please add sub- paragraph in the following terms: ‘(4) To have Dutch agree that the words “under observation by” in Item 4 of 6 Principles of...’
55. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 11 February 1948; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 11 February 1948 I do not know what you will think of Kirby’s telegram UN106. [1] The following points strike me about it- (a) I had gathered that Kirby had seen all the heads in the State Department-Marshall, Lovett, Armour, etc. In point of fact he seems to...’
56. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K62 BATAVIA, 11 February 1948, 6.20 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 27. [1] Parties have agreed that in addition to the Conference there will be four main committees dealing with: (a) Political Affairs. (b) Military Affairs. (c) Economic and Financial Affairs. (d) Social and administration affairs. [2] 2. The Committee...’
57. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY: 12 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 79 CANBERRA, 12 February 1948, 2.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN 106 and 109. [1] Whilst we fully appreciate the importance of gaining the maximum possible support from the United States, we are not happy at your suggested bargain with the Americans. 2. The State Department’s attitude as set...’
58. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN121 NEW YORK, 11 February 1948, 8.14 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Today at Lake Success I had informal chat with Cadogan and gave him my general views. Cadogan reserved but seemed to agree that Dutch needed pressing either in or outside Council. He said he could not however take any...’
59. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K63 BATAVIA, 12 February 1948, 6.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram 29 [1] and my telegram K58. [2] The following is military position on February 11th. 2. In Sumatra, the implementation of the Truce Agreement was influenced by (a) The distances and [p]aucity of the Republican communications, road, rail,...’
60. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 13 February 1948; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 13 February 1948 SECRET Republican Participation in an Interim Government The following is a copy of an offer made to the Lieutenant Governor General by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Indonesia, to co-operate in the formation of an Interim Government (see my telegram No. K.58). [1]...’
61. HOOD TO PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL: 13 February 1948; ‘Letter NEW YORK, 13 February 1948 UNRESTRICTED I have the honour, on instruction from my Government, to request that Australia be given the opportunity to participate in the discussion of the Indonesian question before the Security Council, pursuant to Article 31 of the Charter of the United Nations. [1] My...’
62. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K64 BATAVIA, 13 February 1948 The Netherlands are skilfully delaying discussions on topics other than procedure. These tactics may be connected with the present Security Council discussions or with a continuation of the policy of establishing independent states such as West Java. 2. On procedure the Netherlands will make...’
63. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K65 BATAVIA, 13 February 1948, 7 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The Chairman [1] presented to the Netherlands Delegation today the Committee’s best estimate of availability of Military Assistants as follows. United States 15, Australia 15, United Kingdom 10, France 6, China 5, Belgium 4. Total 55. The Delegation was asked...’
64. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 197 WASHINGTON, 13 February 1948, 12.49 p.m. SECRET Your 79. [1] Your concern that fundamental importance of trade question in relation to Interim position of Republic and ultimate just settlement should not be overlooked by United States will be impressed upon State Department; also necessity for continuance of Committee...’
65. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K66 BATAVIA, 14 February 1948, 2.53 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram K.65. [1] My immediately following telegram gives Netherlands communique in fall. [2] 2. The Official Government spokesman speaking as a reliable Dutch source con-firmed delay had been caused in negotiations by publication of statement but said it would...’
66. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 199 WASHINGTON, 13 February 1948, 8.08 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Your 79 to New York for Kirby. [1] 1. After full consultation with Kirby, Forsyth today had a frank discussion at the State Department with Lacy (South East Asia Division) and Bancroft (United Nations Affairs Division) making the following...’
67. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K68 BATAVIA, 14 February 1948, 11 a.m. SECRET The Republic has set up a plebiscite Committee under Doctor Ali Boediadjo. The objectives are to publicise in occupied areas the significance and purpose of the plebiscite and impress on the people the importance of choosing the Republic. 2. The head...’
68. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN131 NEW YORK, 14 February 1948, 1.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Indonesia. The following is tentative draft of resolution which McNaughton is considering putting forward to the Council. ‘The Security Council having considered the report of the Committee of Good Offices informing the Council of the steps taken by the...’
69. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag21 THE HAGUE, 14 February 1948, 12.32 p.m. INDONESIA Publication here yesterday of ANEP [1] account of alleged press conference by Commission of Good Offices aroused indignation and fear of political trouble in official circles and ‘a storm of criticism’ in press. When I learnt of the Netherlands East...’
70. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY: 16 February 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 16 February 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL 1. My view is (a) that the Republic are prepared to co-operate fully. This is shown by their unexpectedly successful co-operation in withdrawing 25,000 of their troops from Dutch controlled Java and by Hatta’s ready agreement to my suggestion that...’
71. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K69 BATAVIA, 16 February 1948, 11 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram K.66 and K.67. [1] My immediately following telegram is a summary of a communique released by Netherlands East Indies Government withdrawing their earlier statement on alleged New York Press Conference Committee of Good Offices. [2] 2. Press correspondents...’
72. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K73 BATAVIA, 16 February 1948, 5 p.m. SECRET The following is portion of the Committee’s communique issued Sunday [1] ‘according to latest reports a total of 24,000 Republican combatants have now been evacuated from Netherlands-controlled areas. Another thousand are awaiting transportation. The Committee is informed that evacuation of TNI...’
73. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K74 BATAVIA, 16 February 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET Roem tells me that on the advice of the Americans he cabled urgently to the Republic’s Representatives to the Security Council: (1) That political talks should continue as soon as possible. (2) That it is hoped that the Security Council discussions...’
74. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KIRBY AND FORSYTH: 17 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 94 CANBERRA, 17 February 1948, 3.40 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Our immediately preceding telegram to you [1] has arrived from Critchley since we spoke to you this morning. It confirms that American pressure is responsible for instructions received by Republic representatives in New York, and reinforces our conviction that...’
75. OFFICER TO BURTON: 17 February 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 13/48 THE HAGUE, 17 February 1948 CONFIDENTIAL SUBJECT: Development of Dutch New Guinea. Since my Departmental Despatch No. Hag. 5/48 of 4th February 1948 _the development of Dutch New Guinea. 2. I have ascertained that the Minister for Overseas Territories, Mr Jonkman, in an ‘aside’ to the...’
76. EATON TO EVATT: 18 February 1948; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 4/1948 BATAVIA, 18 February 1948 SECRET I have the honour to report that since the formation of the Republican Presidential Cabinet the political situation at Djokjakarta, according to the information I have from Dr. Tamzil the former Vice Foreign Minister, remains fairly stable, although the presidential character of...’
77. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN147 NEW YORK, 18 February 1948, 11.25 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA 1. The following is a summary of the debate in Security Council two meetings Tuesday and one today 18th. [1] 2. Representatives of Australia, India, Netherlands, Philippines, Republic of Indonesia and Members of the Good Offices Committee were invited...’
78. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K79 BATAVIA, 19 February 1948, 10.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET At its meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday 17th February, the Committee learned for the first time that the Netherlands Command had issued instructions to its local commanders that the period during which the Republic forces could be evacuated from Netherlands...’
79. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 20 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 105 CANBERRA, 20 February 1948, 4.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN147. [1] Indonesia. Our preliminary view on debate as it has progressed so far is that Gromyko’s speech will assist you but that you should ensure that Soviet will not resort to veto to block any resolution for continuance...’
80. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN161 NEW YORK, 20 February 1948, 11.15 p.m. SECRET Security Council today 20th continued Indonesia debate which may conclude tomorrow morning- Following is outline of statements [1]:- Austin (U.S.A.). Parties having agreed it is hoped it will not be necessary for parties to come back to Council with a...’
81. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K80 BATAVIA, 21 February 1948, 2.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Dubois has reported Neher called on him for a long discussion in which he expressed the hope that Dubois might inform the Republic that the Dutch would welcome Hatta, Sjahrir and Leimena in an interim Federal Government. Neher thought this...’
82. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 234 WASHINGTON, [22] [1] February 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET Security Council 21st February continued the Indonesian debate. [2] 1. Sastroamidjojo pointed out that arrangements are proceeding for new state in West Java despite fact that it is disputed territory. Thanked U.S.A. for insistence of good faith in implementation and...’
83. KIRBY AND FORSYTH TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1948; ‘Cablegram 235 WASHINGTON, 22 February 1948, 4.48 p.m. SECRET Security Council. Indonesia. 21st February. 1. The Americans clearly desired to wind up debate and push Canadian text [1] through Saturday 21st. Indonesians told us they preferred to spin out debate to see what happens after West Java conference 23rd. We...’
84. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K81 BATAVIA, 23 February 1948 SECRET Further to my K.68. [1] The Republic has reported the following: (1) On February the 17th the Assistant Resident of Bogor (Buitenzorg, West Java) prohibited without stating grounds, a private meeting of about 60 persons for the purpose of explaining and organising the...’
85. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K82 BATAVIA, 24 February 1948, 10.05 p.m. SBCRET The following is a summary of the Committee’s information release No.51 of February 23. Begins- Latest figures available to the Committee indicate approximately 29,000 republican combatants evacuated from Netherlands controlled areas. Of these about 500 from South Sumatra, about 600 from...’
86. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K83 BATAVIA, 24 February 1948, 10.06 p.m, Received 25 SECRET Dubois has returned from Djokjakarta after talking to Hatta and Sjarifoeddin (still a powerful influence). Soekarno, genuinely ill, was unavailable. The Republican reception of Dubois’ message from Neher [1] was friendly but both Hatta and Sjarifoeddin pointed out that...’
87. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 February 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 27 THE HAGUE, 25 February 1948 IMPORTANT SECRET I had long discussion last night with VREDENBURCH who is here obtaining (I understand) instructions for political discussion with Republic. 2. I endeavoured to urge on him points that KIRBY emphasised here [1]- need to allow Republic fair play and...’
88. KIRBY TO BURTON: 24 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN171 NEW YORK, 24 February 1948, 9.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Your 109 repeating Critchley’s K.80. [1] After discussion to- day with Sastroamidjojo, Palar and Choa, I agree with Critchley’s suggestions in paragraph 4 with the addition of a proviso that the four Republican representatives be chosen by Republic...’
89. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY: 26 February 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 26 February 1948 I was very interested to read the replies you furnished in the House last week at Question Time on the ‘Petrol’ and ‘Shipping’ situations. [1] I was gratified to hear you say that you hoped normal trade relations will be resumed between our countries and...’
90. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K84 BATAVIA, 26 February 1948, 8.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your telegram 47. [1] The third West Java conference met on February 23rd to implement the resolution of the second conference in December calling for the establishment of a state of West Java with a provisional Government and Parliament. [2]...’
91. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 February 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 4/1948 (extracts) BATAVIA, 27 February 1948 SUBJECT: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AUTONOMOUS TBRRITORIES I have to report on recent developments in the establishment of autonomous states in the territories of Java and Madura. 1. Madura 2. Indonesia saw its first plebiscite in January, 1948, when adult...’
92. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN180 NEW YORK, 26 February 1948, 9.48 p.m. SECRET Security Council. Indonesia 26th February. [1] 1. Sastroamidjojo, Indonesia made statement dealing fully with West Java as unilateral and contrary to Renville. Exposed the puppet nature of the new state. Lack of plebiscite. Grave consequences for Republic of new states....’
93. KIRBY TO BURTON: 26 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN181 NEW YORK, 26 February 1948, 9.48 p.m. PERSONAL SECRET 1. Today’s debate in Council ended without votes being taken on Colombian or Australian amendments or on Canadian draft resolution. See summary of debate in separate cable. [1] 2.Yesterday Cadogan agreed with me privately that he would vote for...’
94. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 February 1948; ‘Cablegram K85 BATAVIA, 27 February 1948, 1.35 p.m. SECRET Neher invited me yesterday for a ‘Friendly Talk’ about developments in Indonesia. The main points were- (A) Neher and Van Mook hope to have informal talks with Hatta regarding a political settlement based on Republic participation in a provisional Federal Government....’
95. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 29 THE HAGUE, 28 February 1948 SECRET INDONESIA My telegram No.27 [1] indicates a[n] unsatisfactory situation and somehow the Dutch have to be persuaded to treat the Indonesian Republic, whatever its defects or failings in their eyes, as a fact and discuss with it how it is to...’
96. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN189 NEW YORK, 28 February 1948, 7.35 p.m. SECRET Security Council (Indonesia) 28th February [1] 1. Ro[mu]lo (Philippines). Renville was forced on Republic by Dutch Ultimatum. Federation a device to divide and rule. Movement for freedom stopped by armed force. Only Security Council intervention prevented extinction of Republic. Guarantees...’
97. KIRBY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1948; ‘Cablegram UN190 NEW YORK, 28 February 1948, 7.34 p.m. SECRET 1. Session on Indonesia concluded this afternoon. Results- (A) Chinese Resolution carried requesting the Committee to give particular attention to political developments in West Java and Madura and to report thereon at frequent intervals. [1] (B) Canadian Resolution carried in...’
98. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 4 March 1948; ‘Memorandum GOC./R./1 BATAVIA, 4 March 1948 REPORT ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDONESIA The Committee has discussed the Security Council’s resolutions. 2. With regard to the Canadian resolution, I suggested the Committee should report at least once a month. This was opposed, however, by Herremans, who argued the Committee should not...’
99. EATON TO BURTON: 5 March 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 6/1948 BATAVIA, 5 March 1948 SUBJECT: THE THIRD WEST JAVA CONFERENCE As reported in my telegram No. 45 of 28th February [1], the third West Java Conference has now become the first session of the Provisional Parliament of West Java. During the last week the important developments have...’
100. MEMORANDUM BY CRITCHLEY: 6 March 1948; ‘BATAVIA, 6 March 1948 CONFIDENTIAL I am forwarding by Kirby [1] a short factual report on the latest political developments. I also feel it desirable to let you know my own impressions of the way things are going. Since they are largely speculative, they can best be conveyed in a...’
101. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 March 1948; ‘Cablegram K89 BATAVIA, 9 March 1948, 7.15 p.m. SECRET Hatta is coming to Batavia on Thursday for personal discussions at the invitation of Van Mook. 2. Today the Netherlands Government are inaugurating the Provisional Interim Federal Government, without Republicans. The Republican attitude is- (a) The Provisional Government cannot be regarded...’
102. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1948; ‘Cablegram K90 BATAVIA, 11 March 1948, 5.50 p.m. SECRET On Wednesday, March 10th the Lieutenant Governor General set up by decree ‘The Provisional Federal Government for Indonesia’. It consists of seven Indonesians and nine Dutch, together with Van Mook as President and Abdulkadir as Deputy. The composition is: (a) Eleven...’
103. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1948; ‘Cablegram K91 BATAVIA, 14 March 1948, 1 a.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Hatta has had long informal discussions with Van Mook yesterday, March 12th, and this morning. Van Mook raised precisely same issues as were discussed in June last year i.e. sovereignty, foreign affairs, uniform currency, trade, foreign exchange and the army....’
104. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 15 March 1948; ‘Cablegram 64 CANBERRA, 15 March 1948 SECRET We have been considering in the light of the recent debate and resolutions in the Security Council and having regard to your latest telegrams and despatches what should now be our main objectives in Indonesia. 2. It is clear that the Dutch are...’
105. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 March 1948; ‘Cablegram K92 BATAVIA, 15 March 1948, 7.10 p.m. At a committee meeting this morning, I endeavoured to expedite a report on the political developments in West Java. Other members however insisted that no reports should be commenced before the Dutch have submitted their replies to the Committee’s questions on the...’
106. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 March 1948; ‘Cablegram K93 BATAVIA, 17 March 1948 SECRET Following telegram has been sent to the president of the Security Council by the Committee:- Pursuant to resolutions on Indonesian Question adopted by the Security Council on 28 February, 1948, the Committee of Good Offices has the honour to report as follows for...’
107. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 18 March 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 March 1948 Many thanks for your letter of 26th February [1] and the copies of some of the recent telegrams exchanged with judge Kirby when he was at New York. Departmental telegram No.64 [2] was received yesterday, and no doubt you had a hand in it. I...’
108. EATON TO EVATT: 19 March 1948; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 6/1948 BATAVIA, 19 March 1948 SECRET I have the honour to refer to my previous Despatch. [1] I saw Dr. Hatta privately on 13th March, and he informed me confidentially that his talks with the Lieutenant Governor-General were confined to matters concerning a joint new currency, the future...’
109. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY: 1 April 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 1 April 1948 With reference to your letter of March 8th [1] I beg to enquire whether you have had an opportunity to discuss with Mr. justice Kirby the question of the resumption of trade and shipping with Indonesia. I understand that shortly after his return to Australia...’
110. CRITCHLEY TO KIRBY: 2 April 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 2 April 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL On instructions from Van Zeeland, Herremans has asked that the corrigenda [1] to the summary record of the 61st meeting at Kaliurang on January 13th [2] be incorporated in a completely revised summary record. You will recall that the corrigenda include the...’
111. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K100 BATAVIA, 8 April 1948, 5.10 p.m. Political committee met Wednesday afternoon to receive report of ad hoc subcommittee established on March 31st to consider working papers on United States of Indonesia and on ‘general views on settlement of the dispute between the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia’....’
112. CHIFLEY TO TEPPEMA: 13 April 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 13 April 1948 PERSONAL I desire to acknowledge your letter of the 1st April having reference to the matter of the shipping ban affecting Indonesian trade. [1] Since speaking to you personally, I have discussed this matter with the Minister for Shipping and Fuel (Senator Ashley), the President...’
113. MEMORANDUM OF DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [1]: 15 April 1948; ‘CANBERRA, [15 April 1948] AUSTRALIAN POLICY ON INDONESIA The fundamental considerations underlying Australian policy towards the Indonesian dispute are that there should be order and stability throughout Indonesia and that oil and other Indonesian products should as soon as possible become available to relieve current world shortages. This second consideration...’
114. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K102 KALIURANG, 15 April 1948 Delegations were welcomed at Djocjacarta station on Monday evening by a large boisterous crowd. [1] Although no attempt was made to control excesses of enthusiasm, with the result that the delegations were subjected to many inconveniences and delays, the crowd appeared essentially good-humoured as...’
115. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K103 KALIURANG, 16 April 1948 Reference my K.102. The Dutch are greatly exaggerating Monday night’s incident at Djocjacarta railway station and the press is unleashing an hysterical campaign against the Republic. Latest reports are that the N.E.I. Provisional Federal Government met this morning with Abdulkadir, who left Djocjacarta for...’
116. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 19 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 95 CANBERRA, 19 April 1948, 2.35 p.m. SECRET Your K102. Your account of arrival at Djojakarta confirms our impressions from press and radio reports that while local demonstration may have got a little out of hand (as Republicans appear to have admitted) it did not justify stiff Dutch reaction....’
117. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K105 KALIURANG, 20 April 1948 Reference my K.103. Following the issue on 17th of a communique by the Committee of Good Offices that sections of the press had exaggerated the incident at Jogjakarta railway and that the Committee trusted that there would be no further delay in the negotiations,...’
118. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K107 KALIURANG, 25 April 1948 Meeting of Security Committee April 23, indicated some improvement in atmosphere and resulted in solution of several immediate problems:- 1. Republican account of steps taken to prevent infiltration of military personnel, hostile broadcasts and other infringements of truce agreement were accepted as satisfactory by...’
119. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 April 1948; ‘Cablegram K108 KALIURANG, 25 April 1948 The Economic and Financial Committee met on April 22. A. CORRIDORS FOR CIVIL TRAFFIC AND JOINT USE OF PUBLIC WORKS Sub Committee 2 presented preliminary technical reports on Highways, Irri-gation, Railways and Public Roads and Bridges. These show a large measure of agreement on...’
120. EATON TO BURTON: 28 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 100 BATAVIA, 28 April 1948, 12 noon IMPORTANT TOP SECRET I refer to the British Broadcasting Corporation report of the conference to take place in London of the Defence Ministers of England and the coalition of European countries. [1] In order to avoid well known difficulties of liaison, co-operation,...’
121. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 28 April 1948; ‘Letter (extract) KALIURANG, 28 April 1948 PERSONAL [matter omitted] Despite a week’s recriminations, the atmosphere when the talks recommenced on Monday, 19th April, did not seem to have deteriorated. In particular, discussions in the Social and Administrative Committee and in the Economic and Financial Committee appear to be progressing satisfactorily....’
122. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 29 April 1948; ‘Cablegram 29 CANBERRA, 29 April 1948, 5 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Netherlands Authorities in Australia have from time to time made representations to the Commonwealth Government to use its influence to bring about a lifting of the ban imposed by waterside workers on loading of supplies for Indonesia. On 13th April,...’
123. EATON TO BURTON: 29 April 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 16/1948 BATAVIA, 29 April 1948 SECRET SUBJECT: GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION Although the general atmosphere prevailing at the present Kaliurang talks is said to be good, progress in regard to major issues is still as slow as ever. Solution of the question of sovereignty during the interim period before...’
124. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN383 NEW YORK, 1 May 1948, 9.21 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA 1. Dr. Choa, one of the Republican representatives here, has informally asked some of the members of the Security Council to get the Council to investigate alleged Dutch violations of Renville Agreement, particularly naval blockade. [1] 2. In the...’
125. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 106 KALIURANG, 3 May 1948 Discussions in the Political Committee are not progressing satisfactorily. In particular, there may be a deadlock on the plebiscite. 2. I am suggesting that the Committee take the initiative to break any deadlock that arises and that instead of endeavouring to bring the parties...’
126. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 109 BATAVIA, 6 May 1948 Your telegram No. 108. [1] On May 1st ‘Aneta’ published a Reuter report dated April 29th that Tjoa had ‘called for an immediate session of the Security Council to consider the “alarming situation” in Indonesia’ and had accused the Dutch of violating the terms...’
127. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN409 NEW YORK, 7 May 1948, 4.19 p.m. Indonesia. Reference our UN383. [1] ‘New York Times’ this morning reports Mahomed Roem has stated that Dr. Choa had acted without instruction and that his unofficial statements did not reflect view of Republican delegation. We understand from Palar that Republican delegation...’
128. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K110 BATAVIA, 10 May 1948, 8.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 108. [1] It is true the Republic has been disappointed in Dubois, who is not nearly as sympathetic as Graham. Moreover, the Americans have now replaced the Belgians as the confidants and advisers of the Dutch. Dubois openly pointed...’
129. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY: 12 May 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 12 May 1948 From our yesterday’s discussion [1] I gathered that it would be useful to you, if, in the course of your present efforts to have the ‘ban’ removed, you could produce some sort of statement on two points which are apparently of interest to the Union...’
130. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K112 BATAVIA, [12] [1] May 1948 Political Committee met on May 10. (a) Report of sub committee 4 on procedure for plebiscite or other means for the delineation of states in Java, Sumatra and Madura [2] reveals complete deadlock as set out in first para of my 106. [3]...’
131. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 234 CANBERRA, 14 May 1948, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN433. [1] Indonesia. Both parties have been meeting continuously with Committee of Good Offices in Indonesia to try to reach agreement on outstanding political and economic issues. While agreement has been reached on comparatively minor matters, progress on...’
132. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 18 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 125 CANBERRA, 18 May 1948 We have been considering your recent reports on political negotiations [1] and hope to comment on them shortly. Meanwhile, we should like further report on present position as regards trade. We gather from your K.108 [2] that there are some prospects of restoration of...’
133. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K114 BATAVIA, 18 May 1948, 12.15 p.m. SECRET My telegram K.112. [2] After long discussions agreement was reached in the Good Offices Committee on the proposals for breaking the deadlock on the plebiscite [3] These proposals closely followed the appropriate sections of my telegram 106. [4] 2. I stressed...’
134. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K115 BATAVIA, 18 May 1948, 5.10 p.m. SECRET In recent informal discussions in Political sub-committees, the Netherlands have placed special emphasis on sovereignty as stated in principle one of the six additional principles. [1] They are insisting on:- (a) The abolition of Republic’s foreign relations at the time of...’
135. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY: 19 May 1948; ‘Letter SYDNEY, 19 May 1948 PERSONAL I hear that the question of lifting the ban will be raised at the meeting of the Federal Unions’ Conference in Melbourne on Tuesday, 25th of May, 1948, at which, I understand, Mr Healy will be present. In connection with our discussion of last...’
136. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 20 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 38 CANRERRA, 20 May 1948, 3.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET It is now becoming clear that the Prime Minister’s approach referred to in our 29 [1] has been rejected by the Dutch. Meanwhile negotiations at Batavia are dragging on with little prospect of Settlement, and we are concerned at progressive...’
137. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 20 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 127 CANBERRA, 20 May 1948 SECRET Proposals in your 106 [1] would seem to provide sound and practical basis for political settlement and subsequent establishment of United States of Indonesia. It is all the more disappointing that Dutch should still be insisting at this stage on Republican compliance with...’
138. EATON TO BURTON: 21 May 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 17/1948 BATAVIA, 21 May 1948 SECRET GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION Since my last Despatch [1] the only progress made in the current political negotiations has been in the work of the various sub- committees, all relevant details of which have been for-warded to you by our Delegation on the...’
139. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 21 May 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch GOC2 (extracts) BATAVIA, 21 May 1948 PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO THE DIENG PLATEAU, CENTRAL JAVA During the first week in May, I accompanied President Sukarno and the Vice President of the Republic, Mr. Mohammed Hatta, on a presidential tour of the northern area of Republican Central Java, a region...’
140. EATON TO SCHUURMAN: 22 May 1948; ‘Note BATAVIA, 22 May 1948 The Australian Consul-General presents his compliments and has the honour to inform the Head of the Far Eastern Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that with the approval of the Netherlands East Indies authorities the Government of Australia proposes to send representatives of the...’
141. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 61 THE HAGUE, 22 May 1948, 111.30 a.m. SECRET Your telegram 38. [1] Indonesia. Minister for Foreign Affairs is not available until Tuesday next when I arranged to see him. 2. There is general dissatisfaction here at the slowness of negotiations for which the Republic is blamed. I...’
142. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K117 BATAVIA, 22 May 1948, 12.45 p.m. SECRET Analysis of the recent developments here suggests that the Dutch policy as planned by Van Mook may be as follows (1) The Dutch have no intention of making any concessions to reach a political settlement with the Republic. They will represent...’
143. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 May 1948; ‘Cablegram UN472 NEW YORK, 22 May 1948, 2.01 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA 1. Palar and Choa Indonesian representatives came this morning to tell us in great confidence that unnamed person very close to State Department and previously found helpful and completely reliable had just conveyed an important proposal to them...’
144. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K119 BATAVIA, 23 May 1948, 8.30 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 125. [1] DUTCH SEA RESTRICTIONS Answers to your respective queries are set out below. A.1. EXTENT OF BLOCKADE Pre-war restrictions According to the Navigation Act of 1936 only specific ports can be used by ships with overseas flags. Only...’
145. BURTON TO GARRETT: 24 May 1948; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 24 May 1948 As suggested by the Prime Minister, I have spoken to Teppema [1], and he is sending a message to Batavia, but he indicated quite clearly that, if the ban were not removed on Dutch goods going to Indonesia, there would not be consent from Batavia...’
146. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 24 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 134 CANBERRA, 24 May 1948, 6 p.m. Our 133. [1] United States suggestion as reported from New York is obviously vague as at present conceived. Nevertheless, if properly contrived it would obviously assist the Republic, particularly on the question of trade. The question of tactics will be important. Glad...’
147. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 25 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 147 CANBERRA, 25 May 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. 1. We are disturbed at lack of progress towards settlement of the Indonesian dispute. It is apparent that the negotiations at Batavia under auspices of U.N. Committee of Good Offices are not going well. Some measure of agreement has been...’
148. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 May 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 63 THE HAGUE, 25 May 1948, 4.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA My telegram 61. [1] I saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning and spoke on the lines of your telegram 38. [2] 2. The Minister listened carefully and took notes. He took, as I expected, the...’
149. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1948; ‘Cablegram 128 BATAVIA, 27 May 1948 SECRET ‘Aneta’ this morning reports Radio Moscow’s despatch that Suripno, the Republic’s representative at Prague, and the Soviet Ambassador at Prague have concluded an agreement for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic and the U.S.S.R. [1] 2. Suriotjondro, Republican Government Secretary for...’
150. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K121 [KALIURANG] [1], 27 May 1948 SECRET Your telegram 134. [2] The Republic would welcome a solution to the sovereignty issue along the lines suggested. They have already expressed informally the opinion that they would welcome United Nations Trusteeship if the Dutch proceeded to set up the United States...’
151. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 May 1948; ‘Cablegram K123 KALIURANG, 30 May 1948 SECRET Political Committee on Friday discussed Republican foreign relations [1] and particularly the Moscow Report of the establishment of relations with the Soviet Union which has obviously taken Hatta and Republican Government by surprise. 2. Dutch have a document signed by Sukarno at the...’
152. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EATON: 1 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 144 CANBERRA, 1 June 1948, 12.10 p.m. SECRET Your 131. [1] On 26th May Federal Transport and Waterside Unions, at a conference summoned in Melbourne by the ACTU, decided to lift the ban on Dutch shipping provided (according to press)- (a) that an embargo be continued by the Australian...’
153. WARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 June 1948; ‘Cablegram [ECAFE] 4 OOTACAMUND, 1 June 1948, 6 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Netherlands Delegation propose to sponsor Indonesia as a whole for associate membership with two seats on the delegation for the Republic if they desire. [1] The Netherlands Delegation believes that Renville principles of 19th January [2] drawn up by...’
154. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO WARD: 2 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 2 CANBERRA, 2 June 1948, 10.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your 4. Australia has given, as have United Kingdom and U.S.A., de facto recognition to Republic and nothing in Renville agreement alters basis for that as principles of agreement have not yet been worked out. Until final agreement between Dutch...’
155. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO WARD: 2 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 4 CANBERRA, 2 June 1948, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE Further to your 4. We realise that procedural difficulty may arise in respect of admission of Indonesian Republic to associate membership, in that according to terms of reference of ECAFE a government in juridical position of Republic requires sponsorship of the...’
156. SALIM TO EVATT: 2 June 1948; ‘Letter DJOKJAKARTA, 2 June 1948 The message conveyed by your Goodwill Mission [1] fills us with gratitude and faith. On the one hand we are grateful for your intimate understanding as to the needs of our country and the people of Indonesia in this time of incessant trials, expounded so...’
157. WARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 June 1948; ‘Cablegram ECAFE 5 OOTACAMUND, 2 June 1948, 8.45 p.m. The whole day taken up by discussions on admission of the Republic of Indonesia. The Netherlands delegate took up the proposal submitted at the last session for admission of the whole of Indonesia as an associate member under Netherlands sponsorship. [1]...’
158. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 3 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 48 CANBERRA, 3 June 1948, 2 p.m. We understand from our delegate to ECAFE conference at Ootacamund that Netherlands Delegation are sponsoring Indonesia as a whole for associate membership with two seats on the Delegation for the Republic if they desire. Republican Delegation will not accept Netherlands sponsorship, but...’
159. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 3 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 119 CANBERRA, 3 June 1948, 3 p.m. IMMEDIATE ECAFE conference at Ootacamund is considering question of admission of Republic of Indonesia to associate membership. Netherlands Delegation are sponsoring Indonesia as a whole for associate membership with two seats on the Indonesian Delegation for the Republic if they desire. Republican...’
160. EATON TO EVATT: 3 June 1948; ‘Ministerial Dispatch 8/1948 BATAVIA, 3 June 1948 SECRET I have the honour to bring to notice the position of the Consular Commission [1] which is still in being as a body although inactive except for occasional meetings held for informal discussions on the political negotiations and matters affecting the military...’
161. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K124 [KALIURANG], 3 June 1948 SECRET The Americans now appear to accept an analysis of the Dutch policy on the lines of my telegram K.117. [1] 2. The Committee intends to forward the Republic’s protest against the BANDUNG Conference along with its own comments and comments of the Netherlands...’
162. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K125 [KALIURANG], 4 June 1948 SECRET Last night Vredenburch called on Dubois for a general discussion. 2. According to Dubois there was an overrated deal of plain speaking. Dubois criticised the Dutch ‘take it or leave it’ attitude in negotiations, which was now reinforced by troop movements in apparent...’
163. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K126 [KALIURANG], 4 June 1948 SECRET Van Vredenburch and Neher saw Hatta today (see my telegram K.124 [1]) regarding Russian recognition of the Republic. [2] They delivered an aide memoire [3] to the following effect: A. The Netherlands Government notes: (a) That Suripno had been authorised to negotiate. (b)...’
164. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN507 NEW YORK, 4 June 1948, 6.33 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. Palar called today to inform us as follows (1) Republican authorities in Java think there is a real possibility of renewed Dutch ‘Police Action’ and have instructed him to try to obtain Security Council injunction that such action would...’
165. WARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 June 1948; ‘Cablegram ECAFE 9 OOTACAMUND, 5 June 1948, 7.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET [matter omitted] INDONESIA: Chinese delegate reports that no agreement had been reached between Indian delegation representing the Republic and the Netherlands. Philippines delegate then moved the postponement of the question until the next session of the Commission seconded by...’
166. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 7 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 152 CANBERRA, 7 June 1948 IMMEDIATE Our 149. [1] ECAFE conference has not yet been able to decide question of admission of Indonesian Republic to associate membership. Attempt is being made to reach compromise under which Netherlands Delegation would sponsor separate associate memberships for Republic and remainder of Indonesia....’
167. BALL [1] TO BURTON: 7 June 1948; ‘Memorandum SINGAPORE, 7 June 1948 INTERIM NOTES ON N.E.I. The contrast between our reception by the Dutch and the Republicans was no less striking because we had expected it. DR. VAN MOOK himself was friendly and courteous, but this attitude was not evident in the behaviour of some of his...’
168. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K127 [KALIURANG, 5] [1] June 1948 SECRET In close consultation with us the Americans have now drafted an overall plan for a settlement along the lines of paragraph 3 of my telegram K.124. [2] We intend to seek Belgian approval of plan as soon as possible with the object...’
169. SCHUURMAN TO EATON: 8 June 1948; ‘Note BATAVIA, 8 June 1948 The Head of the Far Eastern Office presents his compliments to the Australian Consul General and, with reference to the latter’s note of 22nd May 1948 [1], regarding the visit of the Australian Goodwill and Relief Mission to the Netherlands Indies, has the honour to...’
170. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K129 KALIURANG, 8 June 1948 SECRET Representatives of the Republican delegation say informally they would welcome U.N.’s trusteeship of the Republic but they seem more concerned with the possibility of Committee suggestions for an overall political settlement. 2. The present situation is tense. Americans and ourselves are in agreement...’
171. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K130 KALIURANG, 9 June 1948 SECRET Wednesday morning Dubois received a personal letter from Van Mook expressing concern at rumours that the Committee was considering offering suggestions to the parties. [1] The letter stated that Republican fears of further military action were groundless as the Dutch forces were being...’
172. WARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 June 1948; ‘Cablegram [ECAFE] 12 OOTACAMUND, 9 June 1948, 9.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE The Commission this morning voted in favour of postponement of the application of the Republic of Indonesia for associate membership [1] until the next session by 6 votes to 5. Those for postponement, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand,...’
173. DU BOIS AND CRITCHLEY TO VAN MOOK: 10 June 1948; ‘Working Paper KALIURANG, 10 June 1948 CONFIDENTIAL The Committee of Good Offices’ Third Interim Report to the Security Council [1], now nearing completion, will show that in the five months that have passed since the signing of the Renville Agreement, no significant progress has been made toward a political settlement...’
174. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN527 NEW YORK, 10 June 1948, 10.26 [a.m.] SECRET Indonesia-Security Council 10th June. [1] The Council heard statements by Palar and Van Kleffens. Belgium then suggested the Council adjourn further discussion until further reports mentioned in the Committee of Good Offices’ second report have been received. [2] Australia, India...’
175. EATON TO BURTON: 11 June 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 19/1948 BATAVIA, 11 June 1948 SECRET GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION Recently the chief topic in political circles in Indonesia has been the reported agreement of consular relations between the Soviet and the Republic. [1] The communist bug was made the most of by the Dutch and scathing attacks on...’
176. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K131 BATAVIA, 14 June 1948, 6.10 p.m. SECRET On Thursday, Dubois handed Van Mook in Batavia a copy of the joint Australian United States working paper [1] for an overall settlement (see my telegram K.130 [2]). According to Dubois, Van Mook was at first aggressive then reproachful and reviewed...’
177. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K132 BATAVIA, 15 June 1948, 10.12 p.m. SECRET Immediately on my return from Djokjakarta Monday evening Dubois and I received a letter from Van Mook in the following terms:- (1) He does not share our hope that our working paper [1] might prove useful in any conversation between Hatta...’
178. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 284 CANBERRA, 17 June 1948, 11.15 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your UN527. [1] Indonesia. 1. Van Kleffens’ appeal to Council to leave both parties and Committee to negotiate and not to distract them by discussions at Lake Success is of course in line with Netherlands plans and appears to represent...’
179. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 161 CANBERRA, 17 June 1948, 11.35 a.m. SECRET Your K.132. [1] 1. Our immediately following telegram [2] contains report of Security Council meeting 10th June to discuss Indonesia. We have reported to New York present position as shown in your recent telegrams, and have stated that if Van Mook’s...’
180. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 285 CANBERRA, 17 June 1948, 4.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Since sending our 284 [1] we have learned from radio reports that United StatesAustralian proposal [2] has been made public, together with the fact that Dutch have refused to consider it. Dutch are reported to have declined to continue...’
181. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 163 CANBERRA, 17 June 1948, 4.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 161. [1] Short wave radio reports today that your working paper [2] has been made public, together with the fact that Dutch have refused to consider it. Negotiations are reported to have reached standstill following Dutch refusal to continue...’
182. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K133 BATAVIA, 17 June 1948, 12.45 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET At Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee of Good Offices Dubois and I reported handing our plan [1] to Van Mook and Hatta respectively. Herremans then read a personal letter from Van Mook noting that Herremans had reserved his position regarding...’
183. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K134 BATAVIA, 17 June 1948, 6.30 p.m. SECRET Hatta met Van Mook in a friendly atmosphere. So far Van Mook has: (a) Rejected Australian-American proposals. [1] (b) Stressed importance of immediate establishment of a provisional Government of 15, eight Republic Representatives, 5 non-Republicans, two Dutch but without giving details...’
184. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K135 BATAVIA, 18 June 1948, 6.50 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 1[6]1. [1] Our covering letter stressed that our plan would not be reported to the Security Council unless we felt that the parties could not reach agreement on it or any other basis. [2] In this eventuality, Dubois will...’
185. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN549 NEW YORK, 18 June 1948 SECRET Your 284 and 285. [1] Indonesia. 1. The Security Council debate lasted all day. Earlier statements by China, India, Soviet Union covered general ground only. First reference to the position described in your telegrams was made by Australia. Discussion thereafter was concerned...’
186. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN551 NEW YORK, 18 June 1948, 2.33 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. Security Council 17th June. [1] Further to our UN.549. [2] 1. Tsiang (China) said reports did not substantiate Van Kleffens’ allegation that Republic does not want federation and union but show substantial grounds for Republican charge that Dutch were...’
187. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K136 BATAVIA, 20 June 1948, 9.05 p.m. To its great regret the American delegation received this morning precise instructions from the State Department that the overall plan [1] was not to be submitted to the Security Council. They consider that the telegram implies hands off Dutch policy at present....’
188. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 293 CANBERRA, 22 June 1948, 6 p.m. SECRET Your UN549. [1] Indonesia. Critchley reports from Batavia that United States Delegation, ‘to its great regret’ has received precise instructions from State Department that United States-Australia Working Paper is not to be submitted to the Security Council. Inference is that United...’
189. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K137 BATAVIA, 22 June 1948, 6.03 p.m. SECRET The Committee has telegraphed to the Security Council Chapter I of the introduction to our third Interim Report. [1] 2. The Dutch have indicated that they will formally advise the Committee to-day that they are prepared to resume talks. The Committee...’
190. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 22 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 184 LONDON, 22 June 1948, 8.57 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 25th May No. 147. [1] INDONESIA Our reports from Batavia are not sufficiently detailed to enable us to comment on all the points raised in your telegram, but the following are our views on the essential nature of the...’
191. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 23 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 169 CANBERRA, 23 June 1948 SECRET Your K.136. [1] While American instruction is disappointing, there seems no reason why, since general nature of working paper has become public, it should not be discussed in Security Council. We have accordingly asked New York to make the following points at Wednesday’s...’
192. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN569 NEW YORK, 23 June 1948, 6.59 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA 1. In council meetings today Indonesia, Philippines, Netherlands, Soviet Union, China, Australia and United States spoke. Discussion was concerned partly with report of Committee of Good Offices on Bandung conference [1] and partly with latest report from Committee...’
193. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K139 BATAVIA, 23 June 1948, 8 p.m. Pro President Security Council: My K.138. [1] Committee Good Offices has honour forward the following addendum to report cabled 22nd June. [2] In accordance with request of Republican Delegation that negotiations be continued on the basis of proposals suggested in Australian-United States...’
194. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 June 1948; ‘Cablegram UN574 NEW YORK, 24 June 1948, 5.27 p.m. SECRET Security Council 23rd June. [1] INDONESIA. 1. Replies from the Committee to the President’s cabled inquiry concerning suspension of negotiations circulated as document S/850 and 850 add 1 [2], as follows(summary) Australian - United States concern at lack of progress...’
195. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K141 BATAVIA, 25 June 1948 SECRET Thanks for your 136. [1] Your instructions to New York correspond with the line I am taking here. 2. I am going to Jogjakarta tomorrow when I shall test Republican reactions to Hatta - Van Mook talks. [2] 3. These talks in which...’
196. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 56 CANBERRA, 30 June 1948, 4.30 p.m. Indonesia. We have sent you by bag a copy of the United States - Australian working paper [1] which was submitted informally to Netherlands and Republican Delegations on 10th June and which was subsequently referred to in the press, together with the...’
197. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram 268 NEW DELHI, 30 June 1948, 7 p.m. IMPORTANT The Indian Government’s concern over the deteriorating position in Indonesia has been formally conveyed to me by the Foreign Secretary (K.P.S. Menon). Referring to the breakdown in negotiations, he expressed the hope that Australia will persist in her efforts to...’
198. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K142 BATAVIA, 30 June 1948, 12.15 p.m. SECRET Following telegram [1] despatched last night from GOC to Chairman security council:- Committee of Good Offices has honour to report security council as follows: Further to our telegram 22nd, 23rd June [2] parties have not found formula which would enable Australian...’
199. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1948; ‘Cablegram K143 BATAVIA, 30 June 1948, 7.10 p.m. SECRET Hatta has reaffirmed that in recent informal talks Van Mook went no further than I have already reported. [1] Hatta personally believes that Van Mook is looking towards a settlement but is restricted by the reactionary policy of The Hague. 2....’
200. EATON TO BURTON: 1 July 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 21/1948 BATAVIA, 1 July 1948 SECRET GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION With the trend of this week’s events the Netherlands authorities have shown their hand more clearly to the outside world and it is now obvious that they will endeavour to only negotiate with the Republic on their own terms...’
201. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KEVIN: 2 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 180 CANBERRA, 2 July 1948, 10.50 a.m. Your 268. [1] Indonesia. We are sending you by bag copy of full text of United States - Australian Working Paper [2] which was submitted to Netherlands and Republican delegates 10th June. Indian Government’s understanding of the main points of the plan...’
202. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 July 1948; ‘Cablegram K144 BATAVIA, 2 July 1948 SECRET Following the failure of the Chinese resolution in the Security Council [1] the Dutch may be expected to press ahead with their unilateral policy (see para 2 of my K.143 [2]). 2. Through the Prime Minister of East Indonesia a conference will be...’
203. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN595 NEW YORK, 2[July] 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. 1. In Security Council July 1st [1] Palar urged that in view of present stalemate in negotiations, council should inform the Committee of Good Offices that the Committee was free to act by majority decision in undertaking any steps which might...’
204. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 159 BATAVIA, 5 July 1948, 4.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET The General Representative of the Provisional Federal Government at the Federal Conference at Bandoeng [1] made the following statement on behalf of the Netherlands Government on 3rd July: ‘The alteration of the constitution which has already been accepted in its...’
205. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 July 1948; ‘Cablegram K145 [KALIURANG], 5 July 1948 SECRET It seems clear that the conference called by East Indonesia for Wednesday (see para. 2 of my K. 144 [1]) is a Dutch plot. Even Van Diffelen (see telegram 159 [2]) makes no attempt to hide the fact that the Dutch strategy will...’
206. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN604 NEW YORK, 7 July 1948, 4.27 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Security Council 6th July. [1] Indonesia. 1. Palar raised the subject of the Dutch blockade making the following points:- (I) The Dutch are continuing their warfare not militarily but politically and economically. (II) The present standstill in negotiations means...’
207. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 8 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 190 LONDON, 8 July 1948, 8.05 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 22nd June No 184. [1] INDONESIA As contemplated in Paragraph 7 of my telegram under reference we have reviewed position with His Majesty’s Consul-General, Batavia (for whose comments on situation in Indonesia generally see my telegram No.140 of...’
208. HOOD TO BURTON: 12 July 1948; ‘Letter NEW YORK, 12 July 1948 PERSONAL I take it from the absence of directions from Canberra lately that you are as puzzled as we are here to know exactly what can be done next to help the Indonesian matter along. Up to the present, there has quite definitely not...’
209. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 179 BATAVIA, 21 July 1948 TOP SECRET Aneta reports to-day that a resolution from the Bandoeng Conference was submitted Lt. Governor General 17th July. The Resolution is reported to propose:- (a) a three-man directorate of Indonesians is to be established with presidential powers, (b) a High Commissariat as representative...’
210. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 July 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 86 THE HAGUE, 22 July 1948 IMMEDIATE Indonesia I found at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning a more optimistic spirit than I have met for a long time. 2. It seems to be grounded on the hope that out of the plan drawn up by the...’
211. EATON TO BURTON: 22 July 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 23/1948 BATAVIA, 22 July 1948 SECRET GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION Reference: Consulate-General Telegram No.179 dated 16th July [1], Consulate-General Telegram No.182 dated 22nd July. [2] Since my last despatch [3] negotiations between the Dutch and the Republicans under the auspices of the Committee of Good Offices have virtually been...’
212. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 184 BATAVIA, 24 July 1948, 11.30 a.m. SECRET The Committee has telegraphed the following report to the Security Council this evening, Friday. [1] Begins: ‘Pursuant to instructions to keep the Council informed of developments in negotiations between parties to Indonesian dispute, the Committee of Good Offices has the honour...’
213. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 185 BATAVIA, 24 July 1948 SECRET My telegram No. 182. [1] 2. Tamzil informs me that the resolution from the Bandoeng Conference [2] to be discussed by the Conference and the Provisional Federal Government on Monday next proposes the following arrangement for the interim period preceding the transfer of...’
214. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1948; ‘Cablegram K147 BATAVIA, 24 July 1948 SECRET Proposals of the Bandoeng Negara Conference [1] (telegram K144 [2]) are entirely unsatisfactory to the Republic as they are limited to arrangements for the interim period and do not sufficiently define powers even in respect of that period. The Republic at this stage...’
215. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 July 1948; ‘Cablegram K148 BATAVIA, 24 July 1948 SECRET Committee’s reports on Trade Restrictions [1] and on postponement of negotiations [2] will give the Republic as good an opportunity as it is likely to have of taking a firm line in the Security Council and dramatising the present situation. Many Republicans now...’
216. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 26 July 1948; ‘Cablegram 192 CANBERRA, 26 July 1948 TOP SECRET Your telegram 190. [1] Indonesia. We agree that it would be helpful if United States and Belgian Governments could be persuaded to appoint outstanding persons to membership of Committee of Good Offices. At the same time, we do not think that such...’
217. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN676 NEW YORK, 29 July 1948, 7.32 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Security Council today adopted by nine votes Chinese resolution as follows: ‘The Security Council, having considered the Committee of Good Offices’ report on the Federal Conference opened in Bandung on 27th May 1948 [1], third interim report [2], report...’
218. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 July 1948; ‘Cablegram UN678 NEW YORK, 30 July 1948, 1.47 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. My telegram 676. [1] 1. Security Council discussion on 29th July [2] opened with statement by Palar on economic report from the Committee of Good Offices. [3] Palar also gave an explanation of the Republican decision not to join...’
219. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 3 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 206 CANBERRA, 3 August 1948 SECRET We have been advised by Netherlands Minister here that action will be taken very shortly to declare ‘Communist activity’ illegal in Indonesia. Minister gave assurance that this would not be directed against Republic as such but against certain cells within Republican regime. 2....’
220. EATON TO BURTON: 4 August 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 24/1948 BATAVIA, 4 August 1948 SECRET GENERAL POLITICAL SITUATION Reference: Consulate Telegram No.185 dated 24/7/48. [1] The resolution of the Bandoeng Conference has now been made public and a copy of the resolution as reported by the Republican Press Review is attached hereto. It seems reasonable to assume...’
221. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 August 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 99 THE HAGUE, 5 August 1948, 6.10 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. My telegram 86. [1] I discussed the situation with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs this morning in the light of my meeting last week with Dr. Evatt [2] and my reading of the latest reports from...’
222. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER: 12 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 71 CANBERRA, 12 August 1948, 2.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL Usman, who, as you know, has been in Australia representing Indonesian interests with the full knowledge and consent of the Dutch, has issued invitations to a party as Representative of the Republic. Up to date he has been received...’
223. OFFICER TO CHIFLEY [1] AND BURTON: 12 August 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 104 THE HAGUE, 12 August 1948 IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Secretary General of Foreign Affairs told me last night on behalf of new Minister (who will send for me in course of next few days) that he hopes for early solution of N.E.I. problems and to that end trusts...’
224. OFFICER TO EVATT: 12 August 1948; ‘Memorandum THE HAGUE, 12 August 1948 On my return from London on the 4th August, I saw the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as there was still no Cabinet and no Foreign Minis-ter. [1] I advised him of my talks with you on the subject of Indonesia...’
225. BURTON TO OFFICER: 13 August 1948; ‘Cablegram 72 CANBERRA, 13 August 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET You will recall Usman came here with Dutch approval by Dutch plane in June 1947. [1] There has since this time been no objection to his presence here and he has not on any occasion embarrassed Dutch authorities, and in fact on...’
226. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 August 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 107 THE HAGUE, 13 August 1948 [SECRET] INDONESIA Drees, speaking in Second Chamber yesterday, said that discussions here with the BANDOENG DELEGATION [1] had strengthened the conviction that agreement would be reached with the representatives of these territories which would lead to (a) the establishment of a truly...’
227. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 August 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 110 THE HAGUE, 18 August 1948 IMPORTANT INDONESIA I paid my first call on the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stikker, last night. He was very friendly and struck me as keen and purposeful. 2. I repeated to him my recent representations to the Secretary General (my telegram...’
228. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 August 1948; ‘Cablegram K153 BATAVIA, 25 August 1948 SECRET The atmosphere in Indonesia is deteriorating rapidly. Internally the Hatta Government is subject to increasing pressure from the left which is capitalising on the lack of any indication of American help for the Republic. The left wing parties are advocating acceptance of the...’
229. BURTON TO OFFICER: 27 August 1948; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 27 August 1948 PERSONAL Our local relations with the Dutch are getting worse and worse, as was demonstrated over the Indonesian party. [1] It was regrettable that Teppema rang all other Legations and persuaded them that the holding of the party was a deliberate Departmental attempt to embarrass...’
230. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 227 BATAVIA, 1 September 1948 SECRET Your tele 228. [1] There has been nothing further to report since my last telegram. [2] The Minister should be informed however that the atmosphere here is as bad as or worse than at any other stage since the Committee arrived in Indonesia...’
231. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 231 BATAVIA, 2 September 1948 SECRET You will be aware of the demand of Republican left wing groups for the resignation of the Hatta government and the formation of a parliamentary cabinet. Excluded from the Government, the left wing groups have developed an increasingly militant and ‘extremist’ position in...’
232. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 236 BATAVIA, 3 September 1948, 5.40 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. [2]34 [1] refers also my telegram No. 231. No definite information is available in Batavia, and the present rise of communism has occurred since the arrival in the Republic of Moeso, Suripno in early August, and who are...’
233. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K154 [KALIURANG, 5] September 1948 SECRET On its arrival at Djokjakarta, the Good Offices Committee met with an endless and boisterous demonstration by Indonesian youths who presented a resolution that the Republican Government should not carry on Dutch-Republic negotiations except on a basis of complete sovereignty of the Republic...’
234. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 7 September 1948; ‘Cablegram E43 CANBERRA, 7 September 1948, 5.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET PERSONAL My immediately following telegram gives background of recent negotiations between Republic and Dutch. 2. The situation at the moment is more critical than any past period, and, moreover, could be more embarrassing to the Australian Government than any past...’
235. BURTON TO EVATT: 7 September 1948; ‘Cablegram E44 CANBERRA, 7 September 1948, 5 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is outline of present position in Indonesian dispute. 2. Negotiations through Committee of Good Offices have been at standstill since before Netherlands election. Neither side had attempted to resume negotiations, Dutch on grounds that they have been awaiting further...’
236. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K155 KALIURANG, 7 September 1948 SECRET Rumours are widespread that the Americans have proposals for the political settlement based on our original proposals but with provision for an interim federal government before a Constituent Assembly is set up. Rumours emphatically denied by the Americans who stress the importance of...’
237. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K156 [KALIURANG, 10] September 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET The Americans today presented simultaneously to both parties and to other members of the Committee in the form of informal and confidential oral note a draft agreement for an overall settlement. [1] Covering letter states that if both parties after consideration are...’
238. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K157 [KALIURANG, 10] September 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram K. 156. In all important respects the American draft follows in detail earlier Australian - United States proposals. [1] 2. The most apparent difference is the naming of July 31st, 1949, as the latest date for transfer of sovereignty to...’
239. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT [1]: 14 September 1948; ‘Cablegram E49 CANBERRA, 14 September 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET You will have seen Critchley’s telegrams K.155, 156 and 157 reporting on latest United States proposals submitted to Netherlands and Republican delegations. Counsellor of United States Embassy here has called at the Department to explain that American member of Good Offices Committee,...’
240. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND CRITCHLEY: 15 September 1948; ‘Cablegrams 244, 5 BATAVIA, 15 September 1948 SECRET Schuurman this day told me the present Dutch plan for an interim Government [1] does not envisage the inclusion of the Republic which must firstly have political agreement with the Dutch. 2. The Prime Minister of East Indonesia and other members of...’
241. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K158 KALIURANG, 15 September 1948 SECRET The Hatta Government is for the time being secure with strong support in the KNIP and the Army. 2. Communist influence is mainly limited to the labour unions and to a lesser extent to some youth organisations and irregular armed bands. The Communists...’
242. EATON TO BURTON: 15 September 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 26/1948 BATAVIA, 15 September 1948 THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN THE REPUBLIC An attempt is made in this Despatch briefly to trace the main line of development in the present political crisis in the Republic and to give some account of the issues involved and of the disposition of...’
243. EVATT TO BURTON: 15 September 1948; ‘Cablegram Special 12 THE HAGUE, 15 September 1948, 3.01 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL 1. in the light of telegrams [1], I have just completed reasonably satisfactory consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs as to Indonesia. [2] He is leaving for Washington to-night to discuss Cochran’s proposals with...’
244. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 1028 WASHINGTON, 14 September 1948, 7.48 p.m. INDONESIA State Department today asked us to explain to you the circumstances in which the new plan [1] for political settlement was conveyed by Cochran to the Netherlands and Republican authorities on 11th September without prior consultation with Critchley. (We understand similar...’
245. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 17 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 812 CANBERRA, 1[7] September 1948, 5.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1028. Indonesia. Understand Netherlands Foreign Minister is in Washington, where he will discuss Cochran’s proposals with State Department. You should communicate the following informally to the State Department at first opportunity. 2. Critchley reports from Batavia that Hatta is...’
246. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 September 1948; ‘Cablegram UN741 NEW YORK, 17 September 1948, 12.37 p.m. SECRET Indonesia 1. On 15th September, Indonesian Representatives discussed recent United States proposals [1] with Lacy of State Department. Further discussions are planned for the 22nd before which date Indonesians would appreciate our comments on proposed draft agreement. 2. State Department...’
247. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K159 KALIURANG, 19 September 1948 SECRET Following an uprising the Communists appear to have taken control of Madioen [1], one of the big cities in East Java and a main centre of Republican transport workshops. Sukarno, who appears seriously distressed, fears the Communists may gain control of the large...’
248. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K160 KALIURANG, 20 September 1948 SECRET Further reports (still to be confirmed) from the Madiun indicate that early Saturday morning a force of approximately 2000 Pesindo (irregular socialist youth forces) took over key points of the town after disarming the police and army. A Soviet Republic was then proclaimed...’
249. OFFICER TO EVATT: 20 September 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag Pi THE HAGUE, 20 September 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET I understand Stikker has failed in Washington to secure any of the changes he sought in Cochran plan. Dutch regard situation in Java as very serious and fear communists may secure control of Republic. _ _ [AA:A8108/2, 280/1/48, i] ’
250. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K161 KALIURANG, 21 September 1948 SECRET Hatta claims that the communists have been using terrorist bands and that unrestrained looting followed the capture of Madiun. The majority of the population of the city are believed to favour the Government but are unorganised. The main airfield was still under the...’
251. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 September 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch 59/48 WASHINGTON, 22 September 1948 U.S. POLICY ON INDONESIA-VISIT OF NETHERLANDS’ FOREIGN MINISTER The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Dirk Uipke Stikker, accompanied by Mr. N.S. Blom of the Netherlands Department of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Washington on 16 September for talks with Mr. Marshall and the State Department....’
252. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO OFFICER, EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 23 September 1948; ‘Cablegrams 92, 823, 3676 CANBERRA, 23 September 1948, 11.10 a.m. SECRET INDONESIA My immediately following telegram [1] comprises latest report from Critchley on Indonesian situation, which, as will be seen, is extremely precarious. One of the principal dangers is that of precipitate Dutch action to intervene with force inside the...’
253. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 September 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 129 THE HAGUE, 23 September 1948, 6.48 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA My telegram 127. [1] Before the receipt of your telegram 92 I had seen the Secretary General this morning as Minister for Foreign Affairs was occupied with Parliamentary business and spoke much on the lines of your...’
254. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 1052 WASHINGTON, 23 September 1948, 9.45 p.m. SECRET Your 823. [1] Indonesia. The Ambassador saw Butterworth, Director of office of Far Eastern Affairs this afternoon and stressed need to sustain Hatta and for continued U.S. firmness. 2. Butterworth recalled Stikker’s statement on leaving Washington that he had ‘not come...’
255. MIGHELL TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 3362 LONDON, 24 September 1948, 9.10 p.m. SECRET Your 3676. [1] INDONESIA After High Commissioner’s meeting this morning I took opportunity of acquainting Secretary of State with your views. He said that the United Kingdom Government would do all possible to encourage Hatta to repress insurgents in his own...’
256. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K163 BATAVIA, 26 September 1948 SECRET Bad communications are restricting reports on the Madiun situation. There has been no major fighting yet. The Government forces are still converging on Madiun where they are trying with some success to force the Communists to concentrate. There is still no reason to...’
257. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 28 September 1948; ‘Cablegram 832 CANBERRA, 28 September 1948, 3 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Your 1052, paragraph 6. [1] You should impress on Butterworth that in present delicate situation Hatta has much less room for manoeuvre, than have the Dutch. Consequently, while Critchley confidently expects that the Republic will ultimately be able to...’
258. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K164 BATAVIA, 29 September 1948 SECRET According to a confidential report from Hatta, the Government campaign against the Communists is proceeding satisfactorily. It will take a few more days to get to Madiun, but the greatest danger is felt to be behind the Government lines. The Communists are avoiding...’
259. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 September 1948; ‘Cablegram K165 BATAVIA, 29 September 1948 SECRET Your telegram No. 267. [1] The arguments of paragraphs 1 and 2 of your telegram are most important. Political and economic gestures now from the Netherlands would greatly strengthen Hatta’s hand against the Communists and would pay big dividends if the Dutch are...’
260. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 September 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 136 THE HAGUE, 30 September 1948 SECRET INDONESIA My telegram No.129. [1] After drawing up a long list of objections to the Cochran proposals [2] the Netherlands Government now apparently have decided to put forward two only namely (1) That the proposal to hold free elections at the...’
261. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 137 THE HAGUE, 1 October 1948 IMPORTANT TOP SECRET Reference my telegram No. 136. The first reaction of the Netherlands Government to Cochran proposals was a long juristic document suggesting modifications to almost every clause. On second and wiser thoughts they reduced their objections to two, viz. (1)...’
262. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K167 BATAVIA, 3 October 1948 SECRET Madiun fell to Government forces on the afternoon of the 30th September. There was little fighting in the final stages, the Communists having retreated to the mountainous areas 15 km south east of Madiun taking with them radio transmitters, printing materials and Government...’
263. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 1079 WASHINGTON, 4 October 1948, 8.20 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. Your 842. [1] State Department have been advised by Netherlands Embassy that Netherlands Government will accept Cochran proposals as basis for negotiation with the same reservation as Hatta, i.e. without committing themselves to the substance in whole or in part....’
264. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 258 BATAVIA, 5 October 1948, 11.30 a.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET With the approval of the Far Eastern Office and the Republican Government, I, with Mrs. Eaton, left Batavia by car on September 26th, arrived Djokjakarta September 28th, left Djokjakarta October 2nd, returned October 4th. Also visited Tjilatjap and Tea...’
265. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K168 BATAVIA, 5 October 1948, 6.20 p.m. Received 6 SECRET At midnight on October 4th the Netherlands Delegation presented an oral note [1] to Cochran outlining a basis for a settlement and countering Republican conditions [2] for resumption of negotiations with conditions of their own. 2. Cochran is keeping...’
266. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 6 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 855 CANBERRA, 6 October 1948, 5.30 p.m. SECRET Your 1079. [1] INDONESIA State Department may be informed that we shall be glad to do what we can to encourage Hatta to recommence negotiations as soon as possible. We would not, however, regard it as within our province to try...’
267. OFFICER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag. 142 THE HAGUE, 6 October 1948 IMPORTANT INDONESIA My telegram No. 110. [1] KIRBY. The Secretary General sent for me this morning and asked me to advise you that in their opinion the moment has come when Kirby’s presence at Batavia might be important factor in success or...’
268. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K169 BATAVIA, 7 October 1948 SECRET Doengoes, the first place to which the Communists fled from Madiun, and Ponorogo, were retaken by Government forces on October 2nd. Communist leaders supported by one battalion are reported to have taken refuge on the slopes of Mount Willis. 2. Large blocks of...’
269. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K170 BATAVIA, 7 October 1948 SECRET The Americans have not yet made known the contents of the Netherlands oral note (my K.168). [1] They are working through the State Department to bring increasing pressure on the Dutch presumably in the hope of obtaining an acceptance of the Cochran proposals....’
270. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 1090 WASHINGTON, 8 October 1948, 12.37 a.m. SECRET Your 855. [1] INDONESIA At the time the Netherlands Embassy informed State Department that they would accept the Cochran proposals (our 1079 [2]) they mentioned that they would have certain proposals which they would want discussed during the negotiations. State Department...’
271. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LANDALE [1]: 9 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 102 CANBERRA, 9 October 1948 SECRET Your 142. [2] We can possibly make Kirby available for a short time if agreement looks likely-in other words, if Dutch really mean to accept proposals, not only as a basis of discussion, but with an intent to reach agreement. We are not...’
272. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K171 BATAVIA, 9 October 1948 SECRET Your telegram No. 273. [1] The advice of the Netherlands Embassy at Washington may have been designed to confuse the State Department at a time when early decisions were vital. Contrary to this the advice of the Netherlands reply of October 4th [2]...’
273. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 149 THE HAGUE, 11 October 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 102. INDONESIA Our general attitude on sending KIRBY to N.E.I. was made clear during OFFICER’S farewell interview with STIKKER 8th October although reference was not made on that occasion to probable condition of lifting of blockade. 2....’
274. EATON TO BURTON: 11 October 1948; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 11 October 1948 Before returning to Australia for discussion and leave I took the opportunity, with the permission of the Far Eastern Office, to visit the Republican Authorities at Djokjakarta, and the principal information and impressions I gained have been sent by this Consulate telegram No. 258 dated...’
275. BURTON TO EVATT: 12 October 1948; ‘Cablegram E78 CANBERRA, 12 October 1948, 10.50 a.m. SECRET PERSONAL Indonesia matters are coming to a crisis and in the next three or four days American pressure on The Hague may decide the issue. We have been in close touch with the Americans, but Hague reports give us information we...’
276. BURTON TO EVATT: 12 October 1948; ‘Cablegram E80 CANBERRA, 12 October 1948, 2.15 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL For your confidential information United States has decided not to support Dutch in Security Council if matter has to be referred back. They want to get relief into Indonesia and have sought our help. It seems best to encourage them...’
277. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MAKIN, LANDALE, EATON AND BEASLEY: 13 October 1948; ‘Cablegrams 870, 105, 277, 3994 CANBERRA, 13 October 1948 SECRET INDONESIA Following is a summary of comments which we have made to the United States Government, through its Embassy at Canberra, with respect to the present situation. 2. We understand that United States State Department is anxious that we should...’
278. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K172 BATAVIA, 14 October 1948 SECRET Last night Spoor, Commander in Chief of the Netherlands Indies Forces, called on Cochran to request an interview with the Committee to explain the military situation in the Republic. Cochran pointed out that Spoor should make his approach to the Committee through the...’
279. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K173 BATAVIA, 14 October 1948 SECRET Setyadjid was killed four days ago, while Alimin and a number of other important communists were captured on October 10. The net is reported to be closing around Muso, Sjarifuddin and the other communists. 2. Communists are suspected of murdering Muwardi, leader of...’
280. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K174 BATAVIA, 16 October 1948 SECRET On Friday morning Cochran took the Netherlands reply to his informal proposals to Djokjakarta. [1] The Netherlands have not rejected the Cochran plan as such but have proposed a number of amendments. As far as I can learn the main objections are to...’
281. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 18 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 286 CANBERRA, 18 October 1948, 3 p.m. Your No. K.174. You will have realised that our line has been to put the responsibility on the United States for persuading Dutch reasonableness in negotiations. We have made it clear that we would use all our influence on the Republic to...’
282. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K175 BATAVIA, 19 October 1948 SECRET Reference my K. 174. [1] Hatta’s reply to Cochran and the Netherlands will probably be along the following lines. The Republic reaffirms its willingness to resume negotiations on the conditions it has stated and on the basis of Cochran’s plan. The Dutch amendments...’
283. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K176 BATAVIA, 20 October 1948 SECRET Your 286. De Ranitz was cautious in his opinions [1] explaining that his work was not connected with that of the Netherlands Delegation and that he had not been in Indonesia long enough to make a proper study of the situation. 2. He...’
284. MAKIN TO BURTON: 20 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 1126 WASHINGTON, 20 October 1948 SECRET PERSONAL INDONESIA In discussing means of securing lifting of blockade, State Department official suggested informally that in view of Critchley’s ‘unpopularity’ with the Dutch and recent friendly talks between the Minister and Stikker, an approach through The Hague, possibly by the Minister himself,...’
285. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K178 BATAVIA, 21 October 1948 SECRET Your 286. [1] The following is a summary of the Netherlands reply to Cochran’s proposals which was transmitted to the Republican Delegation on October 14th. [2] A copy of the reply which I have now obtained confidentially is being forwarded by today’s bag....’
286. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K180 BATAVIA, 25 October 1948 SECRET Cochran returned to Batavia Friday October 22nd with Republican reply to his letter of October 14th (my K.178). Reply [1] reiterates Republican readiness to resume negotiations with Cochran’s draft agreement as a basis, notes that the Dutch have also expressed willingness to resume...’
287. LANDALE TO BURTON: 25 October 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 56/48 THE HAGUE, 25 October 1948 CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA RESIGNATION OF DR VAN MOOK The resignation of Dr. van Mook from his position as Lt. Governor General of Indonesia was in a sense bound to produce speculation, controversy and rumours here. Ever since he took over the reins...’
288. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 163 THE HAGUE, 27 October 1948 IMMEDIATE INDONESIA Second Chamber of States General has passed by the necessary two/thirds majority a bill which will empower Netherlands Government to take emergency measures in connection with the setting up of the Interim Government in Indonesia. Such measures will have to...’
289. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram K181 BATAVIA, 29 October 1948 IMPORTANT SECRET Reference my K. 180. [1] Cochran has now received the Netherlands reaction [2] to the Republican reply and will take it to Hatta in DjokJakarta tomorrow. The Netherlands Government does not consider the Republican reply satisfactory and requires further assurances that the...’
290. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 166 THE HAGUE, 29 October 1948 The Minister of Foreign Affairs, STIKKER, left last night for Indonesia with BLOM, former DIRECTOR of justice in N.E.I., as adviser. 2. An official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contains following points: (a) The purpose of the journey is...’
291. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 167 THE HAGUE, 29 October 1948 Emergency Bill for Indonesia, reference your telegram 110 [1] and my telegram 163. [2] It appears that a bill containing provisions in final form for the setting up of the Interim Government in Indonesia is in the process of being drafted. 2....’
292. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 October 1948; ‘Cablegram 611 SINGAPORE, 29 October 1948 Received 30 October 1948 TOP SECRET At Joint Intelligence Committee meeting yesterday, the Chairman read the text of top secret telegram from the Foreign Office to Bevin in Paris, reporting the United Kingdom Government’s concern at the continued stalemate in Indonesia and urging him...’
293. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 30 October 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 30 October 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL We have now reached a crucial stage in the negotiations. The purpose of this letter is to outline briefly the main developments of recent weeks, including my interpretations and to pass on to you copies of two interesting confidential documents. The first...’
294. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 1 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 912 CANBERRA, 1 November 1948, 5.55 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA As you know, Republican Government has become increasingly apprehensive of resumption of police action by the Dutch. Despite all efforts to impress on the Dutch the serious consequences of such a step, we continue to receive reliable reports that they...’
295. LANDALE TO BURTON: 1 November 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 57/48 THE HAGUE, 1 November 1948 CONFIDENTIAL SUBJECT: DUTCH NEW GUINEA With reference to your memorandum No. 123 (file 336/1) [1] dated 12th October, 1948, it was announced here in the press on the 13th September that the Dutch Federations of New Guinea Organisations, comprising nine Societies...’
296. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K182 BATAVIA, 1 November 1948, 7.50 p.m. SECRET My telegram K.181. [1] The Netherlands, in rejecting as unsatisfactory the Republican reply to their note on the Cochran proposals, stress increasing number of incidents and breaches of the truce. They point out that the Republican delegation failed to agree to...’
297. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 1154 WASHINGTON, 1 November 1948, 6.19 p.m. TOP SECRET INDONESIA Your 912. [1] 1. Lacy, State Department, had not yet completed assessment of situation in the light of Stikker’s visit to Java. Our advice from Cochran was that replacement of Van Mook by Beel and other changes in Batavia...’
298. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 2 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K183 BATAVIA, 2 November 1948 SECRET PERSONAL In view of the critical stage, I am giving you my personal views on the situation here. These may have to be modified later particularly in the light of Hatta’s interview with Stikker. (1) Dutch military action against the Republic appears inevitable....’
299. CHIFLEY TO EVATT: 3 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Ego CANBERRA, 3 November 1948 IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET PERSONAL We are receiving reports from Java that the Dutch are preparing to launch another police action against Republican territory. These are supported by persistent Dutch accusations of Republican breaches of the truce agreement, coupled with the obvious impatience of Dutch...’
300. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 3 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 296 CANBERRA, 3 November 1948, 3 p.m. While on brief visit to Canberra De Ranitz in the course of general conversation said that Dutch authorities in Java are particularly concerned at alleged frequent and serious breaches of truce agreement by Republicans. He claims that Indonesians are filtering through demilitarized...’
301. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 3 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 297 CANBERRA, 3 November 1948, 3 p.m. SECRET As you know, Fourth Session of Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East is due to begin in Australia on 29th of this month. We are anxious to avoid if possible a protracted dispute on the question of admission Indonesian...’
302. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 275 BATAVIA, 3 November 1948, 5.20 p.m. SECRET Received 4 November 1948, 8.30 a.m. After talks with Neher, Koets and Cochran have the impression that the Dutch are making a final attempt to negotiate with the Republic to join the Interim Government. Cochran is very close to Stikker who...’
303. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K185 BATAVIA, 4 November 1948, 6.50 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 296. [1] From the signing of the truce agreement there have been the inevitable so called infiltrations across the status quo line, principally from Republican to Netherlands- controlled territory, but until June these were unorganised and on a small...’
304. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 622 SINGAPORE, 5 November 1948, 12.21 p.m. TOP SECRET My telegram 611. [1] At risk of reporting what you may already know, Chairman J.I.C. yesterday evening disclosed the receipt of a telegram from F.O. meeting of Bevin and Stikker. [2] Stikker was adamant that further police action was necessary...’
305. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 170 THE HAGUE, 5 November 1948 CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA The conservative paper ‘Trouw’ has expressed pained surprise that Stikker was going to the Republic instead of waiting for Hatta in Batavia. [1] According to this paper the Netherlands Government have dropped their former condition that the truce violations must...’
306. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 6 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 179 PARIS, 6 November 1948, 8.55 p.m. TOP SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram E.90. [1] INDONESIA We are taking up urgently matters mentioned in your message and seeking information from Dutch and Indonesian sources as well as from United States and United Kingdom Representatives on the Security Council. I...’
307. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K186 BATAVIA, 7 November 1948, 3.10 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET My telegram K.184. [1] Stikker who returned to Batavia yesterday evening, said privately that the atmosphere had been favourable and he was not without hope. The rest of his party has remained in Kaliurang, where he will rejoin them today....’
308. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K187 BATAVIA, 7 November 1948, 3.11 p.m. Republican Delegation has replied [1] to the Netherlands letter transmitted by Cochran (see my telegram No. K182 [2]). The Republic notes with satisfaction the Netherlands wish for an early resumption of negotiations. It agrees on the desirability of a full implementation of...’
309. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K188 BATAVIA, 8 November 1948, 10.30 a.m. SECRET My telegram K 186. Stikker did not return to Djokjakarta yesterday morning and his party was withdrawn in protest against the submission of Republican reply (see my telegram K 187). The Dutch say this reply should have been discussed with their...’
310. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K189 BATAVIA, 11 November 1948 IMPORTANT SECRET Stikker left Batavia this morning with a Republican Aide Memoire [1] which he will discuss with the Netherlands Cabinet at The Hague. He may return next week to continue negotiations. The following is a summary of the Aide Memoire which at Stikker’s...’
311. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 197 PARIS, 11 November 1948, 12.25 a.m. TOP SECRET Following for your information. Indonesian Representative Palar has now received information from his Government suggesting that the Dutch are:- (a) Preparing to proclaim an interim Federal Government within next few days. (b) Planning to convene an East Indonesian conference...’
312. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Hague 275 THE HAGUE, 13 November 1948, 6 p.m. RESTRICTED Indonesia. Prime Minister Drees stated in Second Chamber that the Government intended to maintain its attitude as regards the establishment of an Interim Government on the 1st of January next. It was not the intention of the Government to...’
313. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 13 November 1948; ‘Cablegram H453 LONDON, 13 November 1948, 4.30 p.m. RESTRICTED My telegram H.286 Saving. [1] Indonesia. Indications that Dutch were pursuing delaying tactics in negotiations over Cochran proposals [2] have given rise to anxiety in many quarters that they were in fact not sincere in agreeing to negotiate but were hoping...’
314. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K190 BATAVIA, 15 November 1948 SECRET From personal talks with the American Delegation I am convinced that prospects of the early fall of Nanking have greatly strengthened U.S. desire for an early and peaceful settlement in Indonesia. This may prove useful in any further approach to the State Department...’
315. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 1194 WASHINGTON, 16 November 1948 TOP SECRET Indonesia. Your 912. [1] 1. Indonesian representative advises that his delegation in Paris have received several cables from Djokjakarta warning of ‘grave danger that military action will be renewed very shortly’. 2. State Department discounts these reports although Lacy said today U.S....’
316. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 179 THE HAGUE, 17 November 1948, 5.35 p.m. RESTRICTED Received 18 November 1948, 8.30 a.m. INDONESIA The following is a summary of the main points of a report in today’s A.N.P. Bulletin which it is claimed emanates from ‘competent sources’. 1. Netherlands Government was yesterday drafting fresh recommendations...’
317. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 18 November 1948; ‘Cablegram H458 LONDON, 18 November 1948, 5.27 p.m. SECRET My telegram 13th November H.453. [1] Indonesia. Dutch Foreign Minister although unable to meet the Commissioner General [2] on his way through Singapore [3] left message to the following effect. 2. There seemed to be agreement between Republican leaders and Dutch...’
318. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 18 November 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 November 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Many thanks for your letter of October 13th. While I am not in a position to give assurances regarding the conduct of the Military Observers, I know of nothing to justify complaints about McCormack and MacDonald. [1] On the other hand I...’
319. [QUINN] [1] TO HOOD: 18 November 1948; ‘Minute PARIS, 18 November 1948 I saw Palar and Soedjatmoko this afternoon as arranged. The purpose of their request to see you was to discuss the tactics to be followed in drawing the attention of the United Nations to the Indonesian problem. While they believed that pressure on the Dutch...’
320. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K192 BATAVIA, 20 November 1948, 7 p.m. SECRET There has been no Netherlands decision yet to resume negotiations. On good authority I have learnt that further instructions were prepared at The Hague for Netherlands Bast Indies advisers to return to Kaliurang and continue informal negotiations but that these instructions...’
321. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K193 BATAVIA, 22 November 1948, 9.45 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Netherlands have announced that Sassen, Stikker and Neher will form a delegation for discussions in Indonesia with both the Republican Government and Bandoeng Federalists ‘in order to attain a final solution’ of the Indonesian problem. The delegation will be assisted...’
322. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LANDALE: 23 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 121 CANBERRA, 23 November 1948, 3.55 p.m. SECRET Fourth Session E.C.A.F.E. Admission of Indonesian Republican representative. You will be aware that previous sessions of ECAFE have been marked by long disputes on the question whether Republic should be granted associate membership of the Commission separately from the rest of...’
323. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 23 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 295 LONDON, 23 November 1948, 10.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram of 23rd November No.303, repeated External Wellington No.219. [1] Fourth Session ECAFE. Associate Membership for the Indonesian Republic. We agree with you that it is desirable if possible to avoid a recurrence of a political dispute in the...’
324. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 1206 WASHINGTON, 23 November 1948, 6.46 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 956. [1] ECAFE. Admission of Indonesian Republic. State Department are also anxious to avoid protracted dispute and would welcome any formula which would achieve this result. If Indian proposal to admit Republic Representative as observer were acceptable to...’
325. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 24 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 312 CANBERRA, 24 November 1948 SECRET Our telegram No. 297. [1] Republican representation at 4th ECAFE Session. 2. Our immediately following telegram contains text of a message which we sent on November 26th to the Australian Legation at The Hague. [2] 3. As application for associate membership of ECAFE...’
326. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 181 THE HAGUE, 24 November 1948, 6.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Reference to your telegram No. 121 [1] Fourth Session, E.C.A.F.E. I have discussed this matter with Boon, Director of the Political Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who advised me that the Dutch Government could only support...’
327. LANDALE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 November 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 183 THE HAGUE, [25 November 1948], 5.52 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Five members of the States-General have left for Indonesia to act as political observers during negotiations. 2. All political parties here have been taking a lively interest in the Indonesian problem and even though the Dutch Government has,...’
328. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO LANDALE: 26 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 124 CANBERRA, 26 November 1948 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 181. [1] We have also considered possibility of deferring discussion on admission of associate members until towards the end of the session. Apart, however, from the fact that it is difficult to envisage final agreement between Netherlands and Republican Governments i[n]...’
329. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1948; ‘Cablegram K196 BATAVIA, 26 November 1948 SECRET My K. 195. [1] Netherlands ECAFE delegation after consultations with Foreign Minister Stikker has advised that it cannot accept representation by the Republic which would distinguish it from other States of Indonesia. The Netherlands will therefore oppose attendance by Oesman as consultant or...’
330. FRASER TO CHIFLEY: 26 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 189 WELLINGTON, 26 November 194[8], 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET FOURTH SESSION ECAFE Your 219 [1] (303 to C.R.O.) and C.R.O. 295 [2], repeated to New Zealand 244). Admission of Indonesia We agree that E.C.A.F.E. should avoid recurrence of political arguments as far as possible and should concentrate on economic...’
331. CHIFLEY TO FRASER: 27 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 224 CANBERRA, 27 November 1948, 12 noon IMMEDIATE SECRET Fourth Session E.C.A.F.E. Indonesia. Thank you for your telegram No. 189. Without having seen your proposed resolution, we fear that it would not obviate the protracted dispute which we are seeking at all costs to avoid. Advice which we have...’
332. NOEL-BAKER TO FRASER AND CHIFLEY [1]: 27 November 1948; ‘Cablegrams 247, 298 LONDON, 27 November 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram of 26th November 234 [2] repeated to Australia No. 189. ECAFE Admission of Indonesia While agreeing with you that direct participation of Indonesia as a whole in work of Commission is desirable we feel that it is vitally important...’
333. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 27 November 1948; ‘Cablegram H467 LONDON, [27 November] 1948 [1], 3.30 p.m. SECRET My telegram 18th November, H. No. 458. [2] Indonesia. You will have seen the communique issued by the Dutch Government on November 20th announcing the departure of a delegation to Indonesia to continue with the Republicans the negotiations for an...’
334. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 November 1948; ‘Cablegram 1225 WASHINGTON, 29 November 1948, 6.25 p.m. TOP SECRET INDONESIA Our 1194. [1] Indonesian representative has told State Department he fears Dutch will take military action in December after General Assembly adjourns. [2] He has warned against over optimism on the outcome of visit of Stikker and Sassen to...’
335. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 318 CANBERRA, 1 December 1948, 4.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL At Lapstone we are sponsoring resolution leaving question of Republican membership open until end of conference so that matter can be dealt with if either party so requests. We are doing this in such a way as to make clear we...’
336. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 975 CANBERRA, 1 December 1948, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Your 1225. Indonesia. While we do not discount possibility of further police action against Republic, present indications are that Netherlands Government is unlikely to resort to force at least until outcome of present bilateral discussions between Netherlands and Republic Ministers is...’
337. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1237 WASHINGTON, 1 December 1948 SECRET Indonesia. 1. Indonesian representative on instruction from Hatta has suggested to State Department following steps which might assist atmosphere during current negotiations. (a) Widening of demilitarized zone and replacement of troops by civil police. (b) Cessation of steps being taken by Netherlands to...’
338. WARD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extract) LAPSTONE, 1 December 1948, 7.15 Meeting today accepted joint United Kingdom, Australian, Indian and Nether-lands resolution that unless by December 8th the Dutch or the Republic raise the matter specifically, the question of associate membership will be postponed until the next session. Only the Soviet opposed; Pakistan,...’
339. THAMBOE TO HARRY: 2 December 1948; ‘Memorandum WASHINGTON, 2 December 1948 1. Herewith gist of Hatta-Stikker talks. 2. Yesterday I called on Nehru of India at the Chancery. He informs me that Pandit Nehru is personally exercising the greatest pressure on the U.K. to make the Dutch abandon their plan for military action. He also told...’
340. QUINN TO HOOD: 2 December 1948; ‘Minute PARIS, 2 December 1948 I saw Palar this afternoon at his request. He explained that he had asked to see me because the G.O.C. fourth interim report [1] had been received and there were several matters arising from it which he would like to mention to us. The first...’
341. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K198 BATAVIA, 2 December 1948, 6.05 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands special delegation [1] returned to Batavia on 1st December to confer with five faction leaders from the Dutch lower House. [2] 2. Discussions at Kaliurang were held in a favourable atmosphere. Most of the discussions were concerned with...’
342. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K199 BATAVIA, [2 December] 1948, 6.45 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Paragraph 6 of my immediately preceding telegram. A statement of the Masjumi political council dated November 26th makes the following points: (a) The Netherlands desire for direct negotiations is a continuation of the old policy of by-passing the Committee. The...’
343. NOTE FOR FILE BY DAVIS: 3 December 1948; ‘WASHINGTON, 3 December 1948 INDONESIA Interview with Mr. Lacy, State Department, on 3 December 1948 I indicated to Lacy the general purport of telegram No. 975 from External [1], emphasizing the hope that the United States Government would apply all possible pressure and warnings to the Dutch, should they resort...’
344. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 3 December 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 3 December 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Since my letter of the 18th November, 1948 [1], the most important developments in Indonesia have been the arrival of the high ranking Netherlands Delegation together with observers representing the important parties in the States General and the discussions of this delegation...’
345. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 317 PARIS, 3 December 1948, 1.18 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. Fourth Interim Report by Good Offices Commission [1] was distributed today. Indonesian Representative sees in fact that general tone of report is much more favourable to the Indonesians than to the Dutch an opportunity to intensify publicity campaign particularly...’
346. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K200 BATAVIA, 3 December 1948, 6.45 p.m. IMPORTANT Stikker has informed me that: (a) The prospect of progress in political negotiations depends on whether Hatta will accept the Netherlands right to use Dutch forces in Indonesia in the interim period. Stikker made it clear that in view of Hatta’s...’
347. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1243 WASHINGTON, 3 December 1948, 7.22 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Following is summary given to us by Indonesian Representative of aide memoire [1] from Hatta to Stikker after conversations first week November. ‘(1) The Republic is firmly determined that talks leading in the direction of a political agreement should be...’
348. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K201 BATAVIA, 4 December 1948, 3.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Reference my telegram K.200. [1] Hatta in a letter delivered to Sassen last night points out that the misunderstanding at Kaliurang must have arisen because of his reference to the fact that many people and many of the political parties...’
349. EATON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 294 BATAVIA, 4 December 1948, 2.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL I have received a letter from Agus Salim [1] saying that he hopes that the E.C.A.F.E. Conference will come to a favourable decision on the Republic’s application for associate membership. He says Usman’s present position seems to have created the...’
350. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K202 BATAVIA, 5 December 1948, 3.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Yesterday afternoon (December 4th) Cochran returned to Batavia with Hatta, Natsir and Roem for last minute talks with the Dutch Ministers. Contrary to paragraph 4 of my telegram K. 201 [1], Cochran had carried to Djokjakarta an invitation for this...’
351. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 6 December 1948; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 6 December 1948 INDONESIA Negotiations According to yesterday’s radio reports, the informal discussions between the Dutch Ministers and the Republicans have broken down, apparently on the question of control of the armed forces. Critchley reported a few days ago that the question of the supreme command of the...’
352. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 6 December 1948; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 6 December 1948 Two points occur to me in connection with your suggested telegram [1]- (a) The suggestion of an international police force to keep order in Indonesia does not of course solve the question of who is to control all armed forces in Indonesia on which the...’
353. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 December 1948; ‘Cablegram UNP110 CANBERRA, 6 December 1948 SECRET delegation for them to realise nothing i[s] to be gained by keeping matter out of Council and allowing it to be dealt with by backstage negotiation. Republican reluctance to hand over control of their forces is understandable when there are so many non-...’
354. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Austdel 342 PARIS, 7 December 1948, 10.45 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your UNP.110. Indonesian delegation stressed again this morning their fear of early military action by Dutch consequent upon breakdown in negotiations and return of Dutch Mission to The Hague. They are now ready to seek Security Council intervention and...’
355. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1253 WASHINGTON, 7 December 1948, 7.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. Following is assessment of United States position based on conversations with Lacy and United Kingdom Embassy. 1. State Department are most concerned at suspension of Hatta- Stikker talks and return of Stikker and Sassen to The Hague. [1] They...’
356. BURTON TO EVATT: 8 December 1948; ‘Draft Cablegram E104 [1] CANBERRA, 8 December 1948 SECRET PERSONAL We have always maintained there could be no solution to Indonesian problem unless United Kingdom was prepared to press Dutch acceptance of reasonable proposals. We have frequently been informed that United Kingdom has pressed Dutch. The instruction to the United...’
357. BURTON TO EVATT: 8 December 1948; ‘Draft Cablegram E105 CANBERRA, 8 December 1948 IMPORTANT SECRET Further to my E104 the United States delegation has now switched and is supporting Dutch under threat that Dutch will leave conference. This is in my view green light to police action. It is now clear that United Kingdom and U.S.A....’
358. STATEMENT BY COOMBS TO ECAFE: 8 December 1948; ‘LAPSTONE, 8 December 1948 Delegates will recall that it was the Australian Delegation which, on the first day of this session, moved for the postponement of this application. We make no apology for having done so. We did it because we believed that postponement might have facilitated an early settlement...’
359. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 484 NEW DELHI, 8 December 1948, 11.50 p.m. SECRET My telegram 347. [1] K.P.S. Menon asked us to interview him today, his object being to discuss informally the Indonesian question and bring us up to date with India’s actions. He said that India was disappointed at the slow progress...’
360. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 9 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 985 CANBERRA, 9 December 1948 SECRET Your telegram 1253 [1] Indonesia. Our suggestion of postponement and recognition at next meeting was an attempt to avoid a straight vote on immediate unqualified admission. Subsequently the United Kingdom Government suggested provisional admission pending settlement at which time decision would be reconsidered....’
361. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K204 BATAVIA, 9 December 1948, 6.45 p.m. Received 10 SECRET Cochran has received instructions that report mentioned in paragraph 6 of K 202 [1] should be detailed as possible and should [include the texts] [2] of Critchley-Dubois plan [3] and Cochran plan. [4] Naturally I shall support him in...’
362. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, AND EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 10 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams UNP117, 989 CANBERRA, 10 December 1948, 8.45 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Admission of Indonesian Republic to E.C.A.F.E. You will no doubt have seen that E.C.A.F.E on 8th December adopted by a vote of 8 (Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, U.S.S.R., China, Burma and Philippines) to 2 (Netherlands, U.S.A.), with 3 abstentions...’
363. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 11 December 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 11 December 1948 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Events of the last weeks have unfolded more or less as expected. Notwithstanding the courageous efforts of Hatta and the Republican moderates to find a basis for a settlement, the Netherlands have persisted in unacceptable demands. The moderate nationalists are now convinced...’
364. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K205 BATAVIA, 11 December 1948, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Netherlands report of direct talks [1] was received today, December 11th. The Netherlands delegation emphasised that: (a) It has become clear that the Republican Government cannot exercise control over its Armed Forces and therefore that effective co-operation on part of...’
365. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K206 BATAVIA, 12 December 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET The Republican report on the breakdown of the direct talks [1] makes the following points:- (a) the Republican Government has shown its goodwill and gone to the limit in its concessions towards the Netherlands viewpoints; (b) the direct talks were not a...’
366. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K207 BATAVIA, 12 December 1948, 5.10 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL The Committee today telegraphed the Security Council its report on the breakdown of direct talks between parties. [1] Annexed to the report are separate accounts of the breakdown received from each party (K.205 and 206), the Australia - United States plan...’
367. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 13 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 993 CANBERRA, 13 December 1948, 4.30 [p.m.] CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA At the Lapstone Conference we were told United States vote with Dutch was to prevent Dutch setting up interim government without Republic. We warned that tactics were wrong and their vote would be regarded as encouragement. Please ascertain what is...’
368. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 13 December 1948; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 13 December 1948 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Delegation acting on detailed instructions from The Hague has submitted a letter to the Committee [1] dealing with the direct talks between the Netherlands Ministers and Dr. Hatta. On the basis of the letter and the earlier report from the Republican...’
369. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 14 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 309 LONDON, 14 December 1948, 1.20 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The breakdown of the negotiations between the Dutch and the Republicans in Indonesia is causing us very serious concern, as no doubt it is to you; and the more so because developments in China are likely before very long to...’
370. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K209 BATAVIA, 14 December 1948, 11.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Cochran made a return trip to Djokjakarta yesterday. He brought back with him a personal letter from Hatta [1], which sets out informally the latter’s views in the light of the Netherlands letter of 11th December (K.205 [2]). 2. Hatta’s...’
371. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K210 BATAVIA, 14 December 1948, 5 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL High Republican officials in Batavia have reported the following background to Hatta’s letter to Cochran (my telegram K.209). According to Cochran (a) The Netherlands officially informed the United States and United Kingdom Ambassadors at The Hague that the Republic would not...’
372. CHIFLEY TO ATTLEE: 15 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 321 CANBERRA, 15 December 1948, 5.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Thank you for your No 309 [1] re Indonesia. 2. We have been following closely developments in Indonesia and share your very great concern at the breakdown of negotiations between the Dutch and the Republicans. 3. We cannot altogether agree...’
373. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1270 WASHINGTON, 14 December 1948, 3.38 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 993. [1] Indonesia. State Department received this morning from Cochran text of letter from Hatta [2] clarifying Republican position and expressing desire to resume negotiations. (Summary in our immediately following telegram). 2. Butterworth, Director of Office of Far Eastern...’
374. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1272 WASHINGTON, 14 December 1948, 4.49 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA 1. Soemitro, Republican Representative in United States was reported to have stated yesterday that Nehru had invited the Republic to set up a Government-in-exile in India if necessary. According to the press Soemitro expressed fear that war would break out...’
375. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 199 THE HAGUE, 15 December 1948 SECRET Indonesia. Note [1] was received in The Hague yesterday and has been under consideration by Cabinet to-day. American information is that its arrival delayed the promulgation of Interim Government decree already prepared. [2] 2. The United Kingdom Ambassador and the United...’
376. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1279 WASHINGTON, 16 December 1948 Received 18 December CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA State Department Officials were in touch with Netherlands Embassy yesterday but we have been unable to learn nature of representations, if any. Our impression is that State Department merely asked Dutch reaction [to] Hatta’s letter [1] and expressed hope...’
377. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 492 NEW DELHI, 17 December 1948, 4.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Ubani, the Acting Representative of Indonesia, called on us today and spoke about the position of the Republic following the breakdown in negotiations and stated Dutch intention of drafting an Interim Government. He told us that, on instructions from...’
378. EVATT TO CHIFLEY: 17 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered (extract) LONDON, 17 December 1948, 10.32 TOP SECRET PERSONAL [matter omitted] [1] 3. I took occasion to raise the whole question of the Pacific and South East Asia because for some considerable time, along with the Marshall policy the trend has been to concentrate almost solely on Europe....’
379. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 493 NEW DELHI, 17 December 1948, 4.40 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Our 492. [1] K.P.S. Menon asked us to call today regarding Indonesian situation, latest Indian views regarding which are contained in my immediately following telegram reproducing a telegram sent by Nehru December 15th to the Indian Ambassador in Washington...’
380. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 494 NEW DELHI, 17 December 1948, 9 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Our 493. Following is text:- ‘At our request you have frequently informed the United States - His Majesty’s Government of our concern over developments in Indonesia. These developments have been considered somewhat in isolation as a matter between the...’
381. CUTTS [1] TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K210 [2] BATAVIA, 18 December 1948, 2 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL At 3.15 p.m. December 17th Cochran received a telegram from Schuurman conveying the Netherlands’ reply [3] to Hatta’s letter of 13th December [4] which Cochran had passed to the Dutch. The following is a summary:- (A) Hatta’s letter contained...’
382. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K211 BATAVIA, 18 December 1948, 5.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Following is a summary of Cochran’s reply to Schuurman’s telegram of December 17th (K210). It was handed to the latter in Batavia at 10 a.m. December 18th- (a) Even had Hatta accepted without modification, in a declaration clearly binding on...’
383. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 200 THE HAGUE, 18 December 1948, 5.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET I was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 1430 hours [Saturday] [1] and was handed by the Political Director a memorandum on the decision of the Netherlands Government ‘to authorize the high representative of the...’
384. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K212 BATAVIA, 19 December 1948, 4.20 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL At 1100 hours last night (December 18th) Schuurman handed to Cochran (who is still in Batavia) and to the Republican representatives in Batavia copies of a Netherlands note addressed to the Chairman of the Committee of Good Offices referring...’
385. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K213 BATAVIA, 19 December 1948, 6.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Schuurman sent for Cochran at 8.30 this morning December 19th and handed him as representing the Committee a copy of the Netherlands memorandum [1] dated December 19th which was simultaneously handed by Beel to the Consular Corps (see telegram 310...’
386. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 201 THE HAGUE, 18 December 1948, 11.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram HAG 200. [1] Indonesia. Memorandum opens with reference to Netherlands Government Communication [2] of the 11th December to the Good Offices Committee. It goes on to cite the efforts of the Netherlands Government since August 17th...’
387. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 309 BATAVIA, 19 December 1948, 11.45 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The Consular Corps were summoned to the Palace at 8.30 this morning to hear a statement from Beel. 2. He informed us that the Netherlands Govt. has yesterday afternoon handed a memorandum [1] to the Ambassadors in The Hague...’
388. MAKIN TO CHIFLEY: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1286 WASHINGTON, 19 December 1948, 1.05 a.m. URGENT MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Received 19 December 1948, 9 p.m. INDONESIA State Department has not yet received confirmation from Military Observers that hostilities have been resumed but from tone of notes handed by Dutch to United States at The Hague and in...’
389. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 310 BATAVIA, 19 December 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Following is text referred to in my immediately preceding telegram. [1] On December 11th 1948 the Netherlands Government informed the Committee of Good Offices that with sincere regret it had reached the conclusion that in view of the attitude of the Republican...’
390. ROYAL NETHERLANDS LEGATION TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 19 December 1948; ‘Note CANBERRA, 19 December 1948 The Royal Netherlands Legation presents its compliments to the Department of External Affairs and has the honour to advise that the Legation has been instructed to convey the following to the Government of Australia. In view of the fact that, to the regret of the...’
391. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON, MAKIN, BEASLEY AND PRITCHETT: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams UNP123, 1008, 4951, 327 CANBERRA, 19 December 1948, 11 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET We understand U.S. Delegation instructed seek meeting Monday Indonesia and would like Australia to be associated with them. Please take steps to have Australia actively associated with move and we shall advise by noon Paris time attitude...’
392. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K214 BATAVIA, 19 December 1948, 10.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Cochran and I this afternoon (December 19th) telegraphed a report [1] to the Security Council in the name of the Committee. The report includes the text of Schuurman’s letter of December 19th (K213 [2]) and official Netherlands memorandum of the...’
393. EVATT [1] TO HEYDON FOR HODGSON: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 19 December 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET Transmission to Hood or Hodgson, whichever represents Australia at Security Council Meeting on INDONESIA. Begins:- (1) I have only latest broadcast report that police action has been commenced by Dutch against Republic. (2) This is direct challenge to United Nations...’
394. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4477 LONDON, 20 December 1948, 12.07 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 4951. [1] INDONESIA. United Kingdom Government has not decided what attitude to take up at Security Council tomorrow but is clearly interested in possibility of securing an adjournment for a day or so. 2. Officials are working on...’
395. PLIMSOLL TO HODGSON [1]: 20 December 1948; ‘Telegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 20 December 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE I presume you received message of yesterday. [2] Today’s wireless reports on Indonesia seem to stamp offensive as flagrantly aggressive open defiance of United Nations and resembling methods of Hitler. In circumstances Minister regards action as crucial test of Security...’
396. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON, EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND BEASLEY: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams P273, 1009, 4962 CANBERRA, 20 December 1948, 12 noon MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia We have not been able to give full consideration to the line you might adopt at the Council, particularly as we have no information as to the specific proposals United States and United Kingdom might put...’
397. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K215 BATAVIA, 20 December 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Following Dutch announcement last night (19th December) of the capture of Djokjakarta, Schuurman informed Cochran and me that the town fell between one and three p.m. and that nearly all Republican leaders including Sukarno, Hatta, Sjahrir, Hadji Salim and Pringgodigdo are...’
398. HEYDON TO EVATT: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered LONDON, 20 December 1948 SECRET United States Delegation in Paris supported by Australia on 19th December sought a meeting of the Security Council for 20th. Soviet representative was not present and Molotov had telegraphed pointing out that when the last meeting was held in Paris last week arrangements...’
399. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4969 [CANRERRA, 20 December 1948, 4.05 p.m.] [1] MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Proposal for an adjournment should be strongly resisted. Our proposition for immediate action to stop fighting and subsequent consideration of the longer term position is only possible approach. 2. It should be emphasised that the matter was raised...’
400. TEPPEMA TO CHIFLEY: 20 December 1948; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 20 December 1948 From the communiques which have reached you, and from Notes of this Legation through the intermediary of the Department of External Affairs you know that the Netherlands Government decided yesterday to authorise the High Representative of the Crown at Batavia to take certain action. [1]...’
401. BURTON TO EVATT: 20 December 1948; ‘Draft Cablegram E113 [1] CANBERRA, 20 December 1948 SECRET Consulted Prime Minister last night Sunday and today, Indonesia, and Hodgson instructed to raise matter at Council along lines of cease-fire, troop withdrawal, immediate implementation of Cochran proposals, trusteeship if necessary, and sanctions. [2] Will try to keep you advised. Prime...’
402. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1287 WASHINGTON, 19 December 1948, 5.18 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE URGENT CONFIDENTIAL Your 1006. [1] Indonesia. The Ambassador saw Senior State Department Officials today. The United States Government is shocked at Dutch action taken despite frequent assurances that police action would not be resumed. The State Department agrees that the...’
403. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1288 WASHINGTON, 19 December 1948, 8.46 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia Jessup’s instructions are- (1) [Cite] [1] report [2] sent today by Critchley and Cochran from Batavia in which Committee of Good Offices calls upon the Security Council to consider with the utmost urgency the outbreak of hostilities in...’
404. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K216 BATAVIA, 20 December 1948 IMMEDIATE SECRET From the scanty military information available it appears that: (a) Dutch troops from East Sumatra have moved into the Asahan area; (b) Dutch have crossed the status quo line in South Sumatra, probably in a drive on Djambi; (c) Dutch are ‘expanding’...’
405. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K217 BATAVIA, 20 December 1948 IMPORTANT SECRET It appears from your telegram No. 325 [1] that the United Kingdom Government was not exactly informed regarding the final breakdown of the direct talks in Indonesia. The disposal of the Republican Army was not one of the points of disagreement leading...’
406. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4493 LONDON, 20 December 1948, 6.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Your telegram 4962. [1] Attlee and Bevin discussed Indonesian situation this morning and Bevin has asked that the Australian Government be informed that he favours immediate resolution calling for cease-fire, withdrawal of Dutch troops and resumption of work of...’
407. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 272 PARIS, 20 December 1948, 9.02 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA I attended the Council’s meeting on Friday anticipating the Indonesian question would be on the agenda but it was not considered and no individual member of the Council raised it. I spoke to the President and several members of...’
408. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 496 NEW DELHI, 20 December 1948, 9.25 p.m. My telegram 494. [1] Speaking yesterday at the concluding session of the All India Congress Conference, Nehru referring to the situation in Indonesia warned the Dutch that they would not be able to achieve their object. No one, he said, could...’
409. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 506 LONDON, 20 December 1948, 9.10 p.m. SECRET My telegram H No. 496 [1] of 11th December-Indonesia. The news that the Netherlands Government had renewed the ‘Police Action’ in Indonesia on the morning of Sunday, 19th December, was received in profound regret by His Majesty’s Government in the United...’
410. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams 1289, 6 WASHINGTON, 20 December 1948, 4.31 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA 1. I have just seen Lovett and after outlining our views along the lines of your telegram 1009 [1] asked what the United States proposed to do, (a) Pending the meeting of the Security Council and (b)...’
411. MAKIN TO BURTON [1]: 20 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1290 WASHINGTON, 20 December 1948, 3.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My 1289. Before replying to my questions, Lovett read report from Cowen to effect that in interview with him you had stated: (a) That United States could have prevented Dutch Military action if they had so desired. (b) That United States...’
412. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 21 December 1948; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 21 December 1948 INDONESIA: SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION BY SECURITY COUNCIL We can assume that the purpose of the Dutch is to clean up the Republic as quickly as possible, capture all influential leaders, and install a regime in Republican territories which will be willing to co-operate in...’
413. PRESS STATEMENT BY CHIFLEY: 21 December 1948; ‘CANBERRA, 21 December 1948 NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES-POLICY, CABINET DECISION Cabinet discussed today the Indonesian situation. It will be recalled that Australia raised the question in the Security Council originally in July, 1947, under Chapter 7 of the Charter under which the Security Council has power not only to order cessation...’
414. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON, MAKIN AND BEASLEY: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams P277, 1015, 4938 CANBERRA, 21 December 1948, 2.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Cabinet to-day discussed position and affirmed basic approach in our 273. [1] It is noted from telegram from Beasley [2] that United Kingdom is chary of action under Article 41 at the moment. Government does not wish to...’
415. BURTON TO MAKIN [1]: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1017 CANBERRA, 21 December 1948, 5.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your 1290. [2] Conversation you refer to took place ten days before present police action and at a time when advices were being received through you that State Department did not consider risk of police action as being serious. Conversation was...’
416. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P282 CANBERRA, 21 December 1948, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia Following is an amplification of our previous telegrams. [1] 1. Dutch action represents failure to abide by previous decisions of the Council concerning cease-fire and settlement of the dispute by peaceful means and disregard for reasonable settlement terms offered...’
417. PLIMSOLL TO HEYDON: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram E4 SS DOMINION MONARCH, 21 December 1948 Please repeat to Burton copy instructions to Hodgson [1] on INDONESIA. Tell Mr. Beasley Minister very glad his rapid co- operation which will help in vindication of United Nations against crude methods of old time imperialism. 2. In his remarks to Security...’
418. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K218 BATAVIA, 21 December 1948, 3.50 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL The Dutch arc still unable to supply any information regarding the welfare of the Committee’s personnel at Kaliurang. Schuurman has not yet had any report from De Ranitz. Cochran and I during a stormy interview with Schuurman last night (December...’
419. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K219 BATAVIA, 21 December 1948, 6.30 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET The following is a summary of Schuurman’s letter dated December 20th in reply to Cochran’s letter December 1[7]th (K211). [1] A copy was forwarded by air bag to-day. The visits of Stikker and of the special Delegation clarified the position...’
420. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 313 BATAVIA, 21 December 1948, 9.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL My telegram No. 311 [1] and telegram No. K.218. [2] The Americans mentioned in paragraph three of K. 218 report that MATHER was detained at DJOKJAKARTA airfield on Sunday morning for about six hours. They say that he is safe...’
421. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 499 NEW DELHI, 21 December 1948, 3 p.m. SECRET We spoke with Ubani yesterday who considers publicity given Soekarno’s visit to India hastened Dutch offensive. Indonesians had expected it early in January on the formation by the Dutch of an Interim Government. He did not support a local agency...’
422. SENANAYAKE TO CHIFLEY: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 84 COLOMBO, 21 December 1948, 8.50 p.m. SECRET The Government of Ceylon views with grave concern the news that the Netherlands Government had renewed the ‘police action’ in Indonesia and is extremely anxious about the deplorable consequences this action is likely to have in South-East Asia. The political developments...’
423. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4308 LONDON, 21 December 1948, 9.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Received 22 December 1948, 10.50 a.m. INDONESIA United Kingdom instructions to Dening, who will sit on Security Council, have not yet been finally settled but they will favour resolution for an immediate cease-fire and use of Good Offices Committee in...’
424. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 500 NEW DELHI, 21 December 1948, 6.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your telegram 332. [1] Following a discussion this morning with K.P.S. Menon, we are awaiting the Government of India’s comment to the Australian proposals. 2. Menon showed me a strong telegram which Nehru has sent to his High...’
425. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1297 WASHINGTON, 21 December 1948, 7.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia United States Government is still considering suspension of E.C.A. aid to N.E.I. Decision is expected within next twenty-four hours. 2. E.C.A. at request of State Department took precautionary measures several days ago. No procurement and reimbursement authorisations have been...’
426. BURTON TO EVATT: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram E114 CANBERRA, 22 December 1948 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL Cabinet has affirmed instructions to Hodgson [1] as outlined in previous telegram [2], excluding question of sanctions which is omitted until United States and United Kingdom policy clear. Cabinet considers Australia should support United States move, even though not concurred in by...’
427. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K220 BATAVIA, 22 December 1948, 12.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Last night Cochran and I telegraphed a report [1] to the Security Council in response to the President’s telegraphic request (K218). [2] We referred to previous reports and to the recent Dutch statements and made the following points: (a) The...’
428. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KEVIN AND WALLER: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegrams 336, 212 CANBERRA, 22 December 1948, 10.30 p.m. SECRET Indonesia. 1. Please keep Republican representatives in India and Philippines informed of Australian intention to continue to support their case in Security Council and of steps taken as were reported to you. Information on military situation should also be passed...’
429. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN OTTAWA: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 320 [CANBERRA, 22 December 1948, 6.15 p.m.] [1] Indonesia. We have passed over to Canadian High Commissioner here telegrams on Indonesia even confidential instructions to Hodgson at Paris. We have also instructed Hodgson to keep Canadian representative on Security Council fully informed. In these circumstances we have not taken...’
430. QUINN TO BURTON: 22 December 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 67/48 THE HAGUE, 22 December 1948 SECRET INDONESIA The first reactions to the police action undertaken by the Netherlands Government in Indonesia are somewhat mingled. While there is general gratification at the rapid successes won by the Dutch forces and the capture of the majority of the...’
431. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1300 WASHINGTON, 22 December 1948, 5.19 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 1. E.C.A. Administrator [1] announced today that E.C.A. has suspended the issuance of authorisations for the procurement of supplies destined to be used in Indonesia. For the present no new contracts will be concluded under outstanding procurement authorisations. 2. Announcement...’
432. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 504 NEW DELHI, 22 December 1948, 9.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram 332. [1] The Government of India are in entire agreement with proposals which Australian representative has been instructed to put forward and are generally in agreement with further steps your telegram described. _ 1 See note 1...’
433. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P289 CANBERRA, 23 December 1948, 11 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Military Command has unilaterally and without reference to the Committee ordered all military observers in the Netherlands-controlled territory to proceed to Batavia. The Dutch Headquarters today informed Senior Military Assistants that this was done on Beel’s instructions. This...’
434. BURTON TO EVATT: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram E116 CANBERRA, 23 December 1948 SECRET PERSONAL Your telegram to Hodgson through Heydon has been received. [1] Belgian complicity is apparent. United Kingdom and United States attitude is inexplicable as they now allege they had prior information and resent our suggestion that they could have prevented police action by...’
435. BURTON TO EVATT: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram E118 CANBERRA, 23 December 1948, 11.30 a.m. RESTRICTED Your telegrams. Hodgson reinstructed in strongest terms on receipt message through Heydon. Glad we are so much in accord. Your message to Hodgson very helpful. I am not reporting all our moves but at each centre we are pressing view point....’
436. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P290 CANBERRA, 23 December 1948 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL We have not received your report [1] but it is disturbing to find from the press an adjournment without a vote taken. You will recall that, when we raised the matter originally, the aim was to call for a vote without debate...’
437. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 276 (extract) PARIS, 22 December 1948, 7.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council 22nd December Agenda adopted without debate and Australia, India, Indonesia and Netherlands invited to table. [1] Palar represents Indonesia and Van Royen Netherlands. Van Royen was only speaker this morning. He began with statement from his Government reiterating...’
438. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 278 PARIS, 22 December 1948, 11.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE This afternoon’s meeting of Council [1] devoted to statements by Palar and Jessup. We are reporting separately in cypher on proceedings generally. Palar made statement claiming that latest Dutch action part of long-term plan of which vital part was delay. G.O.C....’
439. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 279 PARIS, 22 December 1948, 11.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET We have telegraphed summary of this morning’s and this afternoon’s meetings en clear. Large proportion of the day was taken up with the two statements by the Netherlands and Indonesia and it was not until late this afternoon when Jessup...’
440. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P291 CANBERRA, 23 December 1948, 2.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED First report Council meeting received. None of the speeches reported so far has any relevance to the resolution you were to sponsor with the United States, that is calling for immediate cease-fire. There is no need to discuss merits or...’
441. MEMORANDUM BY FORDE: 23 December 1948; ‘OTTAWA, 23 December 1948 Discussed with Mr. Escott Reid, Acting Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs, the Indonesian question following on my interview with him two days ago. [1] When I questioned him as to the possibility of seeing Mr. Pearson, he said that Mr. Pearson was absolutely jammed up...’
442. EVATT TO BURTON: 21 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 21 December 1948, 5.30 Received your telegrams. [1] Had already instructed Hodgson and will be glad if you would confirm them as they had to be given speedily. As it is, additional instructions from Australia seem in direct line with my own. It is very...’
443. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1306 WASHINGTON, 23 December 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Following is account by State Department officials of U.S. assessment of probable course of Security Council action. (a) U.S. resolution [1] now has support of China, Colombia, and Syria. Argentine and Canadian position is unclear. U.S. Ambassador, Ottawa, has been instructed...’
444. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K222 BATAVIA, 23 December 1948, 4.45 p.m. Following is copy of very urgent report dated twenty-two December that Committee of Good Offices has transmitted to President of Security Council. [1] Begins: 1. At approximately 0640 Batavia time on Sunday nineteen December the members of the Committee of Good Offices...’
445. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K223 BATAVIA, [23 December] 1948 RESTRICTED The Committee and staff arrived at Batavia on the evening of December 22nd and approved the text of telegram to the Security Council set out in K.222. 2. The only warning the Committee or the Republican Government received of the Netherlands intention to...’
446. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K225 BATAVIA, 23 December 1948, 11 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 332 [1]’ Cessation of Marshall aid to Indonesia only is little more than a gesture. The State Department has been considering aid to the Netherlands also which appears to be the only sanction likely to be effective. Cochran...’
447. HEYDON TO BURTON: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4527 LONDON, 23 December 1948, 5.110 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL Indonesia. United Kingdom authorities fear that in the event of India refusing transit to K.L.M. aircraft, Dutch may seek permission for K.L.M. aircraft flying Holland to Batavia to land at Mauritius and Cocos Island. 2. When informally asked Australian view,...’
448. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 731 SINGAPORE, [23 December] [1] 1948 CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED You will have had in mind the way in which present crisis in Indonesian question serves Indian interests. The Dutch police action [2] is being represented by Indians here as typical of all white Governments and there is energetic canvassing of...’
449. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 281 PARIS, 23 December 1948, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council 23rd. [1] Morning China disagreed with Netherlands as to competence. Dutch [had] complied with neither part of August resolution, tribute paid to work of G.O.C., Netherlands had spoken of unbridgeable gaps but it was difficult to see that military...’
450. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 283 PARIS, 123 December 1948], 11.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Please see our en clair telegram [1] reporting this afternoon’s proceedings particularly Malik. Subsequent to Malik’s speech I have spoken to representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Canada, Colombia and Syria. 1. Cease-fire will be carried. 2. Withdrawal...’
451. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 506 NEW DELHI, 23 December 1948, 9.40 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 336 [1] paragraph 6. Ubani disclosed to us this morning that he has discussed this platform with Nehru who considers (a) that no steps should be taken to form an Indonesian Government in exile pending treatment of the...’
452. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered [CANBERRA, 24 December 1948] [1] Please support US resolution [2] with any of our amendments they will include, but do not attempt to have our amendments included in the resolution subsequently put forward. _ 1 Estimated date of dispatch. 2 i.e. the US, Syrian and Colombian draft resolution...’
453. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 284 PARIS, 23 December 1948, 11.40 p.m. Security Council, 23rd December afternoon. [1] Syria was first speaker. Asserted that Council had plenty of information on which to make up its mind and rejected all reasons put forward by Dutch for their action as being quite inadequate to justify use...’
454. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 289 PARIS, 24 December 1948 IMMEDIATE 1. Reference our in clear of today. [1] Results of voting were disappointing. Withdrawal order, though it apparently had majority support, failed through absence Ukraine and abstentions of Soviet and Argentina, as voting of others was anticipated. Attitude of latter [2] was inexplicable...’
455. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P296 CANBERRA, 24 December 1948, 4.30 [p.m.] IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Press reports give substance of Soviet resolution. [1] This proposal is likely to prolong discussion and it becomes all the more necessary to press for an immediate vote on the resolution [2] already before the Council, thus forcing Soviet either...’
456. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1305 WASHINGTON, 23 December 1948 MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your 1O23 [1] badly mutilated. State Department fully appreciate necessity for first hand information and are perturbed at recall of military observers to Batavia. Freedom of movement for Committee of Good Offices, and in particular, military observers, is essential corollary...’
457. EVATT TO HEYDON: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 24 December 1948 IMMEDIATE Please pass urgently to Hodgson. [1] Begins. How do you explain resolution which, as far as I can see, merely stabilizes position at a point which recognizes and provisionally confirms success of the Dutch aggression? I have asked you to report...’
458. BEASLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 4559 LONDON, [24 December] 1948, 4 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Subandrio, Indonesia representative here, called 24th December and stated that he was trying to communicate with his Administration through Indian Government so far unsuccessfully. He said a United Kingdom Consul was probably going to Djockjakarta to observe and if necessary seek...’
459. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 739 SINGAPORE, 24 December 1948, 7.13 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram 733. [1] Apparently four small transmitters are still operating from Indonesia. Broadcasts have been picked up from Madioen and Pakan Baroe and from one source purporting to be Bukit Tinggi itself These all claim that guerilla resistance is...’
460. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 347 OTTAWA, 24 December 1948, 2.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 318. [1] INDONESIA Following is derived from official sources but with statement that it can be accepted as authoritative expression of Canadian Government’s viewpoint. ‘Canadian Government is as disturbed as Australian Government at the possible effect on East Asia...’
461. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1309 WASHINGTON, 24 December 1948, 1.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Indonesia Ambassador saw acting director, Far Eastern Office, State Department, this morning to examine situation in light of radio reports that Security Council had failed to order withdrawal of Dutch forces. He asked whether United States was prepared either...’
462. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 290 PARIS, [24 December 1948], 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council 24 December. [1] When Council met this morning Soviet put in draft resolution as follows- ‘S.C. condemning aggression of Netherlands Government which has again started military operations against Indonesian Republic in violation of Renville Agreement of 17th January 1948-...’
463. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 509 NEW DELHI, 24 December 1948, 11.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL We have sighted the telegram which Nehru sent last Wednesday to Thakin Nu, the Burmese Prime Minister, in reply to the latter’s proposal for an Asian Conference in support of the Republic. This document states that such a Conference should...’
464. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 510 NEW DELHI, 24 December 1948, 11.05 p.m. My immediately preceding telegram. Following is the text. Begins- I have asked several of my Indonesia colleagues to come here to discuss the situation. We are glad to have had the opportunity to see Pandit Nehru for 30 minutes. It is...’
465. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K226 BATAVIA, 24 December 1948, 9.48 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Doctor Supomo, a member of the Republican Delegation, requests the following message be passed to Usman. ‘I am the only Republican High Official left undetained in Batavia to maintain contact with Committee of Good Offices and Consular Corps- particularly with...’
466. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO FORDE: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 323 CANBERRA, 25 December 1948, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Your 347. [1] We are most disappointed at Canadian attitude which seems to us to be academic, misinformed and lacking any real understanding of British Commonwealth and democratic interests in this area. Canada has to choose between siding with a now...’
467. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1033 CANBERRA, 25 December 1948, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 1309. [1] Thank you for keeping at it. United States hold key to situation. They must not at this stage let matters ride. We agree it would be damaging to United Nations if withdrawal not effective but even more...’
468. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HODGSON: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram P298 CANBERRA, 25 December 1948, 6 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL The explanation of our in clear telegram [1] was radio report you were amending Soviet resolution. Politically this would have been difficult. Your report [2] clears matter. 2. Agree result disappointing but it is only first round. We are cabling...’
469. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 162 CANBERRA, 25 December 1948, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia. 1. United Kingdom attitude at Security Council was disappointing. Their abstention at Lapstone against India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand must have encouraged Dutch and there does not seem to be full appreciation of our quite vital interests in...’
470. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 234 CANBERRA, 25 December 1948, 7.10 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED 1. We have received full reports from Security Council to effect that Committee is to observe cease-fire. This is all that is left after U.S. clause asking for assessment of responsibility by Committee and clause requiring withdrawal were defeated. 2....’
471. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram [K227] [1] BATAVIA, [25 December] 1948, 6.30 p.m. IMPORTANT Pursuant to the Security Council’s resolution the following letter was sent to the Acting Chairman of the Netherlands Delegation today 25th December. Begins- We have the honour to confirm to you that the Committee of Good Offices is in receipt...’
472. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K228 BATAVIA, [25 December] 1948, 6.40 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED We shall endeavour to report in terms of the Security Council’s resolution in time for meeting on December 26th and show clearly Netherlands as aggressors. 2. In practice it will be impossible to enforce effectively the cease-fire hostilities order without...’
473. EVATT TO HEYDON: 26 December 1948; ‘Telegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 26 December 1948 IMMEDIATE Please pass following urgently to Hodgson. [1] Begins. In view of voting, your report [2] which only reached me 26th December, you should, I think, make another attempt to secure order for withdrawal and for this purpose Malik’s support for resolution...’
474. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K229 BATAVIA, 26 December 1948, 12.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Committee telegraphed further report to Security Council this morning, 26th December. [1] Conclusion which is set out in my immediately following en clair telegram is not as direct as I should have liked, but it was maximum that could be...’
475. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram (unnumbered) BATAVIA, 26 December 1948, 12.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE Following is conclusion of report telegraphed to Security Council by Committee this morning. Quote- Committee will exert utmost efforts to carry out functions conferred upon it in Security Council’s resolution 24th December, namely, to observe and to report on its observance...’
476. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 292 PARIS, [26 December 1948], 6.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your P.298. [1] 1. Paragraph 2. We have been in contact throughout but it should be remembered that with the Argentine, China, Ukraine, and United Kingdom, Canada is represented by an alternate [2] unfamiliar with the case and therefore closely...’
477. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 159 LONDON, [26 December 1948], 9.30 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Your 162. [1] Indonesia. Bevin is away resting but I today spoke to McNeil at home and put to him strongly points in your telegram 162 stressing vital nature of the issues raised by recent events for us and for...’
478. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1317 WASHINGTON, [26 December 1948], 6.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Your 1033. [1] Ambassador saw Director U.N. Office State Department today and urged effort to make effective U.N. call for cease-fire and release of leaders. He stressed points in your 1033 and pointed out effect on opinion in...’
479. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 December 1948; ‘Cablegram Hag 207 THE HAGUE, 26 December 1948, 11.10 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Understand inner Cabinet has met but no decision to stop fighting has been announced. Following press conference Sunday afternoon at which Government spokesman said no official statement would be made until the Dutch delegate had again spoken...’
480. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 293 PARIS, 27 December 1948, 10.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council. Please see our en clair report [1] today’s proceedings. 1. It was apparent even before today’s meeting that United States and United Kingdom had lost much of their enthusiasm for firm Council action. I had seen a number of...’
481. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 294 PARIS, 27 December 1948, 10.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council 27th December. [1] Before proceedings commenced Council held brief informal meeting which decided that sessions in Paris would conclude 30th December resuming in New York not before 6th January. Council took up Indonesia at once and Netherlands read statement...’
482. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KEVIN: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 337 CANBERRA, 28 December 1948, 11.30 a.m. Your 506. [1] You will realise Government policy is to ban all ammunition of war and Dutch have received none. Moreover, they have not been able to ship Dutch-owned munitions at present in Australia. Relief goods have been held in store. Watersiders...’
483. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1034 CANBERRA, 28 December 1948, 12.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1317. [1] Suggestion in paragraph 3 is clearly a backdown as you pointed out and we would oppose. 2. Reference paragraph 6. This retort reveals United States reluctance to do more than condemn Dutch. Australia has no effective influence...’
484. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1318 WASHINGTON, 27 December 1948, 5.29 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET MY 1317. [1] Saw Lacy S.E.A. Section and McClintock United Nations Office State Department today. McClintock made it clear that no decision had been reached to take the initiative in seeking a reference of the question of jurisdiction to the...’
485. CHIFLEY TO BEASLEY: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 163 CANBERRA, 28 December 1948, 2.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 159. [1] The United Kingdom supported basis of United States resolution but that failed to achieve necessary result and at next meeting Ukraine and Soviet captured initiative and offset the damage done to themselves in abstaining previously. Australia has...’
486. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K230 BATAVIA, 28 December 1948, 4.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL On December 25th Doctor Shafrudin Prawiranegara, Republican Minister for Economic Affairs broadcast a radio message from ‘somewhere in Sumatra’. In this broadcast which was relayed by several stations in South-East Asia, Shafrudin announced the formation of a Republican Emergency Government and...’
487. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K231 [1] BATAVIA, 29 December 1948, 1.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The Committee today, December 28th, sent a firm letter to the acting Chairman of the Netherlands Delegation asking for an immediate answer to the following questions: 1. Has the Government issued any orders to cease hostilities? 2. If so,...’
488. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K232 BATAVIA, 29 December 1948, 1.40 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Delegation has replied to the Committee’s letter (K231) that a final answer to the questions, which have been cabled to The Hague, cannot be given by midnight December 28th. Some unsatisfactory comments are included in the provisional reply....’
489. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 295 [1] PARIS, 28 December 1948, 10.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE Security Council 28th December. [2] Consideration of Indonesia did not commence until late this afternoon after Council had decided to defer voting on British resolution calling for cease-fire in Negeb, until tomorrow. In addition to Colombian resolution reported last night...’
490. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 296 PARIS, 28 December 1948, 2.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL See our en clair report [1] of this afternoon’s proceedings. 1. Strong support for both resolutions this afternoon is indicative of [increasing] [2] Council irritation with delaying tactics of the Dutch whose repeated statements about the prestige of their Government...’
491. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 1320 WASHINGTON, 28 December 1948, 2.49 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 1034 and 1035. [1] Ambassador saw Director United Nations Office State Department again today. Director stated that United States Delegation on Council was taking active steps with other members of Council with a view to reopening the question of...’
492. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 198 LONDON, 28 December 1948, 11.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegrams 163 and 164. [1] I had a long talk with McNeil this morning (Tuesday) and elaborated in accordance with above telegrams points regarding (a) danger of loss of initiative (b) effect of United States supplies. McNeil replied that...’
493. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 350 OTTAWA, 28 December 1948, 6.18 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL MY 349. [1] Indonesia. I saw Pearson today when I recapitulated views previously conveyed to Canadian Government and expressed concern at latter’s attitude, emphasising that in our view, which was based on first hand knowledge, excuses put forward by Dutch...’
494. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1948; ‘PARIS, 29 December 1948 Cablegram 299 Security Council 29th December. [1] Meeting opened with promised statement by Dutch, of which relevant passages are as follows: 1. Hostilities are in the course of being terminated. In any event hostilities in Java will, as far as the Netherlands are concerned, cease at...’
495. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 742 SINGAPORE, 29 December 1948, 5.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE Following is text of instructions to its Delegation at Security Council sent by Indonesian Emergency Government. The R.I. Emergency Government is prepared to issue a cease-fire order to her Armed Forces and resume negotiations with the Dutch on the following conditions-...’
496. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 300 PARIS, 29 December 1948, 10.25 p.m. RESTRICTED Security Council. See our en clair report. [1] 1. Council is at last becoming really impatient with the Dutch and members are slowly facing up to the ineffectiveness of its activities to date. The question of taking effective action now is...’
497. JAMIESON TO FORDE: 30 December 1948; ‘Minute, OTTAWA, 30 December 1948 I saw Riddell (Head of United Nations Division, Canadian Department of External Affairs) today in his office and subsequently had lunch with him. He made known to me, on an unofficial basis, the contents of two telegrams recently despatched by his Department. The first was...’
498. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 69/48 THE HAGUE, 30 December 1948 INDONESIA While there has been surprise as well as pain discernible in reactions in the Netherlands to the course of the Security Council debates on the Dutch action in breaking the truce in Indonesia, the general effect of external censure has...’
499. KEVIN TO BURTON: 30 December 1948; ‘Memorandum NEW DELHI, 30 December 1948 The accompanying material was brought around to me this afternoon by Dr. Soedarsono, the Indonesian Representative in Delhi. You will notice that it is addressed to Dr. Usman who is asked to submit it to the Australian Government ‘after approval and substitution’. We do...’
500. WATT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 369 Moscow, 30 December 1948, 7.25 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL The Indonesian question has been the subject of daily press comments and reports. 2. The principal points made concerning the Security Council discussions include the following: ‘Anglo-American majority has acted hypocritically in verbally condemning Dutch action while being unwilling to express...’
501. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 323 BATAVIA, 30 December 1948, 11.55 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Following Security Council’s resolution [1] of December 28th, the Consular Commission met this afternoon. 2. Tsiang, the Chairman felt that there was nothing could be done by the Commission which could not be done more effectively by the Good Offices...’
502. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Cablegram K233 BATAVIA, 30 December 1948, 5.45 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Because of its composition the Consular Commission is likely to be of more assistance to the Dutch than to the Indonesians. 2. The United Kingdom is anxious that negotiations be resumed with the Republican leaders as soon as possible and that...’
503. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 516 NEW DELHI, 30 December 1948, 10.05 p.m. SECRET My telegram 513. [1] Indonesia. I had the opportunity of a talk with Bajpai this morning. The question of an Asian conference was not brought up nor did he volunteer any reference to the possibility of a breach of diplomatic...’
504. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 517 NEW DELHI, 30 December 1948, 10.05 p.m. MOST IMPORTANT My telegram No. 516. Following is text. We are grateful for the friendly response of (blank blank) Government to our suggestions regarding support for the Indonesian cause. Under the Charter of United Nations the Security Council’s rules of procedure,...’
505. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 31 December 1948; ‘Cablegram E128 CANBERRA, 31 December 1948, 2 p.m. RESTRICTED Suggestion has been made of meeting of South East Asia countries to discuss Indonesian situation. We have not yet been invited but may be. Prime Minister’s view is that logical and reasonable thing is for us to attend but would have...’
506. HODGSON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 302 PARIS, 3[1] [1] December 1948 Indonesia. I have tried to keep you fully informed both as to Council proceedings and background as Indonesian case has been dealt with over past couple of weeks and there is little which can now be added in the way of general comment....’
507. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 31 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 340 CANBERRA, 31 December 1948, 8 p.m. RESTRICTED SECRET Your 323. [1] Our understanding is Australia is not member of Consular Commission. In fact this is desirable as it leaves you free as member of Good Offices Committee to comment on Consuls’ opinion. There is no intention of sending...’
508. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KEVIN: 31 December 1948; ‘Cablegram 339 CANBERRA, 31 December 1948, 8 p.m. RESTRICTED Your 517. [1] We would be quite willing to forward such a message but it adds nothing to and in fact does not go as far as what we have already said at Council. If other countries react favourabl[y] and India...’
509. MENON TO KEVIN: 31 December 1948; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 31 December 1948 SECRET As you are aware, the Security Council has adjourned until the 6th January (when it will reassemble at Lake Success) without taking any action on what is tantamount to Dutch refusal to comply even with the inadequate resolutions adopted so far. The Prime...’

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Volume 13: Indonesia - The Renville Agreement, 1948

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