Documents on Australian Foreign Policy :: Volume 15: Australia & Indonesia’s Independence

1. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 NEW DELHI, 1 January 1949, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Government of India propose that a conference at ministerial level of the representatives of the Governments of Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, China, Burma, Siam, Ceylon, Pakistan and Australia should meet in New Delhi on 10th or 16th January to...’
2. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 3 NEW DELHI, 2 January 1949, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET There has been some difficulty in accurately forecasting the agenda of the proposed Asian conference. Soedarsono believes it will be determined by the feeling of the delegates present, but that the Conference when together will aim at (a) condemnation...’
3. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 4 NEW DELHI, 2 January 1949, 10.15 p.m. Our number 3. [1] Speaking about Indonesia yesterday at Allahabad Pandit Nehru said that all freedom-loving countries should co- operate in protecting freedom from this onslaught. This co- operation should be within the United Nations. Continuing, he dealt with Marshall Aid...’
4. BURTON TO EVATT: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E1 CANBERRA, 3 January 1949, 10 a.m. RESTRICTED If you have not already replied regarding attendance Asian Conference glad of immediate comment. Prime Minister’s reaction at the moment favourable but awaiting your comment. Invitation now received and made public and the United Kingdom already suggesting we should not accept...’
5. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO FRASER: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 CANBERRA, 3 January 1949, 10.15 a.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED We have received advice of invitation to Australia and New Zealand from Nehru to attend conference in New Delhi on January 16th to discuss Indonesia. Invitation implies that aim of conference is not to act outside the United Nations but...’
6. SOEDARSONO TO KEVIN: 3 January 1949; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 3 January 1949 In connection with our discussion yesterday [1] on steps which might be taken by several countries, jointly or individually, for the purpose of ‘forcing’ the Dutch to come to an immediate and just solution of the Dutch-Indonesian issue, I should like to call your...’
7. FRASER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 WELLINGTON, [3 January 1949] IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Since I spoke to you this afternoon I have received your telegram No.1. [1] Although we have not as yet received any direct invitation to attend we are considering the position in detail particularly as it affects the United Nations. As...’
8. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K234 BATAVIA, [3 January 1949] SECRET Reference paragraph three of my telegram K.225. [1] Cochran has advised his Govern-ment that there is nothing that a Committee of Good Offices can do in the present circumstances in Indonesia. He has also expressed fear that if we stay on we may...’
9. EVATT TO BURTON: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, . 3 January 1949, 10 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL I have just received your telegram E128. [1] I have always favoured regional meetings and there is no reason why regional arrangements should not be made in accordance with the Charter. You can check back to my...’
10. EVATT TO BURTON: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 3 January 1949, 6 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Before I received your latest message [1], I had already replied to your earlier one [2] which you will have received. [3] My views are fully expressed there. We must assert our right of initiative and participation...’
11. BEDI TO CHIFLEY: 4 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 4 January 1949 I have been directed to convey the invitation of the Indian Government to a Conference to your Government. The text is as follows:- ‘The Security Council has now been adjourned to January 6th, without taking any action on what is tantamount to Dutch refusal to...’
12. BURTON TO BEDI: 4 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 4 January 1949 I wish, on behalf of the Government, and in the absence of the Prime Minister [1], to thank you for your message of 3rd January, conveying an invitation by your Government to attend a conference in New Delhi to discuss the problem of Indonesia. The...’
13. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 8 NEW DELHI, 4 January 1949, 6.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET INDONESIA This morning K.P.S. Menon showed me a telegram from Bedi outlining a discussion of considerable interest which he had with you on January 1st. [1] This was before invitations for the proposed Asian Conference had been finally...’
14. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 BATAVIA, [4 January 1949] CONFIDENTIAL My telegram No.323. [1] The Consular Commission met again yesterday afternoon and Tsiang reported on his interview with Cochran and Schuurman. He said that Cochran had made it clear that the Committee of Good Offices in no way regarded itself as superseded by...’
15. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K235 BATAVIA, 4 January 1949, 6.45 p.m. RESTRICTED At 1500 hours 3rd January the Committee was advised by the Netherlands Delegation that instructions had been received from The Hague permitting the Committee, the Consular Commission and Military Observers to carry out Security Council’s instructions to report on the situation...’
16. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K236 BATAVIA, 4 January 1949, 6.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 340. [1] Telegram 323 [2] was sent by Pritchett. For the convenience of the Consulate, it would be helpful if telegrams from you intended for this Delegation were addressed to me. 2. I feel that it would be useful...’
17. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 SINGAPORE, 4 January 1949, 6.26 p.m. 5 January 1949, 8.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Following is summary of the present military situation from our source. Begins: The Dutch have apparently completed operations for occupying the towns of importance without having fought any battle worth mentioning. This results from the...’
18. EVATT TO BURTON: 3 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 3 [January] 1949, 10 p.m. Received 5 [January] 1949, 11 a.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL URGENT 1. I have seen Hodgson’s long and rather abstract telegram. [1] Every bit of pressure brought on the U.S.A. or the Good Offices Committee is valuable but the idea of Consular...’
19. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 3 CANBERRA, 5 January 1949, 1.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL When Council meets, it will be argued that Dutch have sent high ranking representatives to Batavia to negotiate and no action should be taken pending outcome of visit. [1] This procedure was followed after first police action and again at...’
20. EGGLESTON TO EVATT: 5 January 1949; ‘Memorandum CAMBERWELL, 5 January 1949 INDONESIA As Adviser to the Department, I feel that I should give my views on the invitation of the Prime Minister of India to attend the Conference at Delhi. The invitation to Australia and New Zealand raises some very difficult problems for us. It is...’
21. BURTON TO EVATT: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E3 CANBERRA, 5 January 1949, 6 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL URGENT Your two telegrams [1] have been most helpful. The Prime Minister is absent [2] and Minister Defence [3] in touch with him. There have been difficulties in having idea accepted but compromise is now agreed, that is, acceptance not on...’
22. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER, EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON AND FRASER: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegrams 2, 4, 2 CANBERRA, 5 January 1949, 6 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA We have now received formal invitation from Government of India to participate in Asian Conference on Indonesia. 2. This proposal is direct outcome of failure of Security Council to take any action to restrain Dutch, even in...’
23. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K238 BATAVIA, 5 January 1949, 1 p.m. My telegram K237. [1] Following telegram has been sent by the Republic in Batavia to the Republican Representative in India. ‘Points for Asian Conference. (a) The Dutch should be blamed as the aggressor. (b) Following proposals should be put forward as basis...’
24. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 7 CANBERRA, 5 January 1949, 8.25 p.m. RESTRICTED 1. Batavia advises that Dutch are arguing that resolution on Consular Commission cancelled instructions to Committee of Good Offices. [1] 2. Divergent views exist in Consular Commission as to respective functions of the Committee and the Commission and their jurisdiction over...’
25. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO KEVIN: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 3 CANBERRA, 5 January 1949, 9.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your telegram No. 3. [1] You have received press statement [2] by Minister for Defence (Mr. Dedman) tonight regarding Asian Conference. 2. You will observe that the Australian Government is not sending Minister as suggested by Indian Government but officials....’
26. FRASER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 2 WELLINGTON, 5 January 194[9], 9.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Reference your telegram No. 1 of 3rd January. [1] We are now informed by our High Commissioner in London [2] that on 3rd January he was approached by the High Commissioner for India [3] and notified officially that the...’
27. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 8 SINGAPORE, 5 January 1949, 5.01 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL My telegram No. 3. [1] Assume situation in Java (most information now emanate from Chinese Newspapers in Batavia) will have been reported to you direct. Tomorrow’s bag carries resume of latest news available here. 2. Situation in Sumatra is given...’
28. FROST TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 4 COLOMBO, 5 January 1949, 4.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Reference my telegram 3. [1] 1. United Kingdom Office Colombo have not yet received the views of their Government but expect advice shortly. They hold the opinion with which we agree that the Ceylon Government are playing for time...’
29. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 48 LONDON, 5 January 1949, 8 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA I am informed United Kingdom has pressed Netherlands Prime Minister on question of forming an Interim Government, including recognisable Republicans, to prepare for an early transfer of power. At the same time United Kingdom has insisted that the Dutch must...’
30. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K237 BATAVIA, 5 January 1949, 2.05 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands Delegation has replied to the Committee’s letter of January 3rd (see paragraphs 3 and 4, K.235 [1]) making the following points: (a) A Representative of the Chief of the General Staff will confer with the Committee’s military observers...’
31. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN2 NEW YORK, [5 January 1949] IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL In letter dated 3rd January [1] to McNaughton the Netherlands representative referred to statements made by Van Royjen on December 27 and 29 [2] concerning Security Council resolutions of December 24 [3] and 28. [4] He stated that before Netherlands Government...’
32. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 10 WASHINGTON, [5 January 1949] IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Ambassador saw Butterworth today and spoke along lines of your telegram No. 4. [1] Butterworth said United States regarded it as unfortunate that an Asian Conference should have been called in such an emotional atmosphere. He feared that Committee might ‘sow...’
33. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K239 BATAVIA, 6 January 1949, 12.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL As arranged. (Paragraph 1 (a) of K.237 [1]) the Committee’s Military Representatives met January 4th with a representative of the Chief of General Staff. No progress was made towards arrangements for the return of the military observers to the field as...’
34. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 5 BATAVIA, 6 January 1949 SECRET My telegram No. 1. [1] The Consular Commission at its third meting on 5th January agreed, after lengthy discussion, on the text of its cable to the Security Council explaining its inactivity and requesting clarification of its position. 2. The French and the...’
35. BAJPAI TO KEVIN: 6 January 1949; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 6 January 1949 Kindly refer to your letter F. No.37/23/2 dated the 6th of January [1], which you left with me today. I have shown it to the Prime Minister, who would be grateful if you could convey the following message from him to Mr. Chifley- ‘I...’
36. KEVIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 10 NEW DELHI, [6 January] 1949, 6.55 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram No.3. [1] I just left Bajpai who is passing your message [2] to Nehru. He confirms that conference is scheduled to begin 20th January, the only acceptances which have come in so far are from Australia and Burma,...’
37. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 8 CANBERRA, 7 January 1949, 10.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE Your memorandum 928 of 30th December. [1] Apparently view of Menon, before decision was taken to hold Conference, was that it might not achieve any real purpose. Since this time, there have been relevant developments and there will be more when...’
38. EVATT TO BURTON: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 7 January 1949 MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram re conference [1] is first report since Monday. Suggestion you should go to India at present is impracticable: clearly you should stick to your post, meeting me Perth as arranged. Gollan or Critchley or McIntyre could attend on...’
39. BURTON TO EVATT: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E5 CANBERRA, 7 January 1949, 12.20 p.m. PERSONAL Have spoken to Prime Minister who sends message he was aware of difficulties and inconvenience to you and to me, but considered this the only compromise which would overcome the local political difficulties of sending a Minister and avoid a rebuff...’
40. BURTON TO GOLLAN: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 2 CANBERRA, 7 January 1949, 2 p.m. SECRET I hope sudden developments regarding Asian Conference will not seriously disturb your arrangements but I feel we may be able to take advantage of it to further objects of your mission and facilitate your preliminary contacts with Indian leaders. In your...’
41. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO FORDE: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 6 CANBERRA, 7 January 1949 CONFIDENTIAL It is noted from your despatch 87 [1] that it has been stated in conversation with the Canadians that expulsion of the Netherlands from the United Nations is a solution advocated by Australia. This was not put forward as a formal proposal by...’
42. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 12 SINGAPORE, 7 January 1949, 5.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET My memorandum 844 of 31st December, 1948. [1] Governor Singapore [2] informs me that KLM has approached him for permission to use and develop Cocos Island as staging point on its European Java Service which it is proposed to...’
43. MASSEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 13 SINGAPORE, 7 January 1949, 12.37 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Michiels, Netherlands Ambassador in London, told Commissioner General [1] during his passage through Singapore that he was joining the Netherlands Prime Minister in Batavia to advise primarily on external repercussions of extremist Dutch action in Indonesia. He made no secret of...’
44. BURTON TO EGGLESTON: 7 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 7 January 1949 Thank you for your letter of 5th January [1] enclosing a note addressed to the Minister on Indonesia. I think that perhaps your judgment may have been a little bit different had you seen all the communications and in particular the text of the invitation...’
45. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO MASSEY: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 15 CANBERRA, 7 January 1949, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 12. [1] You will appreciate that any decision to assist Dutch side-stepping the Indian ban should receive most careful consideration at highest level. Assume Governor would point out reaction of Asia and effect on British administration in Asia....’
46. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 15 NEW DELHI, 7 January 1949, 7.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE Asian Conference. Following is list of countries invited. Burma, Australia, Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, China, (observers) Ceylon, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Nepal, New Zealand, Turkey, Siam, Philippines. 2. Menon indicated this afternoon that the first seven are...’
47. KEVIN TO BURTON: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 16 NEW DELHI, 7 January 1949, 9.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET It would help us and may be a wise precaution if we could be kept informed of any important discussions on Indonesia which the department has with Bedi, two of whose telegrams Menon has shown me this week. Bedi’s...’
48. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 7 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 6 LONDON, 7 January 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA High Commissioners’ meeting this morning attended by Noel-Baker and Mayhew, dealt exclusively with Indonesia and was extremely lively but friendly. We are meeting again tomorrow morning to discuss Indonesia and, if necessary, on Monday morning. If you have any special instructions...’
49. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 8 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 54 CANBERRA, 8 January 1949, 1.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 6. [1] 1. Australian Press is quoting report of Wells, New York Times Correspondent in London, claiming British Officials feel Dutch action now proved to be right. This may be inspired and in view of weakness of United...’
50. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN4 NEW YORK, 8 January 1949, 2.21 p.m. RESTRICTED Indonesia 1. At yesterday’s meeting [1] Security Council received a report of the 6th January from the Consular Commission and one of the 7th January from G.O.C., these were not discussed. [2] 2. Van Royen told Council that hostilities had...’
51. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY: 8 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 7 LONDON, 8 January 1949, 1.15 p.m. INDONESIA 1. When the High Commissioners’ meeting resumed this morning Bevin was present as well as Noel-Baker. Menon, Goonetilleke and I repeated briefly what we had said yesterday [1] and enlarged on the concern we felt at the effect of the United...’
52. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 8 January 1949, 7.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE Following is part two of Committee’s report [1] telegraphed to Security Council this afternoon seventh. ‘Part two conclusions. 12. Committee is not in position to report that there has been satisfactory compliance with subparagraph (AAA) [2] of Resolution of twenty-fourth December...’
53. EVATT TO BURTON: 8 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 8 January 1949, 6.20 p.m. Received 9 January 1949, 9 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE 1. I am extremely concerned your projected absence Australia at time when there should be daily consultations and reviews between us preparatory to Cabinet Meeting and also to Special Foreign Affairs Session....’
54. BURTON TO EVATT: 9 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E8 CANBERRA, 9 January 1949, 10.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The fact that conference did not conform with regional concept was main reason why Prime Minister decided not to send a Minister. On other hand our position in area and initiative on Indonesia required us to be present even...’
55. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 9 January 1949, 11.30 a.m. Text of telegram to Security Council January ninth. [1] ‘Subsequently to its telegraphic report of seven January Committee of Good Offices was notified by Acting Chairman of the Netherlands Delegation that his Government was now prepared to discuss detailed plans for immediate...’
56. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 17 NEW DELHI, [9 January 1949], 2.05 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 8. [1] We have spoken to Bajpai but guardedly, in view of Bedi’s telegram and Australian criticism which has been finding its way into the Indian Press. Also informed that conference is not yet certain, the concern...’
57. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 10 January 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 10 January 1949 Officially my activities have mainly been concentrated on reporting to the Security Council and on matters connected with the Asian Conference. The telegram [1] which I sent you on the latter subject containing Republican recommendations to their representative in India should be of value and...’
58. CHIFLEY TO BEASLEY: 10 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 6 CANBERRA, 10 January 1949, 3.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Thank you for your 6 and 7. [1] The comments you made and those of others were apt. The United Kingdom telegram [2] to their Ambassador at The Hague is now to hand and shows quite plainly that Dutch could count...’
59. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 10 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 13 CANBERRA, 10 January 1949, 4.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Indian High Commissioner [1] today asked us if we agreed with procedure of opening session, at which any delegate who wished to speak might speak, explaining purpose of conference and subsequent closed session. Our response was that any procedure adopted...’
60. PRICE TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 11 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 11 January 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET We have been asked to communicate to the Australian Government the substance of the instructions which have been given to the United Kingdom delegation to the Security Council at New York as to the line now to be taken by them in the...’
61. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K243 BATAVIA, 11 January 1949, 9.15 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Committee today (10th January) formally requested the Dutch by letter for authority to visit Bangka tomorrow for the purpose of seeing and speaking with Sukarno and other Republican leaders held there. Committee suggested that American aircraft at its disposal be used...’
62. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 14 CANBERRA, 11 January 1949, 10.45 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA 1. United Kingdom High Commissioner’s Office advises that Australia and India are submitting resolution calling upon Dutch:- (A) To release Indonesian political leaders; (B) To withdraw within one week their armed forces behind zones existing on December 17th;...’
63. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K244 BATAVIA, 11 January 1949, 7 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED VISIT TO REPUBLICAN LEADERS The Netherlands Authorities were obviously embarrassed by the Committee’s request (see my K243 [1]). A formal reply was received today in the following terms:- (a) The Netherlands Delegation is at the Committee’s disposal to provide the...’
64. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 7 NEW YORK, 11 January 1949, 2.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your 14. [1] INDONESIA 1. The suggested basis of resolution was discussed in most informal meeting of Rau, Makin and Franks in Washington last Sunday. Washington is advising you fully on the discussion which we understand were exploratory and...’
65. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 26 WASHINGTON, 11 January 1949, 4.48 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA State Department conferred with Jessup and Cochran yesterday but final policy decisions have apparently not yet been made and Jessup has only tentative instructions. 2. United States thinking has been along the following lines. (a) Dutch action must not...’
66. MAKIN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 28 WASHINGTON, 11 January 1949, 6.36 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your Austunat 14. [1] When at Lake Success the Indian Ambassador asked if he could have informal talk with me in Washington, the following day. Rau called 8th January, discussed briefly and in most informal way what had taken...’
67. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN8 NEW YORK, 11 January 1949, 9.27 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Opening of Council meeting today [1] Jessup made very satisfactory statement which was apparently partly result of his discussions with Cochran. He made clear condemnation of Dutch non-compliance with December Resolutions [2] and stated that only possible course...’
68. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 27 NEW DELHI, 11 January 1949, 11.55 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 13. [1] During a call this morning on Bajpai and Menon, I referred to your views on the procedure on which Bedi has no doubt reported to his Government. Menon expressed himself as being in agreement, remarking disarmingly...’
69. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 25 NEW DELHI, 11 January 1949, 11.55 p.m. INDONESIA Press conference was given this morning by Dr. Soemitro and Mr. Maramis who have arrived in Delhi. Soemitro who predominated throughout made the following points: (a) The Republican emergency Government in Sumatra insisted on the withdrawal of Dutch forces, the...’
70. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K245 BATAVIA, 12 January 1949, 11 p.m. RESTRICTED Reliable eyewitnesses’ reports indicate that Guerrilla activity in Central Java is causing the Dutch considerable embarrassment. The principal reports are from- (a) George Kahin, an American graduate formerly undertaking research in Djokjakarta and now correspondent for Overseas News Agency; (b) Lieutenant...’
71. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN9 NEW YORK, 12 January 1949, 4.29 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA 1. Following is supplementary to our 8. [1] In his statement, Jessup accused the Dutch of violating the Charter, defying the December resolutions [2] and the Renville Agreement [3], and giving the United Nations accounts of the Indonesian war...’
72. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN13 NEW YORK, 12 January 1949, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA My telegram 8. [1] Have had useful discussions today with Jessup, Cadogan and Rau. United States delegation is at the moment working on preliminary draft of resolution along the following lines: (1). Preamble. Which would bring out Dutch...’
73. CUTLER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 6 WELLINGTON, 13 January 1949, 1.50 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED Delhi Conference Following is the text of New Zealand reply to be conveyed through High Commissioner in London to Indian Government. ‘They wish to thank the Government of India for their consideration in inviting them to be present at this...’
74. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K248 BATAVIA, 13 January 1949, 11.10 a.m. RESTRICTED In a personal interview this evening, January 12th, Drees made the following points: (1) The conferences with the federalists directed to the formation of an interim Government on the basis of the Dutch decree [1], have made little progress in the...’
75. TANGE TO BURTON: 13 January 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 13 January 1949 CASE FOR WITHDRAWAL This is case you asked for. A case can also be made against. Both will be a priori until we know more about the actual situation. Probably nobody knows. But Critchley ought to be asked, particularly as Cochran has made his own...’
76. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 13 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 19 CANBERRA, 13 January 1949, 5.10 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your UN. 8. [1] You should continue to press for inclusion in any draft resolution of an instruction to the Dutch to withdraw their armed forces to December 17th positions. We sense that United States as well as United...’
77. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 20 CANBERRA, 14 January 1949, 11 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA In course of personal conversation with Critchley in Batavia, Drees has stated that Netherlands Delegation is being authorised to inform the Security Council that the Netherlands might be prepared to establish a date for Indonesian elections and to transfer...’
78. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN18 NEW YORK, 13 January 1949, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE INDONESIA Your U.N.19. [1] Not clear whether these views were sent in the light of information in our U.N.13. [2] Personally, do not feel that any useful purpose at all would be served by trying to get Council to instruct...’
79. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 22 CANBERRA, 14 January 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your UN. 13. [1] INDONESIA Further to our No. 19 [2], latest United States proposals appear to be reasonably satisfactory so far as they go, but in our view would be of little real value unless accompanied by specific proposals regarding terms...’
80. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 14 January 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 14 January 1949 I am enclosing some background papers which would not have reached Canberra at the time you left. These are- (1) Personal letter [1] to McIntyre of the 10th January, with Appendices. (2) Translation of final speeches of Republican leaders on the 19th December. I have...’
81. BEASLEY TO CHIFLEY AND EVATT: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 11 LONDON, 14 January 1949, 1.40 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL I think I should report for what it is worth present attitude of Ceylon High Commissioner [1] here on Indonesia. First of all Goonetilleke is very critical of Bevin’s failure to understand attitude of India, Australia and Ceylon and implications...’
82. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K249 BATAVIA, 14 January 1949, 5.45 p.m. RESTRICTED Committee will telegraph to the Security Council today, January 14th, the following points from the first report [1] received from the Military observers in the field: (a) Destruction of roads, bridges and property has been and still is taking place on...’
83. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 28 NEW DELHI, 14 January 1949 Nehru referred to Asian conference yesterday when addressing Indian Journalists’ Association in Calcutta. He emphasised that it was not being held outside United Nations Charter, that Charter encouraged regional arrangements and that India proposed to function entirely in terms of the Charter. There...’
84. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E14 CANBERRA, 15 January 1949 INDONESIA New Delhi Radio expresses opinion that forthcoming Conference will not be asked to make decision but only to suggest recommendations to be forwarded to Security Council. Recommendations will presumably be made under article 31 [1] of Charter but purpose of Conference is to...’
85. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E16 CANBERRA, 15 January 1949 New York Radio reports today that United States has circulated among Security Council members working paper outlining programme for creation of free United States of Indonesia not later than 1st April, 1950. Following are main points:- (1) Immediate halt to military operations and unconditional...’
86. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN24 NEW YORK, 14 January 1949, 11.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE INDONESIA The following is text of U.S. preliminary draft resolution referred to in my telegram 13. [1] This has been given to us for ‘consultative’ purposes and U.S. state they do not intend to table today. Please see also our...’
87. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN25 NEW YORK, 14 January 1949, 11.41 p.m. IMMEDIATE INDONESIA 1. Council today continued general discussion. [1] Dutch made statement trying to show conditions were mostly back to normal in occupied areas and offering programme for future constitutional change which would set election third quarter of this year and...’
88. BURTON TO NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 1 SINGAPORE, 15 January 1949, 6.23 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Asian Conference We have suggested to Indian Government following general procedure which they have accepted in broad outlines. (1). Public opening by Nehru confined to welcome and statement of objective followed by statements privately expressed of points of view...’
89. PRICE TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 15 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 15 January 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET With further reference to my letter of the 11th January [1] about Indonesia I have been asked to send you the following extract from a telegram from our Ambassador at The Hague [2]:- ‘Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me today that instructions to...’
90. BURTON TO MCINTYRE: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 34 SINGAPORE, 15 January 1949, 7.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Please see cable K.245 [1], from Batavia. New York should be informed of contents especially reports G and F with the suggestion that they be used quoting the source. In view of the report in Para. G on the Dutch...’
91. PLIMSOLL TO TANGE: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered SS DOMINION MONARCH, 15 January 1949, 1.16 p.m. Received 16 January 1949, 9 a.m. IMMEDIATE PERSONAL 1. Minister notes difference between your instruction to Hood E.14 [1] and proposals of U.S.A. E.16 [2] in particular absence of reference to withdrawal of Dutch Forces. Presumes that you are following...’
92. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN28 NEW YORK, 15 January 1949, 5.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE INDONESIA Our 25. [1] In the Security Council on 14th January, Van Royen, in his statement, reiterated that the Netherlands would not comply with any order for the return of troops to previous positions, and Netherlands will continue to hold...’
93. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram E17 CANBERRA, 16 January 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Americans did not in fact submit resolution [1] to Council yesterday and according to Hood are still undecided whether to do so Monday. They do not want another abortive resolution and at same time they do not want to be party...’
94. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 22 CANBERRA, 16 January 1949, 5.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL You will have seen telegrams UN24 and 25 from New York. [1] Glad of your urgent comments. Main objection to United States draft resolution appears to be instruction to parties to resume negotiations, which, as we pointed out to Hood...’
95. PRICE TO CHIFLEY: 16 January 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 January 1949 TOP SECRET I have been asked to let you have the enclosed message from Mr. Attlee, setting out the views of the United Kingdom Government on our future policy towards the Indonesian problem. ATTACHMENT INDONESIA MESSAGE FROM MR. ATTLEE The passage of the recent Security...’
96. BURTON TO MCINTYRE: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 65 SINGAPORE, 16 January 1949, 10.43 a.m. INDONESIA Grateful you pass on to Beasley contents of paragraph 5, cable U.N.13 [1] from New York and any other necessary background to enable him to maintain pressure on the United Kingdom Government to ensure that they at least keep up with...’
97. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K250 BATAVIA, 16 January 1949, 11 p.m. My telegram K.247. [1] Text of the Committee’s telegraphic report on the visit to Hatta and other Republican leaders at Bangka follows en clair. 2. In private conversations Hatta stressed the extreme difficulty of restoring the goodwill towards the Dutch following Military...’
98. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 16 January 1949, 11.09 p.m. Text of telegram to the Security Council dated 15th January. [1] Begins. On the 15th January, 1949, in accordance with arrangements reported to the Security Council on 11th and 13th January, the Committee of Good Offices visited 6 Republican Ministers and officials...’
99. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K251 BATAVIA, 16 January 1949, 11 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL The Dutch are concentrating on the formation of an Interim Federal Government, but are still meeting difficulties. On 13th January the Conference of Federalists unanimously agreed: (a) to the formation of a National Federal Government; (b) to the Dutch B.I.O.-draft decree...’
100. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, AND BURTON: 17 January 1949; ‘Cablegrams 26, 23 CANBERRA, 17 January 1949, 3.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your UN.24 and 25. [1] Main objection to United States draft resolution is its instructions to both parties to resume negotiations under United Nations Commission’s auspices. As stated in our 22 [2] we do not consider that...’
101. EVATT TO BURTON: 17 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 25 CANBERRA, 17 January 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET Have just seen 13 [1] to Delhi and reply No. 27. [2] The procedure suggested in 13 seems satisfactory but very difficult to limit public speeches unless India fully on side. At same time exclusive initiative remaining with India has its own...’
102. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 17 January 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 17 January 1949 PERSONAL CONFIDENTIAL Mohammed Yunus, who has been Indian Consul in Djokjakarta for 15 months is leaving tomorrow for the Asian Conference at Delhi. He has kindly offered to take with him any papers I may wish to send to you, so I take advantage of...’
103. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 37 NEW DELHI, 18 January 1949, 12.50 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 23 repeated to New York 26. [1] The fact is negotiations broke down twice at the same point and on the basis of the United States Resolution [2] they will again break down in about 1 year...’
104. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 40 NEW DELHI, 18 January 1949, 11.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following is text:- Begins. We are looking forward to meeting and discussing with the Representatives of other Countries attending the Asian Conference the problem of Indonesia because it is a first move in the direction...’
105. BURTON TO EVATT: 18 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 46 NEW DELHI, 18 January 1949, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Thanks for your telegram. [1] Question of initiative is most difficult especially in the absence of a Minister. For example, at the opening session, friend Romulo, will probably insist on talking and others will follow and presumably observer status...’
106. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 41 NEW DELHI, 18 January 1949, 2.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED We have received no reports of the Security Council, not even the United States resolution. [1] It would be helpful if we were kept informed. Now that the Dutch have flatly rejected the United States proposals and demonstrated that...’
107. MCINTOSH TO BURTON: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 26 CANBERRA, 19 January 1949, 10 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Thank you for message from Singapore. [1] The New Zealand Government adheres strongly to the view that Mr. Shanahan’s status is purely that of observer. Special stress has had to be laid on public statements here to this effect. It...’
108. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 201 CANBERRA, 19 January 1949, 4.35 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA It is most important that Security Council should adopt a satisfactory resolution without delay. United States is considering submission of a draft resolution [1] which is satisfactory as far as it goes, but we have pointed out that American...’
109. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN31 NEW YORK, 18 January 1949, 7.28 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Security Council January 17th. [1] 1. Van Royen apologised to the Council for the restriction on the liberty of political prisoners in Bangka as reported by the Good Offices Committee, and said that steps would be taken against Dutch...’
110. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 49 NEW YORK, 19 January 1949, 1.55 p.m. SECRET Our 32. [1] As already advised, Conference will meet in open session at 11 a.m. on 20th January, thereafter going into closed session. 15 countries plus four countries which have given specific notice that they will be represented by observers...’
111. BURTON TO EVATT: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 50 NEW DELHI, 19 January 1949, 4.20 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Your United Nations speech [1] Melbourne well reported here. Thanks for statement [2] on Indonesia which I am having distributed here. Quotation of your 1947 statement [3] has been reproduced here in full in all papers under head-line of...’
112. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 53 NEW DELHI, 19 January 1949, 11.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL 1. Informal Meeting of the Heads of the Delegations and Observers was held to-day at the home of the Prime Minister to discuss the procedure. 2. To-morrow, Nehru will open the Conference and there will be short speeches from...’
113. EVATT TO BURTON: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 34 CANBERRA, 20 January 1949, 10 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 50 and 53. [1] You will now have had my full statement [2] today. 2. Reference para. 2 of your 53. Arab contention is utterly indefensible. If Arabs maintain this line you should not hesitate to point out that...’
114. EVATT TO HOOD: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 32 CANBERRA, 20 January 1949, 11 a.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED For Hood. Try and ask Van Royen suddenly and unobtrusively in course of any statement whether his Government informed any other Government of their intended operations against the Republic at any time prior to actual commencement. If so what Governments...’
115. CUTLER TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 11 WELLINGTON, 20 January 1949, 1.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Delhi Conference. Nash announced today that Shanahan will not attend owing to transport difficulties. Inglis, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Bombay, has been instructed to take over as principal observer and to make explanation to Indian Government. Actual fact was that External...’
116. NOTES BY BURTON: 20 January 1949; ‘_ AUSTRALIA AN ASIAN COUNTRY? The policy of the Australian Government on Indonesia arises out of the fact that Australia is a country with western ties and traditions but located in Asia. Basic to Australia’s foreign policy is adherence to the United Nations. This is not for idealistic reasons, but...’
117. SPEECH BY BURTON AT NEW DELHI CONFERENCE: 20 January 1949; ‘NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949 ‘GRAVE MISTAKES’ IN INDONESIA DAMAGE TO U.N. PRESTIGE MUST BE REMEDIED ‘The Australian Government, whose policy it is to carry out its obligations to the United Nations with sincerity and earnestness, will give immediate and earnest consideration to the reports and observations which will be...’
118. WORKING PAPER FOR NEW DELHI CONFERENCE ON INDONESIA: 20 January 1949; ‘Working Paper NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949 CONFIDENTIAL CONFERENCE ON INDONESIA WORKING PAPER (For meeting at 6.30 p.m. on January 20, 1949.) Proposals for a Settlement of the Indonesian question, covering (1) measures to be taken immediately, and (2) measures to be taken thereafter so as to effect a long...’
119. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Memorandum Hag 3 THE HAGUE, 20 January 1949 With reference to my memorandum No. 24/49 [1] regarding the treatment of Republican leaders on Bangka Island, liberal opinion in Holland has been surprised and indignant at the recent disclosures that orders for their release from house arrest had not been obeyed....’
120. EVATT TO BURTON: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 33 CANBERRA, 20 January 1949, 5 p.m. IMPORTANT PERSONAL Department is sending you full text of my statement [1] on arrival Sydney today. I told Press at same time that you were entitled to participate in all proceedings of conference but that any positive proposals would be subject to...’
121. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram [UN40] NEW YORK, 20 January 1949, 12.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA We had full discussion with Palar and Menon (in the absence of Raupeirs [1], Washington) this morning. Palar is becoming increasingly nervous of the responsibility for the acceptance of the Council proposals in view of his isolation from...’
122. PRITCHETT TO SCHUURMAN: 20 January 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 20 January 1949 I have the honour to refer to your letter (No. PA.10/16815) [1] of 30th December, 1948, and to conversations during the last three weeks between Jhr. de Ranitz and myself, concerning the supply of post-UNRRA relief goods from Australia to Indonesia. It is not clear...’
123. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K252 BATAVIA, 20 January 1949, 2.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 16. [1] 1. The former Republican territories are now administered by local Dutch Military Commands assisted by civilian advisors who are being increased in number. This is regarded as a temporary arrangement. The Dutch Administration, however, appears confined to...’
124. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 January 1949; ‘Cablegram [UN41] NEW YORK, 19 January 1949, 8.32 a.m. IMMEDIATE My telegram 40. [1] Following is text of revised U.S. resolution. ‘The Security Council recalling its resolution of 1st August 1947, 25th August 1947 and 1st November 1947 [2] with respect to the Indonesian question, taking note with approval of...’
125. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 54 NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949, 4.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL I have had two discussions with Sir Archibald Nye, who recently assumed Office as High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in India, and was formerly Governor of Madras Province. Mr. Gollan was able to join me during the first...’
126. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 249 LONDON, [20 January 1949], 7.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your 201. [1] Your views were put to the United Kingdom authorities yesterday afternoon and last night instructions were settled for Cadogan suggesting certain amendments to the American draft resolution [2] copy of which was received yesterday. My impression is...’
127. NOEL-BAKER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram H30 LONDON, 20 January 1949, 9 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Consequent on withdrawal of facilities by Governments of India and Pakistan, Netherlands Government have approached us with request for facilities for Royal Dutch Airline (K.L.M.) to use Mauritius. 2. We realise that grant of these facilities might be open to...’
128. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 56 NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949, 10.30 p.m. Burton’s speech [1] at Asian Conference has evoked favourable comment in all quarters including those one or two sections where some sensitiveness might perhaps have been expected. There has as yet been no time for published comment but private reaction available...’
129. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 57 NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949, 10.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL My immediately following telegram. At the opening session 13 representatives spoke shortly. Generally the tone was good, little reference being made to Palestine and French Indo China and all representatives without exception stressing work with and through the United...’
130. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 58 NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949, 10.35 p.m. RESTRICTED My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Asian Conference. Opening of the plenary session occupied the first hour. Nehru’s speech set the tone for temperate discussion. No one proposed group action outside United Nations Charter although Burma suggested United States of America...’
131. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 59 NEW DELHI, 20 January 1949, 10.35 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL I called today on Mr. Henderson, American Ambassador. The starting point of our discussion was his statement several days ago supporting the Conference see my telegram 54. [1] Henderson explained that he had general approval from the State Department...’
132. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN44 NEW YORK, 20 January 1949, 11.36 p.m. IMMEDIATE IMPORTANT RESTRICTED Indonesian reaction to revised draft [1], which suggests partial Dutch compliance with past orders of the Council and the association of puppet States in negotiations, is understandably lukewarm. They are particularly concerned at the position they may be...’
133. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 61 NEW DELHI, 21 January 1949, 12.05 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED Asian Conference. First private session held last night revealed most remarkable attempt to deal with the subject matter objectively and on basis of facts. Nehru displayed detailed knowledge and sound practical sense was very generally displayed. There was continued...’
134. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD AND BURTON: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegrams 41, 38 CANBERRA, 21 January 1949, 10.35 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA 1. We feel that the revised text of United States draft resolution [1] which is to be tabled today is open to the objections raised to the previous draft and in addition appears to adopt a weaker...’
135. EVATT TO BURTON: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegrams 39 CANBERRA, 21 January 1949, 10.40 p.m. SECRET Your 54, 57 and 59. [1] I must say I do not think argumentative discussions of much value to Australia and they should not be undertaken without authority. After all matter is already on a higher level and it is important...’
136. BURTON TO EVATT: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 68 NEW DELHI, 21 January 1949, 7.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL 1. Many thanks for your 34. [1] I think that the Arab position has been to help India. Egypt is a strong supporter of Australia, and its work in United Nations and congratulated you on statement appearing in morning...’
137. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 70 NEW DELHI, 21 January 1949, 9.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED My immediately following telegram contains text of draft resolution to be submitted to the Conference tomorrow. There will be minor Amendments only. 2. The procedure is likely to be a public session tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, at which resolutions...’
138. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 71 NEW DELHI, 21 January 1949, 11.16 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Text begins. Resolution 1. This Conference of representatives of Governments of Afghanistan etc., affirms their support of purposes and principles of United Nations and obligations of all member states to accept its decision; having...’
139. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K253 BATAVIA, [21 January 1949] IMPORTANT RESTRICTED After consultations with Soekarno, Salim at Prapat, Sjahrir accepted an invitation by Drees for informal discussions in Batavia on January 18th. The invitation was accepted because the party at Prapat, although well looked after and comfortable, had received no information of developments...’
140. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K254 BATAVIA, 21 January 1949, 6.20 p.m. SECRET The Committee yesterday, January 20th, requested permission to visit Soekarno, Salim at Prapat. The Netherlands delegation asked the Committee to delay its visit since arrangements had already been made for Federalist Indonesians to proceed to Prapat today. The latter will invite...’
141. EVATT TO BURTON: 22 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 40 CANBERRA, 22 January 1949, 12.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your 71. [1] Minister has yet to consider Resolution. In meantime anything you have to vote for will have to be ad referendum. _ 1 Document 138. _ [AA : A1838, 854/10/4/5] ’
142. EVATT TO BURTON: 22 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 45 SYDNEY, 22 January 1949 MOST IMMEDIATE 1. Much appreciate your valuable work but it is impossible to give detailed consideration and all your voting must be ad referendum. This is safest as Prime Minister not available and Cabinet meets Thursday. 2. In meantime suggest following drafting amendments- 1....’
143. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 73 NEW DELHI, 22 January 1949, 11.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE Asian Conference. We have still not received telegram referred to in your 41 [1] but our immediately following telegram transmits the text of three resolutions agreed to at closed session this afternoon. Plenary session will be held 0930 hours to-morrow...’
144. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 74 NEW DELHI, 22 January 1949, 11.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Following are texts of three Resolutions: Resolution 1. This Conference of Representatives of the Governments of Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, Ceylon, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen, affirming their...’
145. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K254 BATAVIA, 22 January 1949, 4.05 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL It appears that the Dutch are surprised and concerned at the lack of co-operation they are receiving in territories previously under the control of the Republic. I believe the stage has been reached where they could be forced to guarantee...’
146. EVATT TO BURTON: 23 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 43 CANBERRA, 23 January 1949, 1.20 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE It is completely mysterious that my en clair telegram [1] was not received by you. It was carefully drafted and there should have been plenty of time for you to act on it. All voting by you must be ad...’
147. MARAMIS TO EVATT: 23 January 1949; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 23 January 1949 On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia, I have the honour to thank you profoundly and sincerely for the keen interest taken by your Government in the struggle for the defence of our national independence against the aggression...’
148. BURTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 75 NEW DELHI, 23 January 1949, 12.55 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE Your telegram 40 [1] and Minister’s en clair telegram [2] having no priority marking arrived only 11 p.m. last night after drafting complete for plenary. On the question of ad referendum, throughout the Conference there has been and at...’
149. NEHRU TO CHIFLEY: 23 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 65/120 NEW DELHI, 23 January 1949, 7.50 p.m. Excellency, three Resolutions [1] adopted by the Conference on Indonesia, held in New Delhi from 20th to 23rd January, have been communicated to your Representative. In view of the urgency of the Indonesian question the Conference authorised me to communicate the...’
150. EVATT TO HOOD: 24 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 44 CANBERRA, 24 January 1949, 2.30 p.m. SECRET PERSONAL 1. With reference to the resolution [1] of the Delhi Conference I want to tell you for your confidential information that I have sent a number of amendments and modifications [2] which apparently did not reach Burton in time. He...’
151. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 January 1949; ‘Memorandum Hag 36/49 THE HAGUE, 24 January 1949 I forward herewith five copies of the speech [1] delivered by the Netherlands Foreign Minister, Mr. D.U. Stikker, on the occasion of the dinner following the annual meeting of the Netherlands Foreign Press Association on Saturday 22nd January last. 2. Mr. Stikker’s...’
152. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K256 BATAVIA, 24 January 1949, 10.30 a.m. RESTRICTED My telegram K254. [1] Supomo, Darmasetiawan and Sudjono have reported on their visit to Bangka and Prapat from January 21st to January 23rd in company with two Representatives of BFO-Djumhana, Prime Minister of Pasundan, and Ateng of East Indonesia. 2. The...’
153. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 25 January 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 25 January 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL While awaiting directions from the Security Council we have been doing our best to keep the Council informed of developments here. Military Situation Unfortunately this is not always easy; the reports from the military observers in the field are not all that...’
154. HOOD TO EVATT: 24 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN51 NEW YORK, 24 January 1949, 6.46 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL Your telegrams 44 [1] and 45. [2] I have carefully noted these points and will use them in the further handling of the matter. During last week I supported the suggestions that there would be some advantage in...’
155. NOTE FOR USE IN CABINET: 26 January 1949; ‘CANBERRA, 26 January 1949 INDONESIA NEW DELHI AND SECURITY COUNCIL PROPOSALS 1. Following the Dutch attack on the Republic of Indonesia in December, which was made in clear defiance of the jurisdiction of the United Nations Security Council, Australia has taken an active part in the formulation of measures to...’
156. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K257 BATAVIA, 25 January 1949, 12.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL On January 23rd, the Territorial Commander [1] of West Java ordered the arrest of four Republican supporters in the Pasundan, two or them elected members of the Pasundan Parliament. One of the latter is Sujoso who led the Republic supporters in...’
157. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 25 January 1949, 10.10 p.m. Following is summary of Committee Report telegraphed Security Council January 25th. [1] Begins:- (a) Republican Mission to Lake Success: request from Hatta for facilities for Sjahrir and Leimena to proceed to Lake Success was referred to Netherlands Delegation January 21st. No decision...’
158. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN56 NEW YORK, 25 January 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Council discussion today again confined to general statements. [1] Dutch being without instructions did not speak. India, Egypt and Philippines urged full account to be taken of Delhi resolution [2] without making specific proposals. Norway spoke on lines of draft...’
159. BURTON TO HOOD: 26 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 50 CANBERRA, 26 January 1949, 8.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Indonesia It was announced on the air that meeting has adjourned and that Egypt and others will not support United States Resolution [1] as it does not go far enough. I have discussed position with the Minister and his main...’
160. BURTON TO EVATT: 26 January 1949; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 26 January 1949 MEMORANDUM FOR THE MINISTER ASIAN CONFERENCE ON INDONESIA 1. Your general instruction was that we should do everything possible to ensure that the Asian Conference on Indonesia did not take any action contrary to the purposes or to the procedures of the Charter. We were...’
161. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K258 BATAVIA, 26 January 1949, 12.40 p.m. Following is a summary of a report on the military situation forwarded to the Security Council on January 24th. [1] (1) Disadvantages are arising from the location of military observers with various Netherlands Headquarters in areas recently occupied which means they are...’
162. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN61 NEW YORK, 26 January 1949, 7.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA 1. United States have been seeing other sponsors of joint resolution [1] throughout to-day and have agreed on certain minor modifications to bring draft closer to New Delhi resolution. [2] United States delegation frankly admits that the changes...’
163. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 27 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 52 CANBERRA, 27 January 1949, 8.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your 61. [1] Attitude in paragraph one is satisfactory. Take them as far as possible without upsetting prospect of successful resolution. Residency has local technical meaning but immediate environs describes it. Withdrawal point can be met in spirit of Delhi...’
164. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 January 1949; ‘Cablegram K259 BATAVIA, 27 January 1949, 1 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL If four power resolution [1] is adopted by Security Council a Commission for Indonesia will be established immediately. Although Belgium may seek delays it will be important for America and Australia to maintain the initiative here. I should therefore be...’
165. HODGSON TO BURTON: 27 January 1949; ‘Memorandum 71 PARIS, 27 January 1949 In view of certain quite incorrect reports which have appeared in the Australian press on the Indonesia case before the Security Council, and adverse comments on my criticism [1] of the Dutch, I wish you would kindly invite the attention of the Minister to...’
166. BAJPAI TO GOLLAN: 27 January 1949; ‘Letter NEW DELHI, 27 January 1949 The Prime Minister will be grateful if you will convey the following reply to Dr. Evatt’s message which you were good enough to communicate to me in your letter of the 25th January, 1949. [1] ‘Many thanks for your message. We should have been...’
167. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN64 NEW YORK, 27 January 1949, 8.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED 1. Security Council had two further meetings today without coming to a vote which now seems likely tomorrow. [1] It became known during the day that pro-Dutch elements were anxious for delay in the hope that it might be...’
168. RESOLUTION ON THE INDONESIAN QUESTION ADOPTED AT THE 406TH MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL: 28 January 1949; ‘Security Council Document S/1234 NEW YORK, 28 January 1949 RESOLUTION ON THE INDONESIAN QUESTION ADOPTED AT THE 406TH MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL, 28 JANUARY 1949 THE SECURITY COUNCIL, RECALLING its resolutions of 1 August 1947, 25 August 1947, and 1 November 1947 [1], with respect to the Indonesian Question:...’
169. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY: 29 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 17 CANBERRA, 29 January 1949, 11.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE Please give following message to Noel Baker from Minister. ‘This is a personal message, but I feel I should point out to you that five members of the British Commonwealth meeting at New Delhi have taken a definite stand on the...’
170. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN69 NEW YORK, 28 January 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia 1. Resolution [1] as amended by sponsoring powers and by Canada (who proposed provision limiting observation by United Nations of elections to Java, Sumatra and Madura) was passed by Council this evening. France abstained throughout and Argentine on all provisions...’
171. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 29 January 1949, 7.15 p.m. United Nations Commission for Indonesia held first meeting January 29th. Commission adjourned to confer with Acting Chairman of Netherlands [1] on Security Council resolution 28th January. [2] Acting Chairman reported he had received no information from Netherlands Government regarding resolution. Therefore, he...’
172. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN72 NEW YORK, 29 January 1949, 5.35 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Our 69. [1] Van Royen’s twenty two page speech [2] read before voting on resolution commenced charged that resolution amounted to imposition of United Nations ‘Guardianship’ over Netherlands. He warned that no country would ‘concede’ to the ‘sacrifices’ demanded...’
173. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 January 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, [31 January 1949], 4.55 p.m. SECRET January 31. Commission forwarded first report [1] to Security Council today. Text included first four sentences of my telegram [2] January 29 and concluded as follows. ‘Commission stressed to Acting Chairman importance of taking preliminary steps in compliance with resolution [3]...’
174. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN70 NEW YORK, 29 January 1949, 5.57 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Our 69. [1] Following amendments were made to resolution in our 41 [2] before adoption by Security Council. 1. First sentence of paragraph 2 to read ‘Calls upon the Government of the Netherlands to release immediately and unconditionally all...’
175. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 1 February 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Herewith this week’s news. Security Council Resolution [1] As a Commission, we have so far not made progress; a decision from The Hague as to the Dutch attitude to the Resolution is still impatiently awaited. I shall be surprised if the answer...’
176. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 January 1949; ‘Cablegram 93 NEW DELHI, 31 January 1949, 8.55 p.m. We have received from the Ministry of External Affairs an Aide- memoire containing suggestions for future co-operation between countries represented at the Asian Conference. These suggestions were discussed at an informal meeting called by Nehru on January 24th. The Ministry has...’
177. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K260 BATAVIA, 1 February 1949, 8 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Reliable Republican sources say that the Federalists at yesterday’s B.F.O. meeting agreed to the three conditions, irrespective of Soekarno and Hatta, for talks between the Republican leaders and the Federalists (see my telegram K256 [1]). These are:- (A) The release of...’
178. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 January 1949; ‘Cablegram UN74 NEW YORK, [31 January] 1949, 3.48 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 60. [1] Document S.1235 [2] circulated this morning contains report of first meeting of the new commission in Batavia on 29th January. Critchley will no doubt have reported negative Dutch attitude to commission’s initial approach. Unless he is...’
179. MCINTOSH TO NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSION IN CANBERRA: 2 February 1949; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 2 February 1949 INDONESIA AND ASIAN CONFERENCE Many thanks for your memorandum of 24 January and earlier memoranda enclosing copies of Australian telegrams, which have been invaluable to us in following developments in the Indonesian situation. [1] For the unfortunate misunderstanding concerning the opening date of the Delhi...’
180. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 12 THE HAGUE, 2 February 1949, 4.30 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA The following is our translation of the text of statement issued today by the Department of Overseas Territories. Official translation has not been provided. BEGINS:- It is officially announced that reports emanating from the Foreign Press Agencies regarding...’
181. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 95 NEW DELHI, 2 February 1949, 7.55 p.m. SECRET The following is a report of an interview yesterday with Bajpai following the receipt of the aide-memoire mentioned in my telegram No. 94. [1] 1. Bajpai claimed that the meeting [2] on January 24th was held entirely on Nehru’s initiative...’
182. BEASLEY TO EVATT: 2 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 33 LONDON, 2 February 1949, 9 p.m. SECRET Bevin sent for me yesterday afternoon, and after mentioning briefly why he had used a certain form of words in the Palestine debate, about which I understand you have been informed through the United Kingdom High Commissioner [1], went on to...’
183. THROSSELL TO TANGE: 3 February 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 3 February 1949 The Security Council’s resolution [1] of the 28th January provided in paragraph 3 of the operative section that negotiations are to be undertaken ‘on the basis of the principles set forth in the Linggadjati [2] and Renville [3] Agreements’. 2. The third political principle signed...’
184. GOLLAN TO BURTON: 3 February 1949; ‘Departmental Dispatch 6/49 NEW DELHI, 3 February 1949 SECRET SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE ASIAN CONFERENCE You may find interest in the accompanying articles which appeared in the ‘Hindustan Times’ of January 30th [1] and the ‘National Herald’ of January 31st. [2] The Isaacs article probably owes something to disclosures made...’
185. JAMIESON TO FORDE: 3 February 1949; ‘Note OTTAWA, 3 February 1949 The latest telegram from Canberra (No.31 [1]) is a little surprising, not to say puzzling, since the previous message (No. 29 [2]) was entirely concerned with the United States resolution [3] for the Security Council, which our Government felt was being sabotaged, but by the...’
186. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 3 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 75 CANBERRA, 3 February 1949, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA We understand Dutch are pressing United States and other Governments for few days in which to decide response to Security Council and are bringing forward alternative proposals. Questions such as cease-fire and release of prisoners call for immediate action,...’
187. KEVIN TO BURTON: 3 February 1949; ‘Memorandum NEW DELHI, 3 February 1949 ASIAN CONFERENCE Further to our despatch No. 6/49 [1] of February 3rd and to the cablegrams therein referred to, we desire to report a conversation between the Egyptian Ambassador (Ismail Kamel Bey), the High Commissioner and myself when the Ambassador called on Mr. Gollan...’
188. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 42 OTTAWA, 3 February 1949, 1.19 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 31. [1] Your message No.17 [2], of the 29th January to High Commissioner, London (repeated here as No. 29), was passed on the morning of Saturday, 29th January to the Prime Minister [3] and Secretary of State for...’
189. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 February 1949; ‘Cablegram UN87 NEW YORK, 3 February 1949, 6.39 p.m. INDONESIA Your 75 [1] and our 81. [2] 1. United States are issuing a denial of rumours that they have asked the new commission to go slow on the implementation of the Council resolution [3] to give the Dutch time. They...’
190. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K263 BATAVIA, 4 February 1949, 2 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Beel has written 3 letters to the B.F.O.:- (a) Requesting advice as to the views of the B.F.O. Conference regarding the Security Council’s resolutions [1] of 28th January. (b) Informing the Conference that Netherlands Government considers the Republican leaders who have...’
191. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K264 BATAVIA, 4 February 1949, 5.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My telegram K.263. [1] The Republican Delegation has reported as follows on the visit to Bangka yesterday, 1st February:- (1) The resolution [2] of the Security Council of 28th January which was forwarded by the Commission to the Netherlands Delegation on...’
192. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K265 BATAVIA, 4 February 1949, 5.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Koets, the Political Adviser to Beel and ‘Chef de Cabinet’ of the Government of Indonesia arranged an informal talk with Leimena. In the course of discussions, Koets expressed the following views:- (a) As Leimena had predicted to Koets some months ago,...’
193. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 453 LONDON, 4 February 1949, 6.55 p.m. RESTRICTED Your telegram 400. [1] INDONESIA In addition to his conversation with the Foreign Secretary on 1st February reported in telegram 33 [2], the High Commissioner saw the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on 4th February and stressed the need for...’
194. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 100 NEW DELHI, 4 February 1949, 8.55 p.m. SECRET In conversation with us today, the United Kingdom High Commissioner (Sir Archibald [Nye] [1]) referred to the Asian Conference, the usefulness of the Australian contribution to which he concedes. He described the conference both as a challenge and an opportunity,...’
195. DE RANITZ TO PRITCHETT: 7 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 7 February 1949 With reference to your letter of January 20th No. 20/1/2 [1] and to conversations between yourself and Jhr. de Ranitz concerning the supply of post-UNRRA relief goods from Australia to Indonesia I have the honour to provide the following information. (1) The bar on the...’
196. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 8 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 8 February 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL During the past week there has been little overt political activity here, but a great deal of manoeuvring behind the scenes. My telegram K.263 [1] sets out the response of the B.F.O. (dictated by Beel) to the conditions laid down by Hatta...’
197. PRITCHETT TO BURTON: 8 February 1949; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 8 February 1949 Further to my telegram No. 5 [1] of 6th January, the Consular Commission met again on 6th, 8th and 14th January, and 2nd February. 2. At the fourth meeting on 6th January, the Commission considered certain points raised by the Chairman of the Committee of...’
198. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 105 WASHINGTON, 7 February 1949, 8.24 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA United States still do not appear to have any clear idea as to action which should be taken by United Nations Commission. State Department officials seem to be adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude pending (a) Cochran’s report [1] from...’
199. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 15 THE HAGUE, 8 February 1949, 9.10 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Request from the Federalists for information regarding the Netherlands Government’s intentions and Cochran’s visit have intensified the search for a way out of the present impasse. Cabinet is to meet today [1] to decide on the next moves...’
200. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 52 OTTAWA, 8 February 1949, 5.47 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 31. Our 42. [1] As requested, I obtained interview with Pearson who preferred not to comment, as message was for consideration and copy was, he presumed, given to him for information only. In conversation, however, he indicated that speaking...’
201. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 9 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 75 CANBERRA, 9 February 1949, 3.10 p.m. RESTRICTED Your 105. [1] Assume you keep Hood informed. We consider Cochran has no right to act separately now that Commission is formed. Situation is most serious since there is complete failure to carry out even cease- fire and release of prisoners...’
202. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 114 WASHINGTON, 9 February 1949, 7.30 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your telegram 75. [1] State Department have not yet received report from Cochran. They claim that other members of Commission were fully informed by Lisle regarding Cochran’s itinerary and objective which was to obtain information with a view to a...’
203. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 266 BATAVIA, 10 February 1949, 12.30 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Hatta replied [1] on February 3rd to B.F.M.D. [2] invitation in terms indicated in K.264. [3] On February 5th, before Hatta’s reply had been received in Batavia, Soekarno telegraphed B.F.M.D. Chairman that he would be unable to reply to his...’
204. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 11 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 87 CANBERRA, 11 February 1949, 6.16 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your 114. [1] Position is quite clear. The Security Council has made a decision under Chapter 7 [2] of the Charter requiring the Netherlands to take certain action by February 15th. If by that date no action is taken, then...’
205. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 11 February 1949; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 11 February 1949 Attached is a rough translation of a copy of the informal proposals for an early transfer of Sovereignty, which I have referred to in my recent telegrams. [1] The proposals are attributed to East Indonesia, but the initiative was almost certainly Dutch. As expected the...’
206. FORDE TO BURTON: 11 February 1949; ‘Departmental Dispatch 8 OTTAWA, 11 February 1949 INDONESIA I refer to despatch No. D.D. 87/48 [1], telegrams Nos. 343 [2], 347 [3] and 349 [4] from this Office and, especially, to your telegram No. 17 [5] of 29th January to High Commissioner, London (repeated to Ottawa as No. 29) together...’
207. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 125 WASHINGTON, 11 February 1949, 7.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Further to UN.104 [1], we spoke to State Department today on lines of your 87. [2] They have received long report [3] from Cochran, summary of which has been cabled to United States Deputy [4] in Batavia. According to...’
208. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 February 1949; ‘Cablegram UN104 NEW YORK, 11 February 1949, 3.46 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Your Australian Embassy, Washington, 75 and 87. [1] INDONESIA In discussion today with United States Delegation, we stressed the serious view taken of position and spoke on lines of your 87. They have received nothing from Cochran, but say...’
209. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hag20 THE HAGUE, 12 February 1949, 1.34 p.m. Following is English text of official communique published on 11th February. Minister Sassen has submitted his resignation to Her Majesty The Queen, as Minister for Overseas Territories. No fundamental differences have arisen within the Cabinet on the Constitutional aims concerning the...’
210. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hag21 THE HAGUE, 12 February 1949, 2.03 p.m. RESTRICTED The resignation of Sassen as Minister for Overseas Territories is the culmination of a series of protracted and unsatisfactory Cabinet meetings. There has been a growing impatience expressed in the press at the Government’s indecision in face of the anxiety...’
211. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 14 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 14 February 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL For the last few days we have been preoccupied with the report which the Commission will send to the Security Council tomorrow. If the draft is not amended too radically it will prove a strong report placing the issue of Netherlands non-compliance...’
212. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K267 BATAVIA, 14 February 1949, 12.40 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL On February 12th, the Commission visited Bangka in response to Hatta’s invitation (K.266 [1], paragraph 4). Informal discussions were held regarding the Security Council’s resolution [2] and the problems arising from its implementation. 2. Sukarno was permitted by the Dutch...’
213. HILL TO TANGE: 15 February 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 15 February 1949 The resolution [1] adopted by the Security Council contains in para. 3(a) a recommendation for ‘the establishment of the interim Federal Government which is to be granted the powers of internal government in Indonesia during the interim period before the transfer of sovereignty’. The resolution...’
214. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 96 CANBERRA, 15 February 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL It would seem desirable to avoid any public statement on Indonesia at this juncture until the position is clearer from The Hague. At the same time you should make it clear that we have not altered our views in any way. _...’
215. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K268 BATAVIA, 15 February 1949, 12.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Cochran claims that he has not been sold a bill of goods by the Dutch and that he is in Indonesia to see that the Council’s resolution [1] is implemented. At the same time, he warns that a critical...’
216. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 31 CANBERRA, 15 February 1949, 4.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL In light of circumstances delay in furnishing report to Security Council may be agreed to. It is however important that neither Cochran nor Security Council should allow it to be implied that Dutch delay in acting upon Resolution [1] is...’
217. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PRITCHETT: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 28 CANBERRA, 15 February 1949, 3.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram No. 16 [1]-Relief supplies. We cannot agree to the suggestion in paragraph 1 which would mean that the goods would have Dutch markings instead of Australian markings. 2. We agree to Sullivan supervising the distribution of the supplies. _...’
218. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 29 CANBERRA, 15 February 1949, 5.30 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Under Commission’s terms of reference which provide for majority decision it will serve no purpose to maintain minority position. Your object should be to press Cochran as far as you can in the direction of a strong report and...’
219. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K269 BATAVIA, 15 February 1949, 4.15 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED My telegram No. K. 268. [1] Cochran believes that his recent intensive discussions [2] at The Hague are producing results and offer the only opportunity for the implementation of the 28th January resolution. [3] He is emphatically opposed to...’
220. WILLIAMS TO CHIFLEY: 16 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 16 February 1949 TOP SECRET I have been asked to let you have the enclosed message from Mr. Attlee, setting out the views of the United Kingdom Government on our future policy towards the Indonesian problem. ENCLOSURE TOP SECRET INDONESIA MESSAGE FROM MR ATTLEE The passage of the...’
221. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K270 BATAVIA, 15 February 1949, 9.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET The United States Ambassador [1] at The Hague has been informed by the Foreign Office that Sassen’s resignation will help towards implementation by the Netherlands of Security Council’s resolution [2], particularly in connection with the release of Republican leaders and...’
222. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 56 OTTAWA, 16 February 1949, 11.44 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your 87 [1] to Washington. Repeated here as 39. Canadian authorities indicate unofficially that line of policy in Council is not yet fixed and that Canada prefers to await report of Commission under proviso to Clause 3 of resolution [2]...’
223. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K271 BATAVIA, 16 February 1949, 1 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL I am disappointed with the Commission’s decision to postpone the date of its report to the Security Council as set out in my en clair telegram. [1] I was also unimpressed by Cochran’s arguments but hope to be able to modify...’
224. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 16 February 1949, 1 p.m. Following report was telegraphed to Security Council 15th February. BEGINS. Resolution [1] of Security Council of 28th January, 1949, requires that United Nations Commission for Indonesia report to Security Council and make recommendations for solution of difficulties if parties have not reached...’
225. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 128 NEW DELHI, 16 February 1949, 6.55 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET Indonesia. Bajpai yesterday expressed to us the opinion that India and Australia should adopt a common line before the Security Council if the Commission should have to report back to it. Asked to elucidate this, he felt that there...’
226. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD, BEASLEY, CRITCHLEY AND GOLLAN: 17 February 1949; ‘Cablegrams 102, 647, 32, 79 CANBERRA, 17 February 1949, 5.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED The Australian member [1] of the Indonesian Commission supported the United States representative [2] in suggesting to the Security Council that action be deferred from 15th February to 1st March, only because the United States representative having...’
227. MOODIE TO MCINTYRE: 17 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 17 February 1949 personal and confidential You may be interested to hear something about the Asian Conference in New Delhi. I am also writing to people at several other posts. As you probably gathered, there was considerable doubt in Ministerial circles as to whether participation would be justified....’
228. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 24 THE HAGUE, [17 February] 1949, 12.05 a.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL In a statement to the Second Chamber yesterday, the new Minister for Overseas Territories, Van Maarseveen, reaffirmed the government support for Van Royen’s statements [1] on the Security Council resolution. [2] On the question of continued occupation of...’
229. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 672 LONDON, 18 February 1949, 6.50 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA I understand that United States are disinclined to join United Kingdom in latter’s current representations at The Hague re bad features of Beel plan [1] and for Dutch to fulfil Security Council resolution [2] and their public undertakings because of...’
230. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 26 THE HAGUE, 18 February 1949, 5.15 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA The Minister for Overseas Territories [1] announced in the second chamber this morning that Cabinet discussions with Beel had resulted in ‘full clarification’ and that latter had expressed his full agreement with the policy outlined by the Government...’
231. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 February 1949; ‘Cablegram UN125 NEW YORK, 18 February 1949, 4.08 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 102. [1] 1. Assume statement referred to paragraph 2 your telegram was that made by Maarseveen in Netherlands Parliament 16th February. As received here this statement not entirely clear. United States Delegation are inclined to regard it as...’
232. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 135 NEW DELHI, 19 February 1949, 3.38 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 80. [1] The Indonesians have been to see Bajpai. Their attitude is to mark time and to let the Dutch fully disclose their hand. They claim that they have nothing to lose by doing this and that actually...’
233. CHIFLEY TO WILLIAMS: 21 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 21 February 1949 TOP SECRET Since receipt of your letter [1] of 16th February enclosing a top secret memorandum on Indonesia, the situation has changed in that the Netherlands Government has publicly made its position clear. It is clearly refusing to carry out the terms of the Security...’
234. BEDI TO BURTON: 21 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 21 February 1949 Further to my letter [1] of 14th February, 1949, I give below gist of communication received from the Government of India- Although more than three weeks have elapsed since the Delhi Conference ended and almost three weeks since the Council adopted its last resolution [2],...’
235. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1949; ‘Cablegram [K]272 BATAVIA, 22 February 1949, 10.20 p.m. RESTRICTED Every effort has been made to induce the Commission to withdraw its previous advice [1] to the Council but Cochran insists on waiting until 1st March to see what action the Netherlands will take towards implementing the resolution. [2] The Netherlands...’
236. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 22 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 22 February 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Cochran’s attitude on his return was disappointing. Last year his super-optimism, patience and supreme confidence in his own ability to bring the parties together were finally dissipated by the Netherlands Military action of December 19. Absence from Indonesia and his return via...’
237. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 142 NEW DELHI, 22 February 1949, 7.35 p.m. SECRET Our telegram No. 135. [1] Bajpai is becoming restless over Indonesia. He considers that time is now playing into the hands of the Dutch. He is a little apprehensive of what he describes as the Dutch attempt to make some...’
238. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 30 THE HAGUE, 22 February 1949, 6.55 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA 1. The London Times Leader, published today, seems, in the light of such information as is available here, accurate as to the facts. 2. References to the reasons for Sassen’s resignation are however too condensed. According to Hansard...’
239. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K273 BATAVIA, 23 February 1949, 11.50 p.m. RESTRICTED It is expected that an official statement on the Dutch Cabinet decisions will be given simultaneously in Batavia and The Hague on Saturday, February 26th. Palace sources say that the Dutch policy will probably be:- (1) To offer release of Republican...’
240. PRITCHETT TO SCHUURMAN: 24 February 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 24 February 1949 I have the honour to refer to your letter (PA 10/1240) [1] of 7th February concerning the supply of post-UNRRA relief goods for Indonesia from Australia. I communicated to my Government the objection of the Government of Indonesia to the distribution of those supplies being...’
241. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 24 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 89 CANBERRA, 24 February 1949, 5 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Your 142. [1] The Indian High Commissioner in Canberra has expressed similar concern. We have told him that we fully share this, and that we had in fact already instructed Australian representative on United Nations Commission on Indonesia to urge...’
242. BEDI TO BURTON: 24 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 February 1949 I have to inform you that in the course of a very appreciative letter, dated 8th February, regarding the Conference on Indonesia in New Delhi, Dr. Hatta has supplied the Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, with the following information. On 6th February, President Soekarno and the...’
243. BEDI TO BURTON: 24 February 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 24 February 1949 With reference to the situation in Indonesia, it will be remembered that the Government of India had suggested postponement of approach to the Council Members, United Kingdom Government, pending pronouncement of the policy of the Dutch Government after consultation with Dr. Beel. No comprehensive statement...’
244. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 760 LONDON, 24 February 1949, 8.27 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA I gather that the latest Beel proposal [1] which will be announced on Saturday will include the suggestion that transfer of sovereignty should take place on 1st May, 1949 and that United Nations Commission and President of the Republic should...’
245. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 February 1949; ‘Cablegram UN143 NEW YORK, 25 February 1949, 2.56 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your telegram 113. [1] If the Commission cables its report to reach here by 28th February, Security Council can probably meet to deal with it towards the end of next week. Obviously the less delay after 1st March...’
246. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 185 [25 February 1949], 8.08 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 113 [1] to Australian Delegation, United Nations Organisation, New York. State Department expect Dutch statement tomorrow to be along lines indicated by Critchley. So far as we can ascertain no special representations have yet been made to Van Kleffens or...’
247. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K274 BATAVIA, 26 February 1949, 9.15 p.m. IMPORTANT Netherlands policy on Indonesia as announced today rejects by implication the Security Council resolution [1] and proposes in its place only the calling of a round table conference to start 12th March at The Hague. 2. Invitation to appoint delegations to...’
248. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 36 THE HAGUE, 26 February 1949, 3.42 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED My telegram 30 [1] paragraph 3. Government communique this morning announces that it will seek to accelerate the transfer of sovereignty to date ‘considerably earlier’ than July 1st, 1950. (b) Lifting of the remaining restrictions on the movement...’
249. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 February 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 26 February 1949, 5.20 p.m. IMPORTANT Following is official translation of communique to be released today at 1800 hours. ‘In communique of Wednesday, 23rd February, 1949, Netherlands Government announced that important conclusions had been reached between this Government and High Representative of Crown at Batavia concerning policy...’
250. MCINTYRE TO BURTON: 28 February 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 February 1949 INDONESIA In the light of latest developments and assuming that the Commission at Batavia will be sending the Security Council today a strongly critical report of Dutch non-compliance with the Security Council’s Resolution [1], there seem to be three things on which we have to...’
251. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY AND HOOD: 28 February 1949; ‘Cablegrams 34, 117 CANBERRA, 28 February 1949, 5.26 [p.m.] IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. It is not clear at this stage what the Dutch counter proposals [1] mean in terms of a just settlement or of Republican aims. Clearly there has not been any immediate implementation of the Security Council’s decisions, but...’
252. QUINN TO EVATT: 1 March 1949; ‘Ministerial Dispatch Hag 36/49 (extract) THE HAGUE, 1 March 1949 CONFIDENTIAL [matter omitted] 6. In regard to Indonesia, Dr. Valentine stressed that he was merely speaking in his personal capacity. His remarks were nevertheless widely accepted as an expression of the United States Government viewpoint especially in regard to the...’
253. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1949; ‘Cablegram K275 BATAVIA, [28 February 1949], 12.55 a.m. RESTRICTED On Sunday, February 27th, Beel and Koets interviewed the Commission regarding the Netherlands statement of the previous day (en clair telegram [1] February 26th). In answer to questions they stated that: (a) The Republicans would be free to reside where they...’
254. ROEM TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 1 March 1949; ‘Telegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 1 March 1949, 12.55 a.m. IMPORTANT Following is text of telegram from Republican leaders at Bangka received by Commission tonight February 28th. Begins:- Latest decision of Netherlands Government as in Beel’s letter [1], handed Saturday night to President Soekarno in Muntok by Gieben, inviting Republican leaders to...’
255. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 190 WASHINGTON, 28 February 1949, 8.23 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your 117 [1] to Australian Delegation to United Nations, New York. During a Press Conference, 26th February, Van Kleffens made statement, the text of which is contained in our immediately preceding telegram. [2] It appears Van Kleffens had in...’
256. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD AND CRITCHLEY: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 120, 35 CANBERRA, 1 March 1949, 10.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 117 [1] (34 to Batavia). Further to first sentence of our paragraph 8, if United States and/or United Kingdom show themselves prepared to make the running in pressing the Dutch hard to accept terms of 28th January Resolution...’
257. BURTON TO EVATT [1]: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 99 CANBERRA, 1 March 1949, 3 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE SECRET The following would seem to be the attitude we should adopt on Indonesia. The Indians still seem to be pressing for another meeting of the Delhi conference and for consideration of sanctions. It is the Indonesians which are behind...’
258. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 February 1949; ‘Cablegram 189 WASHINGTON, 28 February 1949, 7.13 p.m. RESTRICTED Following is text of statement on Indonesia by the Netherlands Ambassador [1], 26th February. [2] The significance of the passage in the Netherlands communique [3] in respect of consultations with the Republican leaders on the location of their residence is this....’
259. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 1 March 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 1 March 1949 I enclose as Annex I [1], copies of the memoranda delivered to the United Nations Commission by the Netherlands Delegation in connection with the recent proposal for a Round Table Conference at The Hague. 2. If the Dutch in making their proposal had a good...’
260. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K276 BATAVIA, 1 March 1949, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE Chairman [1] of B.F.O. has informed High Representative of the Crown [2] that Netherlands proposal for round table conference has been hailed with approval by Assembly for federal consultation and that various delegations of B.F.O. therefore, unanimously expressed their willingness to...’
261. EVATT TO BURTON: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 164 NEW DELHI, 1 March 1949, 10.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your telegram No. 99. [1] I agree with the general analysis telegram. However, Nehru said to me yesterday that he regarded the Dutch reply [2] as indirect contradiction with the Security Council decision. [3] I think therefore that our...’
262. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 828 LONDON, 1 March 1949, 6.45 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Feeling of United Kingdom Authorities now is- (1) That Dutch announcement [1] regarding political leaders is quite unsatisfactory but that- (11) Proposal [2] for earlier transfer of sovereignty, whatever its motives, might be basis for effectuating the Security Council resolution...’
263. EVATT TO BURTON: 1 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 167 NEW DELHI, 1 March 1949, 10.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your telegram No. 99. [1] I am in agreement with most of it, but it does not seem sufficiently explicit and definite to afford definite guidance on information before me. The position seems to me to be as follows:-...’
264. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, AND CRITCHLEY: 2 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 123, 36 CANBERRA, 2 March 1949, 5.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET 1. Since our previous message [1] Dutch statement and actions have given less cause for giving them any benefit of doubt with respect to their intentions in holding the conference at The Hague. The considerations set out in that...’
265. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K277 BATAVIA, 2 [March] 1949, 12.30 p.m. RESTRICTED The Commission yesterday despatched to the Security Council a comprehensive report [1] which brings out clearly the facts of the Dutch non-compliance with the 28th January resolution. [2] The report refers the latest Netherlands counter proposals [3] to the Council for...’
266. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K278 BATAVIA, 2 March 1949, 8.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Last night Beel, complete with Gavel held a delayed Press Conference in the course of which he stated:- (a) Koets’s conversations [1] at Bangka were on the whole not unsatisfactory and were conducted in a pleasant atmosphere. There were no discussions...’
267. HOOD TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN158 NEW YORK, 2 March 1949, 4.16 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your telegram 123. [1] 1. The Commission’s report [2] was circulated only this morning and have not yet had time for useful discussion with council members. Hope to report further tomorrow if necessary by telephone. 2. President [3]...’
268. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 2 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K279 BATAVIA, [2 March 1949], 9.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL PERSONAL If at all practicable I favour strong pressure on the Dutch to accept the terms of the January 28th resolution. [1] If, however, the attitude of the United States and the United Kingdom makes this impossible, there may still be...’
269. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN162 NEW YORK, 3 March 1949, 5.07 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA My telegram UN 158. [1] Council meeting probably Monday. Will try to telephone tonight but there are as yet no positive ideas among Council members. United States say they will ‘stand by’ commission’s report [2] without being able...’
270. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY, FORDE, HOOD AND CRITCHLEY: 4 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 44, 56, 127, 39 CANBERRA, 4 March 1949, 5.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Please discuss position urgently with United Kingdom, Canadian Governments on the following lines. Within the next few days the Security Council will be called upon to determine in the light of the report [1] of 1st...’
271. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 208 WASHINGTON, 3 March 1949, 8.56 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED INDONESIA. State Department clearly do not think it possible at this stage to persuade the Dutch to comply with the letter of the January 28th Resolution. [1] Their line of approach is to press the Dutch to clarify their proposals...’
272. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K280 BATAVIA, 4 March 1949, 7.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The B.F.O. Contact Committee and the Republicans from Batavia visited the Republican leaders at Bangka on 2nd March and returned on 3rd March. 2. The Contact Committee and the Republicans informally agreed on Bangka that: (a) The Republican Government should...’
273. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 180 NEW DELHI, 4 March 1949, 9.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] The Netherlands Ambassador [2] has requested us to ask the Republicans to participate in the proposed Hague Conference. We have privately discussed the matter with Maramis and Soedarsono, who felt that the Dutch move...’
274. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 5 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 139 CANBERRA, 5 March 1949, 12.53 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your 208. [1] Please see our 127 [2] to New York of yesterday’s date. As you will see, we recognise that the Security Council may not be able to agree on measures to force the Dutch to comply with the...’
275. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN164 NEW YORK, 4 March 1949, 7.49 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Our 162. [1] 1. At informal luncheon today given by Romulo which was attended by representatives here of most of the Delhi Conference countries including myself, considerable discussion was held on possible steps open to the Security Council....’
276. GOLLAN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 182 NEW DELHI, 5 March 1949, 3.20 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA According to Bajpai, Soekarno has written to Beel saying that he is hopeful of a Hague Conference provided the Indonesians can first function as a Government. Soekarno also insists that any such meeting must be without prejudice to member...’
277. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN165 NEW YORK, 4 March 1949, 12.21 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA My 164. [1] 1. In a letter of 2nd March to President of Security Council notifying proposal to hold Round Table Conference at The Hague, Netherlands Representative here claimed there was ‘Complete identity’ between aims of Council and those...’
278. EVATT TO BURTON: 5 March 1949; ‘Cablegram External 1 LONDON, 5 March 1949, 2.02 p.m. PERSONAL INDONESIA Reviewing my earlier telegram [1] from Delhi my views are as follows. 1. The Dutch have clearly failed to carry out the Security Council’s decision. The Commission will no doubt report this with appropriate comment. Your own comment that...’
279. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K281 BATAVIA, [3] March 1949, 3 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Following return of the Contact Committee from Bangka (K280 [1]) the B.F.O. met tonight 3rd March, and unanimously and with acclamation passed a resolution appealing to: (1) The Dutch to meet two Republican conditions set out in paragraph 2...’
280. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K282 BATAVIA, 5 March 1949, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My telegram K281. [1] B.F.O. this morning, March 5th, failed to reach a decision and adjourned till March 10th. There is therefore no possibility of representatives visiting Bangka before March 11th. It appears at least Hamid (West Borneo) Mansoor (East...’
281. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 74 OTTAWA, 5 March 1949, 3.04 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA My telegram 56. [1] Have been unable discuss matter with Pearson who has been in Western Ontario for some days, and will not return to Ottawa until Monday March 7th. In view of urgency I have seen Reid, Acting...’
282. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 7 March 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 7 March 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Today Batavia is still buzzing with rumours and information as the news conveyed in my telegrams K.280, K.281 and K.282 [1] seeps through. Attachment 1 [2] is a translation of the B.F.O. Resolution in question. You will see that it is definite...’
283. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 7 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 112 CANBERRA, 7 March 1949, 10.55 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL IMMEDIATE Your 180. [1] We agree entirely with analysis. If Conference is convened it is acceptable only if convened and chaired by United Nations and only after prisoners have been released and Government established so that Republican leaders can speak with...’
284. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K283 BATAVIA, 7 March 1949, 8 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED I understand that Cochran has now advised the State Department on lines similar to those set out in your telegram 39 [1] except that he does not consider the Conference should be held at the Security Council’s invitation. He does...’
285. MCMILLAN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 18 PAKISTAN, 7 March 1949, 2.05 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Am taking the liberty of repeating to London No. 2, for the information of Dr. Evatt. The Government has asked me to present, for the information of the Prime Minister [1], copy of the Pakistan Prime Minister’s [2] reply, dated...’
286. FORDE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 March 1949; ‘Departmental Dispatch 13 OTTAWA, 8 March 1949 CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA I refer to your telegram No. 56 [1] (No. 44 to London, repeated to New York as No. 127) of 4th March, 1949, on the above subject and to my reply No. 74 [2] of 5th March, 1949. 2. My latest...’
287. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD AND CRITCHLEY: 10 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 135, 42 CANBERRA, 10 March 1949, 4 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA There have been no developments in the last few days such as to call for any departure from views expressed in our 127. [1] As will have seen from Critchley’s last telegram [2], the Dutch continue to refuse to...’
288. HILL TO TANGE: 10 March 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 10 March 1949 INDONESIA It was reported in the A.B.C. News session this morning that the proposed conference at The Hague has been postponed indefinitely because of the refusal of the Indonesians to attend. The postponement of the Conference has obviously been caused by the attitude of both...’
289. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K284 BATAVIA, 10 March 1949, 5.50 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Following the presentation of its supplementary report 7th March (K.283 [1] paragraph [4]), the Commission received a letter [2] dated 8th March from the Netherlands regarding the Republican account of Koets’s clarifications (K.283 paragraph 5). This letter pointed out that...’
290. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN183 BATAVIA, 10 March 1949, 11.42 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My 165. [1] Council meeting [2] today opened with statement by Van Royen which indicated no advance in Netherlands position. Statement claimed that Netherlands and Security Council were both seeking same objective and that only difference was one of procedure....’
291. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K285 BATAVIA, 11 March 1949, 3.15 p.m. RESTRICTED Palar has telegraphed Bangka that Sukarno’s letter 4th March (K.280 [1] paragraph 5) created ‘dangerous confusion’ at Lake Success. He, therefore, asks for a public re-interpretation ‘in order to freeze situation on an International level’. 2. Following Commission’s visit to Bangka...’
292. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 11 March 1949, 1.10 p.m. Following is text of letter [1] dated 10th March from Republican Delegation to Commission telegraphed to Security Council today. Begins- As misunderstandings appear to have been created by President Sukarno’s reply [2] of 4th March to invitation of High Representative of Crown,...’
293. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN185 NEW YORK, 11 March 1949, 9.21 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My 135. [1] 1. At resumed council meeting [2] to-day speakers were India, Belgium, Australia, Canada and China. 2. India said that main objective was to reach settlement but that council should not rule out Dutch proposal for...’
294. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K286 BATAVIA, 12 March 1949, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Republican sources from Djokjakarta and Solo report that the Netherlands Army has instituted a terrorist campaign worse than anything experienced under the Japanese. According to Sjahrir the Dutch are endeavouring to break by physical means the spirit of the people....’
295. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD AND CRITCHLEY: 14 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 142, 44 CANBERRA, 14 March 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Your UN.185. [1] While Chinese suggestion may at first sight appear worth adopting we do not feel that it should be gone into until we see how matters develop. You will note (see our telegram 141 [2]) that Critchley does...’
296. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 1049 LONDON, 14 March 1949, 8.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Noel-Baker and McNeil this afternoon outlined to all High Commissioners the attitude of the United Kingdom to MacNaughton’s suggestion [1] that ‘without prejudice to Security Council’s Resolution [2] on 28th January’ a meeting should be arranged under the United...’
297. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN191 NEW YORK, 14 March 1949, 12.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My 185. [1] 1. Council meeting today [2] inconclusive and was taken up largely with general statements by Pakistan, Egypt, Soviet Union and United Kingdom. 2. In short intervention, Palar (Indonesia) said that the Canadian suggestion was based...’
298. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 15 March 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 15 March 1949 This week I am attaching the interesting Dutch documents. The first [1] is a confidential memorandum to the members of the States-General, from a number of officials, Dutch and Indonesian, in the Netherlands Indies Service. Although I have not seen the original of this document,...’
299. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K287 BATAVIA, 15 March 1949, 4.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 44. [1] The reference in my telegram to ‘awkward questions regarding Republican participation’ in suggested negotiations was based on the following factors:- (a) The Republican leaders at Bangka are regarded by the populace as being more or less...’
300. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN192 NEW YORK, 15 March 1949, 5.01 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My telegram 191. [1] Following is United States text referred to in para 7 of my 191. ‘It is the sense of the Security Council that U.N.C.F.I., without prejudicing the Council’s resolution [2] of January 28 and the...’
301. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN194 NEW YORK, 16 March 1949, 9.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My 192. [1] 1. Council discussion today [2] was continued by Norway, France, Cuba, Australia, Philippines, Netherlands and Ukraine. 2. Both Norway and France pressed for agreement with Canadian- Chinese proposal. [3] Cuba took satisfactory line against non-...’
302. DEXTER TO MCINTYRE: 18 March 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 18 March 1949 INDONESIA WEAKENING OF NETHERLANDS ATTITUDE Since the beginning of the year the Netherlands’ actions have been remarkably inconsistent with what was surely the object of the second Police action, namely, liquidation of the Republic and its leaders. First they freed Sjahrir and then they allowed...’
303. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD AND CRITCHLEY: 18 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 151, 52 CANBERRA, [18 March 1949] INDONESIA Your telegrams U.N. 192 and 194. [1] You should continue to do all you can to persuade the Council to stand firm on compliance with January resolution. [2] We feel it is inevitable that the Council will adopt some form of resolution...’
304. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 21 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 153 CANBERRA, 21 March 1949, 11.30 a.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED We consider that it is most important that no conference should be convened at The Hague. New York, Ceylon, Australia, are among alternatives. Effect of Hague would be bad and you should resist it. _ _ [AA : A1838,...’
305. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 22 March 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 22 March 1949 For the past week we have been waiting on the Security Council. The delay, combined with the progress reports already received, indicates more than a little confusion in Lake Success. However if, as I hope, the delay means a strengthening of the Council’s attitude, it...’
306. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN207 NEW YORK, [21 March 1949], 10.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA My UN.194. [1] 1. Council discussion today [2] produced very little that was new. India, Pakistan and Indonesia were main speakers. All three took the line that any preliminary meeting to be acceptable and consistent with Council resolution...’
307. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K288 BATAVIA, 22 March 1949, 5.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Keng Po, Chinese Batavia daily, published a report on March 15th of an attack by three hundred Dutch airborne troops on Wonosari, a town about twenty miles south east of Djokjakarta. Yesterday, March 21st, the commission received a telegram from Roem...’
308. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 213 NEW DELHI, 22 March 1949, 3.50 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram No. 133. [1] The Indian Government understand from Maramis here, and Palar in New York that the Dutch have deprived Jogjakarta of its physical administrative facilities. In these circumstances, Bajpai has accepted the view of these two...’
309. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 215 NEW DELHI, 22 March 1949, 4.50 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 134. [1] Bajpai agrees with your views but before committing his Government he will see Nehru. 2. Bajpai would like your advice as to how approach to Assembly should be made. He sees slight difficulty since Security...’
310. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN208 NEW YORK, 22 March 1949, 2.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My telegram 207. [1] In the course of his statement yesterday in the Security Council, Palar said that the Dutch were destroying buildings and removing administrative and other equipment from Djokjakarta, apparently with the aim of making it...’
311. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 23 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 158 CANBERRA, 23 March 1949, 5.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your 208. [1] Indonesia. Only information we have to support Palar’s charges comes from an article written from Djokjakarta on 18th February by Harold Isaacs of ‘Newsweek’. This includes the following: ‘The Dutch have made very little headway in restoring civil...’
312. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN211 NEW YORK, 23 March 1949, 10.54 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA My 208. [1] 1. Council today adopted by 8 votes the following text of message to U.N.C.I. proposed by Canada. ‘It is the sense of the Security Council that U.N.C.I., in accordance with the Council’s resolution [2] of...’
313. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K289 BATAVIA, 24 March 1949, 4.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 58 [1] was received after Security Council resolution. [2] Palar’s charges of destruction of buildings in Djokjakarta are not borne out by the observations of military observers, Cutts or other deputies. There has been information that the Netherlands military...’
314. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 24 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 139 CANBERRA, 24 March 1949, 5.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your 215. [1] There is no difficulty about placing item on agenda and discussing it under Article 12 [2], that is discussion and possibly adoption of resolution expressing views but without recommendation. This was what Asian Conference had in mind. Would...’
315. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 221 NEW DELHI, 24 March 1949, 6.50 p.m. IMPORTANT India’s determination to remain aloof from power blocs was repeated yesterday by Nehru in an address to the Indian Council of World Affairs. He thought that any attempt to go too far in one direction would create difficulties within India...’
316. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K290 BATAVIA, 25 March 1949, 11.58 p.m. The Commission met this afternoon March 25th to discuss:- (a) request of the Council for a report on the damage to Djokjakarta. (b) influence of the Council’s directive [1] of March 23rd. 2. I sought an early visit to Djokjakarta as a...’
317. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 225 NEW DELHI, 26 March 1949, 12.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 139. [1] Bajpai states India has already instructed their United Nations Representative [2] to prepare for informal conference. India feels it would be desirable to discuss at this conference addition of Indonesia to Assembly agenda. He feels also...’
318. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K291 BATAVIA, 26 March 1949, 8.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Commission has now suggested to the Delegations of the Netherlands and of the Republic that as a first step in compliance with the Security Council’s directive [1] of March 23rd discussions be held in Batavia beginning March 30th. The Republican Delegation...’
319. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 March 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 26 March 1949, 3.15 p.m. Following is text of telegram [1] despatched by Commission today 26th March to Security Council. Begins- Commission acknowledges receipt of telegram dated 23rd March, 1949, from President of Security Council to Chairman of Commission requesting report on alleged damage in city of...’
320. DEXTER TO MCINTYRE: 28 March 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 28 March 1949 CHAOS OR UNITY IN INDONESIA 1. Now that the adoption of the Canadian resolution [1] has provided the Dutch with a face-saver it is possible that they may allow the Republican leaders to have a meeting in Djocjakarta as a change from Bangka. It is...’
321. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K29[2] BATAVIA, 28 March 1949, 10.20 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED At the invitation of Republican Leaders, the Commission visited Bangka today to clarify its suggestion of discussions in Batavia (K290 [1]). 2. Cochran expressed the personal hope that both parties would accept this suggestion unconditionally. While agreeing that the Republicans...’
322. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 226 NEW DELHI, 28 March 1949, 7.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Our 225. [1] Instructions which the Indian Government sent to their permanent United Nations representative (Sen) on 22nd March are paraphrased in my immediately following telegram from which it will be seen that at that period the Indian...’
323. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 227 NEW DELHI, 28 March 1949, 7.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET My immediately preceding telegram. [1] Paraphrase begins:- ‘We have been approached by the Government of Australia to join them in an endeavour to place the Indonesian question on the agenda of the General Assembly. Please refer to part C...’
324. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 228 NEW DELHI, 28 March 1949, 7.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 227. [1] My Dear High Commissioner. Reference your visit this morning. I attach a paraphrase of a telegram which we sent to our representative in New York, on March 22nd. As you will see, he has already been...’
325. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 29 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 229 NEW DELHI, 29 March 1949, 3.35 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Our 226. [1] The Government of Australia have again telegraphed enquiry whether we would be agreeable to sponsor a joint Indian-Australian resolution to bring the question of Indonesia on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the General Assembly....’
326. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 233 NEW DELHI, 28 March 1949, 7.40 p.m. IMPORTANT Our 232. [1] Following is text:- ‘The approval of the Canadian proposal [2] by the Security Council means weakening of its resolution [3] of January 28th, since the Canadian proposal aims at reaching an ‘agreement’ as to the implementation of...’
327. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN216 NEW YORK, 28 March 1949, 7.14 p.m. MOST IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Indian Delegation here received instructions last week [1] and again yesterday [2] to concert with us in seeking inclusion of Indonesia on Assembly Agenda. Their instructions said that this was being undertaken at suggestion of Australian Government...’
328. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 29 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 146 CANBERRA, 29 March 1949, 3.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Indian representative [1] at New York has received instructions [2] to join with Australia in placing Indonesia on agenda. Meeting of Asian group takes place in New York tomorrow and we have instructed Hood to join with Indian representative in...’
329. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HOOD: 29 March 1949; ‘Cablegrams 168 CANBERRA, 29 March 1949, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL 1. Government endorsed the Delhi resolution [1] placing Indonesia on the agenda of the Assembly if no satisfactory settlement had been reached by April. We communicated with New Delhi to ascertain what action they proposed and suggested we might act...’
330. QUINN TO BURTON: 30 March 1949; ‘Memorandum THE HAGUE, 30 March 1949 PROPOSED ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE IN THE HAGUE - DR BEEL’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN BATAVIA The following account of the Press Conference held in Batavia by the High Representative of the Crown, Dr. Louis Beel, on 1st March is derived from Dutch press sources. While...’
331. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 March 1949; ‘Cablegram UN219 NEW YORK, 30 March 1949, 6.23 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA At meeting of Delhi representatives today some objections were raised to the inclusion of Indonesia as agenda item chiefly by Iran, Egypt and Iraq. China also expressed some doubts on the ground that action would not be favoured...’
332. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 31 March 1949; ‘Cablegram 63 CANBERRA, 31 March 1949, 6 p.m. Fact that economic blockade still exists is being lost sight of from point of view of conditions of preliminary discussions. It would seem to be at least as important as re-establishment of the capital. Please advise position. _ _ [AA : A1838,...’
333. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 March 1949; ‘Cablegram K293 BATAVIA, 31 March 1949, 3 p.m. RESTRICTED Netherlands have agreed to participate in discussions in Batavia suggested by the Commission (K291 [1]). The letter [2] of acceptance stresses ‘That it is the sense of the offer to the Council that suggested that discussions will be held without prejudicing...’
334. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 April 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, [3 April 1949], 1.30 a.m. Roem has replied [1] accepting Commission’s invitation to discussions in Batavia. However, in order to avoid grave misunderstandings among Republican leaders and among Indonesian population, he stresses that his participation must necessarily be limited at least in early stages of discussions. 2....’
335. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 4 April 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 4 April 1949 Although I did not say so in my last letter [1], I presume you understood I was disappointed with the Security Council’s failure on 23 March to take a direct line [2] as a consequence of the Netherlands refusal to comply with the earlier January...’
336. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 255 NEW DELHI, 4 April 1949, 4.55 p.m. SECRET Our 216. [1] Bajpai informs us that Nehru now proposes that representatives in Delhi of those countries who attended the Asian Conference on Indonesia, should have ‘an informal chat’ on April 16th before his departure for London. _ 1 Dispatched...’
337. HILL TO BURTON: 5 April 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 5 April 1949 DRAFT RESOLUTION ON INDONESIA Attached herewith is a draft resolution [1] which it is considered might be submitted to the General Assembly. The resolution has been drafted in such a manner as to take account of the limited powers of the General Assembly in relation...’
338. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 261 NEW DELHI, 5 April 1949, 7.05 p.m. SECRET Our 255. [1] Discussion will now take place on April 13th. According to a letter [2] received this morning from Bajpai, it will deal with the present situation in Indonesia. He said this afternoon that no other subject will be...’
339. ATTLEE TO CHIFLEY: 5 April 1949; ‘Cablegram H174 LONDON, 5 April 1949, 9.58 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs [1] has had an opportunity of discussing Indonesia with the United States Secretary of State [2] in Washington. 2. The United States attitude is broadly similar to our own; whilst there are still many...’
340. BURTON TO CRITCHLEY: 6 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 67 CANBERRA, 6 April 1949, 5.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL I shall be leaving here for London with the Prime Minister by Constellation on 15th April. [1] Unless circumstances make it impossible for you to leave Batavia, I should like to discuss Indonesian situation with you in Singapore on my way...’
341. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 6 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K294 BATAVIA, 6 April 1949, 3.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 63. [1] The Netherlands policy has always been to use economic controls for political purposes and there is little doubt that most territories not under Dutch control are denied commercial intercourse and lack such essentials as medicine and clothing....’
342. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 178 CANBERRA, 6 April 1949, 6.05 p.m. RESTRICTED Republic and Netherlands have accepted United Nations Commission’s invitation to discussions in Batavia, subject to certain conditions. [1] Republic (Roem) would ‘only be able to discuss initially practical details of restoration of Republican Government at Djokjakarta’. This initial limitation necessary to...’
343. AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO NOEL-BAKER: 7 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 60 CANBERRA, 7 April 1949, 5.45 [p.m.] RESTRICTED Your H. 174. [1] Our representatives at Batavia have no confidence that preliminary discussions which should commence next week at Batavia will lead to any agreement regarding the re-establishment of the Republican Government or the other conditions which were regarded as...’
344. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 266 NEW DELHI, 7 April 1949, 7.10 p.m. SECRET INDONESIA Following is the text of a letter which Maramis, Foreign Minister in the Emergency Government of the Republic, has addressed to Bajpai. Begins- Though the Canadian proposal [1] approved by the Security Council does not offer any guarantee that...’
345. DEXTER TO MCINTYRE: 8 April 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 8 April 1949 THE FUTURE IN INDONESIA 1. PRESENT POSITION Both Dutch and Republicans have accepted the United Nations Commission’s invitation to discussions in Batavia subject to certain conditions. [1] The Republicans [will] only discuss initial[ly] practical details concerning the restoration of the Government to Djocjacarta. The Dutch...’
346. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 8 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 181 CANBERRA, 8 April 1949, 10 p.m. RESTRICTED Our previous telegram. [1] Draft resolution. begins- whereas by the Linggadjati Agreement [2] the representatives of the Netherlands Government and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia expressed a sincere desire to ensure good relations between the peoples of the Netherlands...’
347. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 8 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 182 CANBERRA, 8 April 1949, 11.30 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL By Prime Minister to Prime Minister telegram [1], Commonwealth Relations Office has informed us of discussion between Bevin and Acheson on Indonesia indicating that there is joint agreement that the preliminary meeting at Batavia affords an opportunity not to be missed...’
348. USMAN TO BURTON: 9 April 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 April 1949 Referring to our recent conversation on the possibility of the return of the Republican government to Jocjacarta, I should like to draw your attention for the following: a) according to reports of the U.N. Commission on Indonesia Republican government buildings at Jocjacarta have been emptied...’
349. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 April 1949; ‘Cablegram UN236 NEW YORK, 8 April 1949, 8.16 p.m. RESTRICTED General Committee today recommended inclusion of Indonesian question on Agenda. Vote 11 to 1 (Belgium) with United Kingdom and France abstaining. Move to postpone decision on ground that preliminary talks were about to commence was defeated 10 to 4 (United...’
350. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISISON IN NEW DELHI: 11 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 163 CANBERRA, 11 April 1949, 12.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Indonesia Your 261. [1] We are sending you by separate telegram [2] text of a draft resolution which we have prepared for submission to the Assembly. We have sent it to the Minister in New York. It has not his...’
351. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K296 BATAVIA, 10 April 1949, 2.15 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED Military observers in Bandung have received information from a usually reliable source that one of the Siliwangi battalions near the town received a Dutch ultimatum on 8th April, expiring 10th April, that it must agree to co-operate with the Dutch...’
352. HILL TO BURTON: 11 April 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 11 April 1949 INDONESIA AND SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGIONAL GROUP THE NEW ZEALAND ATTITUDE In view of the likelihood of discussions between the Prime Ministers [1] of Australia and New Zealand on the subject of Indonesia and the South East Asian regional organization the following summary of the...’
353. TANGE TO BURTON: 12 April 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 12 April 1949 REQUEST BY REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA FOR A LOAN 1. The subject is to be discussed in New Delhi tomorrow. 2. The Minister’s statement [1] (approved by the Prime Minister) on July 9, 1947, made an offer of the ‘good offices’ of the Australian Government on...’
354. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 273 NEW DELHI, 11 April 1949, 7.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Indonesia Our 261. [1] Bajpai informed us this morning that Wednesday’s meeting would discuss the following- (i) Whether the Dutch should be denounced before the General Assembly in the event of no satisfactory treatment of the issue being forthcoming....’
355. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISISON IN NEW DELHI: 12 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 165 CANBERRA, 12 April 1949, 8.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Your 273 [1], paragraph 2. We have now had letter [2] from Republican representative here in somewhat similar terms to that [3] of Maramis. In any informal exchange of views at Wednesday’s meeting you should take the line that we...’
356. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 April 1949; ‘Cablegram UN240 NEW YORK, 11 April 1949, 6.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your 180. [1] While your scepticism about Batavia talks (your 182 [2]) is shared, we are of the opinion that it might be unwise at this stage to discuss with India a resolution as comprehensive as the one contained in...’
357. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 April 1949; ‘Memorandum NEW DELHI, 13 April 1949 INDONESIA INFORMAL MEETING OF ASIAN REPRESENTATIVES NEW DELHI 13TH APRIL 1949 Heads of missions representing those countries who attended the Asian Conference in New Delhi last January met at the Ministry of External Affairs this morning under the chairmanship of Mr. Nehru. The Prime...’
358. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 April 1949; ‘Cablegram UN243 NEW YORK, 12 April 1949, 7.34 p.m. IMMEDIATE INDONESIA Plenary today admitted to agenda by vote of 41 to 3 with 12 abstentions. Netherlands, South Africa and Belgium voted against, and other European powers abstained. U.S.A. voted in favour. Norwegian proposal to delay consideration of item was defeated...’
359. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 13 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 167 CANBERRA, 13 April 1949, 12 noon MOST IMMEDIATE Our 163 and 164. [1] Our following telegram [2] contains text of message received from New York. In the light of this you should regard draft resolution only as very tentative basis for discussion, and emphasize that delay in discussion...’
360. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 281 NEW DELHI, 13 April 1949, 6.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET INDONESIA Our 282. [1] Representatives of Australia, India, Siam, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, China, Ceylon, Burma and Afghanistan met this morning under the Chairmanship of Nehru. 2. Despite Bajpai’s assurances before-hand that discussions would be informal, we were confronted at...’
361. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 282 NEW DELHI, 13 April 1949, 3.30 p.m. Our 281. [1] Following is text of draft resolution. ‘The Representatives of Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, Ceylon, China, Egypt, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Siam and India recommend to their respective Governments: (a) that, in the event of no agreement being reached in Batavia...’
362. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K297 BATAVIA, 13 April 1949, 4 p.m. 1. Van Royen arrived on April 12th and preliminary discussions will begin on Thursday April 14th. 2. The attitudes of the parties are in direct conflict. The Republican leaders claim they are unable to take decisions until they are restored as a...’
363. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K298 BATAVIA, 14 April 1949, 4 p.m. Full dress discussions between the parties commenced this morning. Cochran as chairman urged both delegations to go to the limit of their authority to reach agreement on the matters referred to in Security Council’s directive [1] of March 23rd. 2. Van Royen...’
364. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 15 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 196 CANBERRA, 15 April 1949, 11 p.m. RESTRICTED Our 180. [1] Representatives of Australia, India, Siam, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, China, Ceylon, Burma and Afghanistan met on 13th April in New Delhi under Chairmanship of Nehru. 2. Despite Bajpai’s assurances beforehand that discussions would be informal meeting was confronted at...’
365. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K299 BATAVIA, 16 April 1949, 7.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED At this morning’s meeting Roem submitted a working paper [1] on the restoration of Republican Government to Djokjakarta which expressly invokes section four (F) as well as section two of the operative parts of the 28th January resolution. [2] Main...’
366. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 19 April 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 19 April 1949 This week my letter will consist of the notes I have given Burton at Singapore. Unfortunately I have not a spare copy of the analysis [1] of the military situation which I attached to the notes but you will be able to get this from...’
367. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K300 BATAVIA, [19 April 1949], 5.30 p.m. RESTRICTED At this morning’s meeting Van Royen stated that he was not in a position to give his delegation’s answer to the Republican Working Paper (K.299 [1]) but that he would possibly be able to do so on Friday or Saturday this...’
368. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EVATT: 20 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 202 CANBERRA, 20 April 1949, 4.40 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Burton has discussed Indonesian situation with Critchley, who agrees that the best procedure is to hold off Assembly discussion until current negotiations at Batavia have had a chance. Critchley is most pessimistic about the result and believes that the threat of...’
369. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 April 1949; ‘Cablegram K301 BATAVIA, 21 April 1949, 8.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Please repeat to London for Burton. The Netherlands Delegation has submitted today a reply to the Republican Working Paper [1] (K.300 [2]). 2. ‘The Netherlands Government is prepared to agree to a return of the Republican Government to Djokjakarta, provided that...’
370. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 April 1949; ‘Cablegram 364 WASHINGTON, 20 April 1949, 8.11 p.m. RESTRICTED Indonesia. Yesterday 23 Republican Senators requested the President to take steps through the United Nations to enforce the United Nations decisions in the dispute between the Netherlands and Indonesia. The request arose out of recent Senate Debate on E.R.P. when compromise...’
371. PRITCHETT TO BURTON: 29 April 1949; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 29 April 1949 I refer to my telegram No. 65 [1] of to-day’s date concerning the Relief Supplies for Indonesia. 2. With regard to the Netherlands proposal that they should substitute textiles of a neutral colour from their own stocks for those textiles among the Australian supplies coloured...’
372. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K302 BATAVIA, 2 May 1949, 10.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Following the submission of the Netherlands Delegation reply [1] to the Republican Working Paper [2], (see my telegram K.301 [3]), Hatta came to Batavia on 24th April for informal discussions with Van Royen. The Republican Delegation and Hatta agreed on...’
373. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K303 BATAVIA, 3 May 1949, 3.30 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Roem returned from Bangka last night, 2nd May, with approved texts of the compromise statements. They are the same as set out in paragraphs 6 and 7 of my telegram K.302 [1], except that:- (a) Soekarno’s assurances, as well as...’
374. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K304 BATAVIA, [4 May 1949], 6.25 p.m. IMMEDIATE PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL The Netherlands delegation has rejected the Republican drafts of the compromise statements (see K.303 [1]) and has now submitted the following amendments:- (a) Republican statement-addition of ‘in accordance with the “Renville principles [2]” after the phrases ‘complete sovereignty to...’
375. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K305 BATAVIA, 4 May 1949, 2.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL I have talked to Cochran about his recent unilateral activities. [1] He explains that he originally helped the parties to get together at their request, and did not intend to break into their informal talks. Towards the end of last...’
376. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 5 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K306 BATAVIA, [5 May 1949], 6.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL The parties are now seeking final consultation on the following statement which will be telegraphed by the Netherlands Delegation to The Hague today (5th May) and taken by Roem to Bangka tomorrow. (a) Republican statement. [1] ‘As Chairman of the...’
377. HATTA TO PRITCHETT: 6 May 1949; ‘Letter BANGKA, 6 May 1949 I have the honour to refer to the current discussions in Djakarta under the auspices of the United Nations Commission for Indonesia. As you know, one of the important subjects under consideration is the restoration of the Republican Government to Jogjakarta which, we are hopeful,...’
378. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY AND HOOD: 6 May 1949; ‘Cablegrams 1912, 227 CANBERRA, 6 May 1949, 5.25 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Situation in Indonesia will be discussed by the Assembly early next week. It is desired that you follow up the remarks made by the Prime Minister at the recent conference [1] and discuss with United Kingdom authorities attitude which...’
379. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 6 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 226 CANBERRA, 6 May 1949, 5.30p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Immediately following telegram [1] is text of message sent to High Commissioner’s Office, London. We had originally prepared a stronger message but in view of K.306 [2] from Batavia already repeated to you it was not sent. We have not...’
380. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO BEASLEY AND HOOD: 7 May 1949; ‘Cablegrams 1920, 231 CANBERRA, 7 May 1949 IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Our 1912. [1] The Republican Government has now approved the proposals contained in our 1913. [2] They have indicated, however, that these latest proposals are the limit of their concessions and in event of rejection by Dutch negotiations will reach deadlock....’
381. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K307 BATAVIA, 7 May 1949, 3.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 79. [1] In considering the apparent change in the Dutch attitude, it should be remembered that the Netherlands delegation has been pursuing bargaining tactics and testing out Republican reactions to see how far the Republican delegation could be...’
382. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 7 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 7 May 1949 Since the commencement of the current talks in Batavia, I have had little time for letter-writing. However, my telegrams (Nos K.298 to K. 309 [1]) give a full account of the exchanges between the parties since the commencement of the talks on 14 April, and...’
383. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 1845 LONDON, 7 May 1949, 1.28 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL 1. Your telegram 1912. [1] Have discussed present situation fully with Foreign Office and as result British Ambassador [2] at The Hague has been instructed to see Stikker today to impress on Dutch need for intelligent and prompt consideration of...’
384. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K308 BATAVIA, [7 May 1949], 4.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED The Netherlands Government is prepared to accept draft statements set out in K.306 [1] subject to an understanding on the use of Maguwo airfield. In final drafting there may be one or two minor changes of wording and the order...’
385. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K309 BATAVIA, [7 May 1949], 8.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Parties met this afternoon under the auspices of U.N.C.I. when the Van Royen - Roem statements were agreed upon. The only significant changes to the drafts in K.306 [1] were one of the words ‘restoration of peace and in’ before...’
386. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 9 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 237 CANBERRA, 9 May 1949, 5.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Fact that Netherlands and Republican Governments have now reached agreement [1] on terms of a preliminary settlement for restoration of Republican Government in Djokjakarta will condition the manner in which Indonesian item is to be handled by the Assembly. Our...’
387. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered NEW YORK, 9 May 1949, 7.33 p.m. IMMEDIATE Following is text of resolution submitted by Australia and India in Ad Hoc Committee today. 1. ‘The General Assembly, noting the outcome of preliminary negotiations between the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia in Batavia as announced [1] on 7th...’
388. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 9 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 181 CANBERRA, 9 May 1949, 4.40 p.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA You will by now have learnt that Dutch and Republican Governments have reached agreement on terms of a preliminary settlement [1] for restoration of Republican Government in residency of Djokjakarta to be followed by round table conference at The...’
389. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY AND HOOD: 9 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 81, 235 CANBERRA, 9 May 1949, 3.55 p.m. IMMEDIATE PRIORITY CONFIDENTIAL Your K.307. [1] Results so far are most satisfactory and Cochran and you are to be congratulated for persistence and tolerance. We should be glad if, informally, you would convey appropriate message of appreciation to Cochran. Clearly the...’
390. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K310 BATAVIA, 9 May 1949, 10.55 p.m. IMPORTANT TOP SECRET At an informal meeting of the parties with U.N.C.I. this evening, 9th May, representatives were appointed to the two sub-committees. Deputies of members will represent the Commission on sub-committee 1 on the ‘return to Djokjakarta’. This sub-committee will proceed...’
391. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 10 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 82 CANBERRA, 10 May 1949 Your K.310. [1] Much will depend on degree to which Dutch are proposed actively to assist in re-establishment of capital. Agreement to set up capital is meaningless if no assistance afforded. Administration should be functioning effectively before Hague Conference is called. _ 1 Document...’
392. JAMIESON TO PEARSON: 10 May 1949; ‘Letter OTTAWA, 10 May 1949 In the absence of the High Commissioner [1], I have the honour to inform you that, in a communication recently received, the Australian Government intimated its reactions to the Agreement [2] between The Netherlands and the Indonesian Republican Government recently reached at Batavia for terms...’
393. PRITCHETT TO DE RANITZ: 10 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 10 May 1949 With reference to your Note [1] (No. PA.10/4380) of 23rd April, in which you suggest preliminary arrangements for the proposed substitution by the Government of Indonesia of textiles for those textiles among the Australian Government’s post-U.N.R.R.A. relief supplies to the distribution of which the Government...’
394. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K311 BATAVIA, 10 May 1949, 7.15 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Thank you for your telegram No. 81. [1] I agree that the pending Assembly discussion has been a useful pressure, and that our difficulties may increase after the session. For this reason and in order to solidify the Republican movement,...’
395. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 May 1949; ‘Cablegram UN304 NEW YORK, 10 May 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Australian-Indian resolution [1] deferring the question of Indonesia to 4th session was passed by 42 to 6 (4 abstentions). Romulo persisted with his ruling that the resolution was a motion for adjournment and applied rule 105. [2] The Soviet group...’
396. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 306 NEW DELHI, [11 May 1949], 3.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 181. [1] INDONESIA Bajpai agrees on the importance of the Republican leaders maintaining a united front. He says the Indian Government has been acting in the manner you suggest and will continue to do so. As regards your...’
397. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PRITCHETT: 12 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 84 CANBERRA, 12 May 1949, 12,15 p.m. RESTRICTED Your No. 74. [1] It is not clear whether the suggestion is there should be loaned from the public administration a suitable officer or whether it is desired we recommend to the Republicans a person whom we regard as being suitable....’
398. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PRITCHETT AND GOLLAN: 12 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 85, 186 CANBERRA, 12 May 1949 RESTRICTED We have received detailed list of goods required by the Republican ministries and the Republican Government in connection with establishment at Djokjakarta. Please ascertain and advise immediately to what extent can Dutch assistance be expected in the supply of office equipment, transport,...’
399. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 14 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 14 May 1949 RESIGNATION OF BEEL The news of the week in Indonesia is Beel’s resignation which has now become public. From the papers and cuttings which are included in the bag, you will find much comment; but you will be interested to notice how few tears are...’
400. HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 310 NEW DELHI, 14 May 1949, 12.25 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA Your telegram 185. [1] Bajpai informs us that the Indian Government proposes to hold to the principle that the Dutch should provide the necessary assistance. He does not think there is much to be gained by appealing to...’
401. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K312 BATAVIA, 16 May 1949, 3.45 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED Your telegram 85. [1] In the progressive report of sub-committee 1, (‘Return to Djokjakarta’ (K310 [2])) the Dutch have made the following commitments regarding the supply of materials and equipment to the Republican Government. (a) To ‘place at the disposal...’
402. QUINN TO BURTON: 16 May 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered THE HAGUE, 16 May 1949, 7 p.m. SECRET According to non-official informant (Dr. Feuilleteu de Bruyns, Editor of the periodical ‘Nieuw Guinea’) John Ariks, leader of the Netherlands New Guinea Papuans, now in Batavia, is anxious to interview Critchley and Herremans. Information has been telephoned to him from...’
403. NOTE BY PRITCHETT: 17 May 1949; ‘Note BATAVIA, 17 May 1949 During a call upon De Ranitz yesterday afternoon, he raised the question of the Relief Supplies and I gathered that he felt that the local administration might not be too pleased about handing over the stores direct to the Republican Government. He asked me how...’
404. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PRITCHETT: 17 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 87 CANBERRA, 17 May 1949, 1.56 p.m. Our 85. [1] 1. We have sought views of the Indian Government which holds to the principle that the Dutch should provide the necessary assistance. India considers that if assistance is not forthcoming from the Dutch the Security Council might perhaps be...’
405. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI: 17 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 188 CANBERRA, 17 May 1949, 12 noon Your 185. [1] We agree with Indian view except that we doubt the practicability of calling upon so-called stocks of United Nations Administration for the purpose. When Security Council reviews the position there may be a case for recommending expenditure by the...’
406. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 1980 LONDON, 17 May 1949, 7.20 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Your telegram 1944. [1] The Foreign Secretary [2] has asked that an expression of his appreciation of thepart played by the Australian authorities in securing the agreement [3] between the representatives of the Netherlands and the Indonesian Republic of 7/5...’
407. PRITCHETT TO SASTROAMIDJOJO: 18 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 May 1949 PERSONAL I am sending to you today a note [1], and various annexes, containing further details of my Government’s offer of educational supplies. I hope these will be sufficient to inform you of my Government’s proposals and for you to formulate your own requests on...’
408. PRITCHETT TO DE RANITZ: 18 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 May 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL After our conversation [1] on Monday afternoon concerning the Relief Supplies, I felt that I had perhaps not made my position quite clear to you, and that it might be of assistance to you for me to elaborate my views on paper....’
409. PRITCHETT TO LEIMENA: 18 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 18 May 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL I wish to refer to our discussions concerning arrangements for the distribution of the Australian Government’s Post-UNRRA Relief Supplies to the Republic of Indonesia. You will remember that when we last met we agreed that this distribution should be handled by the...’
410. QUINN TO BURTON: 19 May 1949; ‘Memorandum Hag 145/49 BATAVIA, 19 May 1949 RESIGNATION OF DR BEEL AS HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CROWN Attached hereto is a translation of the Netherlands Government statement [1] on the resignation of Dr Beel as High Representative of the Crown in Indonesia. 2. Liberal opinion in the Netherlands has deplored...’
411. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K313 BATAVIA, 19 May 1949, 1 p.m. SECRET Your 84. [1] The Republicans would be happy to appoint a person you might recommend but do not seem to have objections to taking an officer from Administration. You should therefore decide this matter in the way most convenient to yourselves....’
412. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 20 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 20 May 1949 RETURN OF JOGJA Discussions between the representatives of the parties on Sub- Committee I have continued. As yet there has been no major hitch but progress has not been fast. 2. The following is a summary of the informal discussions since the last official report...’
413. QUINN TO BURTON: 20 May 1949; ‘Memorandum THE HAGUE, 20 May 1949 On 12th May the Netherlands Ministry for Overseas Territories ad interim, Mr J.H. van Maarseveen, made a statement to the House regarding the agreement invoked by the Van Royen - Rum statements. [1] 2. Debate on this statement was deferred until Tuesday of this...’
414. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON AND MAKIN: 23 May 1949; ‘Cablegrams 2153, 293 CANBERRA, 23 May 1949, 5.45 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL We have received long reports from Critchley on the progress of negotiations. While there has been no major hitch up to date, progress has been very slow and there is obviously stalling in Batavia, particularly by Army groups. Many of...’
415. HATTA TO CHIFLEY: 23 May 1949; ‘Letter BANGKA, 23 May 1949 The preliminary agreement [1] reached at Jacarta between the Delegations of the Republic of Indonesia and of the Netherlands, though not entirely satisfactory nor of decisive character, can give us hope that the Indonesian-Dutch dispute may soon be brought to a definite equitable settlement under...’
416. BURTON TO PRITCHETT: 24 May 1949; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 24 May 1949 With reference to paragraph 2 of our cable No. 87 [1], we have still about 90,000 worth of supplies for each party in stores in Australia consisting of R-ray equipment, clothing, medical supplies of which I am attaching a list. It would be of assistance...’
417. HEYDON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 2806 LONDON, 24 May 1949, 8.05 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA Have spoken informally as instructed to United Kingdom Officials. Their own information from Batavia seems to confirm Critchley’s views on Spoor’s activities and they think The Hague Conference should take place before August if recent progress is to be maintained...’
418. QUINN TO BURTON: 24 May 1949; ‘Memorandum Hag 152/49 THE HAGUE, 24 May 1949 The newly appointed High Commissioner for the Crown, Mr. A.H. Lovink, will leave for Batavia on 30th May next. It is understood that he will be succeeded as Secretary-General to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Dr. H. Boon, at present Minister...’
419. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 454 WASHINGTON, 24 May 1949, 2.19 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your 293. [1] I took the opportunity when Harry saying goodbye to Butterworth to convey the views expressed in your 293. Butterworth discounted our anxiety over the possibility of Dutch delaying The Hague Conference and thought that there was no evidence...’
420. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 May 1949; ‘Cablegram UN332 NEW YORK, 24 May 1949, 3.59 p.m. RESTRICTED 1. We would appreciate reports on how matters are developing in Indonesia, and your views on the desirability of an early meeting of the Council to discuss the recent negotiations and their outcome. Time for such a meeting would probably...’
421. PRITCHETT TO LEIMENA: 26 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 26 May 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL As I promised this morning, I am putting in writing our understanding about the Relief Supplies (excluding the textiles). The present position is that the Netherlands authorities refuse to permit my handing over the stores to the Republic in toto, as I...’
422. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 27 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 27 May 1949 This letter reports the continuation of the slow progress recorded in my last letters. [1] Main attention has focussed on the work of sub-committee I, on the restoration of the Republican Government at Jogjakarta. Recent developments, including agreement by the sub-committee on a second progress...’
423. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 May 1949; ‘Cablegram K314 BATAVIA, 26 May 1949, 4.10 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Sub Committee 1 (K310 and K312 [1]) met again in Djokjakarta on May 24th after informal discussions. Following is a summary of progress report agreed upon at the meeting which will form the basis of a Press release. [2] 1. ‘The...’
424. PRITCHETT TO SASTROAMIDJOJO: 27 May 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 27 May 1949 Following on the discussions which occurred during the visit to Indonesia by the Australian Goodwill Mission [1], the Australian Government desires to offer to the Republic of Indonesia, as the first stage of a programme of educational assistance, and in accordance with the spirit of...’
425. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 470 WASHINGTON, 27 May 1949, 7.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL Prior to receipt of your 302 [1] of 27th May in discussions with Lacy of Indonesian Department we reiterated views expressed in telegram 293. [2] Lacy said Cochran unusually optimistic and anticipated reoccupation of Djokjakarta should be settled by mid- June....’
426. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 May 1949; ‘Cablegram 79 BATAVIA, 31 May 1949, 5 p.m. RESTRICTED RELIEF SUPPLIES The Dutch will not agree to the Republic receiving all the supplies consigned to it. They argue that it was on the basis for a distribution to all former Republican territories that they agreed to the original allocation and...’
427. NOTE FOR FILE BY PRITCHETT: 1 June 1949; ‘BATAVIA, 1 June 1949 I interviewed Mr. Schrader today. He did not anticipate any difficulty in reaching agreement on the request on the question of standards [1] for selected Fellows. He agreed it would be useful to talk the matter over informally with Dr. Ali, and was well aware that...’
428. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 5 June 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 5 June 1949 RESTORATION OF JOGJAKARTA The slow progress of earlier weeks has been even further retarded recently. Indeed, apart from the evacuation of civilians from the Residency of Jogjakarta, the restoration of the Republican Government at Jogjakarta has been in suspense. 2. It would be too much...’
429. PRITCHETT TO EATON: 7 June 1949; ‘Minute BATAVIA, 7 June 1949 I interviewed De Ranitz today and explained that my conversation [1] with Schrader had led in two directions: the first to informal discussions between Schrader and Dr. Ali on the question of standards for selection; the second, concerning the allocation of the scholarships, led back...’
430. CHIFLEY TO HATTA: 8 June 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 8 June 1949 Thank you for your letter [1] of 23rd May and for your cordial references to the part that Australia has played in trying to achieve a just and lasting settlement in Indonesia. I trust that as a result of the preliminary agreement [2] of 7th...’
431. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 10 June 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 10 June 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL RESTORATION OF JOGJAKARTA Aneta today announced that civilian evacuations from Jogjakarta were completed on June 9th. The total number of evacuees is given as 28,000, of whom 24,000 arrived in Semarang. (The other 4,000 dropped off somewhere along the route and can...’
432. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K316 BATAVIA, 14 June 1949, 11.38 a.m. SECRET Hatta and his party who flew to Atjeh on June 5th returned on Friday June 10th. They were pleased with their enthusiastic reception and with the spirit of co-operation among the people and authorities. Contrary to Hatta’s expectations the Emergency Government...’
433. PRITCHETT TO EATON: 15 June 1949; ‘Minute BATAVIA, 15 June 1949 . For your information, the position regarding the Post-UNRRA Relief Supplies is as follows: 2. The Department has approved the distribution of these supplies in accordance with the arrangements set out in my cablegram No.79 [1] of 31st May (file 352/2). 3. In detail, both...’
434. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 June 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 78 THE HAGUE, 15 June 1949, 2.35 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL J.H. van Maarseveen, who will shortly be confirmed in office as Minister for Overseas Territories, is to visit Indonesia shortly, possibly departing as early as June 17th. The proposed visit, while primarily designed to give the Minister background before...’
435. EATON TO DE BEUS: 16 June 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 16 June 1949 I have the honour to refer to discussions between Jhr. de Ranitz and Mr. Pritchett concerning the post-UNRRA relief supplies for the Republic of Indonesia. I understand from Mr. Pritchett that the following arrangement has been agreed upon: that to save storage costs, the goods...’
436. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K317 BATAVIA, 16 June 1949, 11.59 p.m. IMMEDIATE SECRET Received 17 June 1949, 9.30 a.m. Both Delegations have agreed provisionally to three documents [1] for a cessation of hostilities:- (a) Cease-hostilities order (b) The proclamation (c) The regulations. Only minor changes have been made to the drafts already forwarded...’
437. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 17 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 96 CANBERRA, 17 June 1949, 9.40 a.m. RESTRICTED We have a report from London that a Netherlands official has mentioned to the Foreign Office that The Hague conference is not expected to start before September. The official was told that in the United Kingdom view this was too late...’
438. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO QUINN: 17 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 41 CANBERRA, 17 June 1949, 12.20 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA We have heard from London that a Netherlands official has mentioned to the Foreign Office that The Hague conference is not expected to start before September. The official was told that in the United Kingdom view this was too late...’
439. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON: 17 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 2551 CANBERRA, 17 June 1949, 4.20 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA You should take early opportunity of emphasising to Foreign Office that according to latest reports we have from Batavia there should be no necessity to delay opening of Hague conference beyond July. The object should be to impress on the...’
440. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 17 June 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 17 June 1949 PEACE AND ORDER With the completion of the evacuation of remains from the Dutch military cemetery in Jogjakarta on June 14th, there is nothing to prevent the immediate restoration of the Republican Government. However, the Netherlands delegation, while agreeing that a cease- hostilities order will...’
441. HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 2439 LONDON, 17 June 1949, 6.30 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA The Indians are making representations to the Foreign Office requesting renewed pressure on the Dutch as in their view the situation in Indonesia is not only not progressing but actually deteriorating. They say the Dutch are unreasonably insisting on complete...’
442. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K318 BATAVIA, 18 June 1949, 7.50 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL There appears no reason at present why conference cannot begin at The Hague early August. This allows ample time for restoration of the Republic at Djokjakarta and a further month for ratification by the Republican Government of results of negotiations and...’
443. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 18 June 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 82 THE HAGUE, 18 June 1949, 6.55 p.m. IMPORTANT SECRET INDONESIA Your telegram 41. [1] I saw the Secretary-General this morning. 2. Boon stated that as far as the Netherlands Government was concerned it was definitely their intention to start R.T.C. in the second half of July and...’
444. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K319 BATAVIA, 20 June 1949, 1.15 a.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL The Republicans returned from Bangka on 17th June to report that Hatta was not enthusiastic about the proposal for a personal letter to Van Royen referred to in my K.317. [1] 2. Hatta is concerned at the delay in restoring...’
445. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K320 BATAVIA, 20 June 1949, 9.25 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL Draft of conditions for the round-table conference. 1. The Aim of the Round-Table Conference. The aim of the Round-Table Conference is to bring about a just and lasting settlement of the Indonesian dispute, as soon as possible, by reaching an...’
446. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 June 1949; ‘Cablegram UN379 NEW YORK, 21 June 1949, 7.50 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Palar called this morning to discuss the position in Indonesia. He is especially concerned with three aspects as follows- 1. He fears that unless the round table conference at The Hague is conducted ‘under the auspices’ of the United...’
447. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K321 BATAVIA, 23 June 1949, 12.10 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL The Republican Delegation ascertained on 20th June that the leaders on Bangka were willing to accept the compromise proposals set out in paragraph 3 of my telegram K.319. [1] After intensive informal negotiations over the past two days to finalise details,...’
448. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K323 BATAVIA, 27 June 1949, 3.30 p.m. RESTRICTED RETURN TO DJOKJAKARTA On 24th June, the Dutch troops commenced the evacuation of the Djokjakarta Residency, which will be completed in seven phases by 30th June. According to Military observers’ reports and to the Netherlands Delegation, the first three phases have...’
449. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 28 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 325 CANBERRA, 28 June 1949 RESTRICTED Your UN379 [1]. Indonesia. We have sought Critchley’s views on chairmanship of round table conference. He believes chairmanship by the Commission would be extremely helpful but is not vital. Republicans are anxious that the Commission should preside, but it now seems likely that...’
450. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 June 1949; ‘Cablegram K324 BATAVIA, 27 June 1949, 5.45 p.m. PRIORITY RESTRICTED The immediately following telegram referred to in your telegram 103 [1] has not been received. The following comments are made on the basis of your telegram 103. (a) The Chairmanship of the Conference by the Commission would be extremely helpful,...’
451. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 29 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 355 CANBERRA, 29 June 1949, 6 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL INDONESIA You will be aware that on 22nd June Dutch and Republicans reached agreement on arrangements for the restoration of the Republican Government at Djokjakarta and also on conditions for holding of the proposed round table conference at The Hague. [1]...’
452. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 June 1949; ‘Cablegram 568 WASHINGTON, 30 June 1949, 6.44 p.m. RESTRICTED Your 355. [1] INDONESIA The AMBASSADOR to-day interviewed Butterworth and conveyed the views expressed in your telegram. Butterworth was sympathetic and agreed that it was necessary that United Nations Commission should not be a mere onlooker. He said that the Department...’
453. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 2 July 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 2 July 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL RETURN TO JOGJAKARTA Withdrawal of Netherlands troops from the Jogjakarta Residency was completed on 30 June with only the following minor incidents. (a) Two Indonesian civilians were shot dead by a Dutch patrol after one had drawn a pistol and wounded a...’
454. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 8 July 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 8 July 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL RETURN TO JOGJAKARTA As reported in my last letter [1], the evacuation of Dutch troops and the taking over of the capital by Republican troops proceeded smoothly. Only one additional incident of importance has come to light. Apparently, prior to the evacuation...’
455. TRUSCOTT TO MCINTYRE: 11 July 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 11 July 1949 NETHERLANDS NEW GUINEA: AUSTRALIAN POLICY One of the items proposed for discussion at the Round Table Conference relates to the future status of Netherlands New Guinea. Roem, the Republican delegate, at previous discussions has stated that the Republicans will agree to the inclusion of the...’
456. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 13 July 1949; ‘Cablegram K329 BATAVIA, 13 July 1949, 5.30 p.m. RESTRICTED Van Royen is concerned over the political situation in the Netherlands. He said that his Government had hoped that any debate on the Indonesian question in Parliament might be postponed until after final decisions had been taken in Djokjakarta but that...’
457. EATON TO BURTON: 21 July 1949; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 21 July 1949 RELIEF SUPPLIES With reference to your telegram No. 79 [1] dated 2nd June, 1949 and previous correspondence, the present position regarding these supplies is as follows:- After considerable trouble and difficulty I have now obtained permission for these stores to be moved from the Shipping...’
458. SASTROAMIDJOJO TO EATON: 21 July 1949; ‘Letter DJOKJAKARTA, 21 July 1949 AUSTRALIAN FELLOWSHIPS With reference to your letter [1] of 27 May 1949 no. 352/1, I herewith have the honour to inform you that the selection of candidates for the Senior and Junior Fellowships offered by your Government has been closed and resulted in the nomination...’
459. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 July 1949; ‘Cablegram K332 BATAVIA, 21 July 1949, 5.35 p.m. RESTRICTED The inter-Indonesian conference opened in Djokjakarta yesterday July 20th in a most favourable atmosphere. The conference will adjourn on July 23rd and reassemble at the end of the month in Batavia. The Batavia session is only expected to last a few...’
460. PYMAN TO MCINTYRE: 28 July 1949; ‘Minute BATAVIA, 28 July 1949 AUSTRALIAN POLICY REGARDING THE FUTURE OF WESTERN NEW GUINEA 1. The issues raised under this heading appear to us to be of critical importance for Australia. They could become also in a very short space of time matters which would involve dramatic attention in the...’
461. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 28 July 1949; ‘Cablegram unnnumbered CANBERRA, 28 July 1949 We note that the future status of Netherlands New Guinea is listed for discussion at the forthcoming Round Table Conference at The Hague. 2. We feel that Netherlands New Guinea occupies a special position geographically, ethnologically and politically. It is the only foreign territory...’
462. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 July 1949; ‘Cablegram K233 BATAVIA, 28 July 1949, 11.40 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Delegations and the Commission are at present in Djokjakarta negotiating the cease-fire. On T.N.I. initiative the three basic documents, the cease-fire order, the partition and regulations [1], have been slightly modified. Final agreement will be left pending the agreement on the...’
463. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 August 1949; ‘Cablegram K334 BATAVIA, 1 August 1949, 5.35 p.m. RESTRICTED The Netherlands and Republican Delegations together with representatives of the B.F.O. met in plenary session under the auspices of the Commission this morning, 1st August. The parties formalised their agreements on the three basic documents [1] of the cease-hostilities (the cease-hostilities...’
464. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 August 1949; ‘Cablegram UN448 NEW YORK, [4 August 1949], 4.37 p.m. RESTRICTED Reference our memorandum 489. [1] The Indonesians are disturbed at the announcement made yesterday to the Dutch Parliament that the date for the Round Table Conference would not be fixed until complete cease-fire is operative. Their view, which seems sound,...’
465. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO PRITCHETT AND QUINN: 7 August 1949; ‘Cablegrams 124, 57 CANBERRA, 7 August 1949, 9 a.m. IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL 1. Australian Mission in New York are suggesting that it might be desirable for Security Council to review Indonesian question in the near future. There is a report in New York that the Dutch may be intending to postpone...’
466. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO QUINN: 8 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 58 CANBERRA, 8 August 1949 RESTRICTED Your 116. [1] We note another postponement and even yet no fixed date. Assembly meeting is now one month away. Unless fixed date is announced within next few days, we must assume no conference conclusions are intended before Assembly. Please ascertain position as...’
467. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 August 1949; ‘Cablegram 118 THE HAGUE, 9 August 1949, 6.10 p.m. IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIAL Saw Van der Wijck, Head of the Political Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on August 9th to ascertain the position regarding the opening date of R.T.C. in the light of your comments. 2. Van der Wijck stated...’
468. CUTTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 August 1949; ‘Cablegram K336 BATAVIA, 10 August 1949, 11.10 a.m. CONFIDENTIAL Your telegram 124. [1] 1. s’Jacob, leader of the Netherlands Delegation, assures me that there is no question of the Netherlands insisting upon a completely effective cease-hostilities before the beginning of The Hague talks. 2. You will by now have received...’
469. TEPPEMA TO EVATT: 11 August 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 11 August 1949 I am writing to you on a matter which has engaged my attention for a long time and which in the past has been the subject of many conversations with you and in your absence with the Right Hon. The Prime Minister. I refer to...’
470. BURTON TO SHEDDEN: 12 August 1949; ‘Memorandum CANBERRA, 12 August 1949. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY OBSERVERS IN INDONESIA You will be aware that agreement has recently been reached between the Netherlands and the Republic of Indonesia on the terms of a ‘cease-fire’ order [1] which is intended to put an end to the intermittent fighting which has proceeded...’
471. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 11 August 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 126 THE HAGUE, [11 August 1949], 12.35 p.m. RESTRICTED My telegram 119. [1] Indonesia. In connection with the persistent press reports giving August 22nd as the opening date of the R.T.C., A.N.P. has reported authoritative statement ‘that the opening date cannot be fixed unilaterally by the Dutch; it...’
472. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 August 1949; ‘Cablegram C2 THE HAGUE, 16 August 1949, 9.55 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL At today’s informal meeting (my telegram C1 [1]), there was an initial difference of opinion on the chairmanship of the Steering Committee. The Netherlands delegation proposed that the chair should rotate among the three Participants-the Netherlands, the Republic, and the...’
473. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 18 August 1949; ‘Letter THE HAGUE, 18 August 1949 Many thanks for your letter [1] of 2 August. I am sorry that so far we have not been able to arrange a radio transmitter for the Republic. The need was very great. However, I realise our technical limitations. New Guinea 2. I was...’
474. PRITCHETT TO MCINTYRE: 19 August 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 19 August 1949 I understand that Critchley used to send a weekly letter to the Department to supplement his cable reports. I shall follow this practice and should have done so last week, except that Miss Cock, the Delegation’s Secretary, was away on sick leave and the pressure...’
475. EATON TO BURTON: 19 August 1949; ‘Memorandum BATAVIA, 19 August 1949 I refer to your memorandum No. 172 (401/3/9/2/1) [1] of 2nd August, and have to advise that during my recent visit to Jogjakarta I took up the matter of relief supplies with the appropriate Republican Government authorities, who have replied as follows: ‘1. In connection...’
476. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 August 1949; ‘Cablegram C3 THE HAGUE, 20 August 1949, 4.45 p.m. RESTRICTED Rules of procedure [1] for the Round Table Conference have been informally agreed upon and will be approved at the opening session of the Conference on Tuesday. 2. The final text will be airmailed. The main points are- (a) Chairmanship....’
477. QUINN TO BURTON: 25 August 1949; ‘Memorandum Hague 256/49 THE HAGUE, 25 August 1949 As reported in my telegram No. C. 5. [1] the Round Table Conference opened in The Hague shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday August 23rd. As was to be expected the opening proceedings were largely of a formal nature and the Conference...’
478. PRITCHETT TO MCINTYRE: 26 August 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 26 August 1949 The dust of last week’s ‘crisis’ [1] has now settled and we have this week been going about our work in a more orderly way. I have just come from a meeting of the main Delegations, at which we established sub-committees to deal with political...’
479. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C7 THE HAGUE, [3 September 1949], 2.50 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL So far there has been little progress or indeed discussion of the basic issues of the Conference. All delegations have been deluged by informal contacts with people not directly concerned with the conference and by official functions and excursions. 2....’
480. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 3 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C8 THE HAGUE, 3 September 1949, 12.57 p.m. RESTRICTED New Guinea is one of the few topics of the R.T.C. on which the conflicting attitudes of the parties is clearly emerging. The Dutch will insist that Northern New Guinea be excluded from Indonesia while both Indonesian Delegations will demand...’
481. KIMBER TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 5 September 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 5 September 1949 SECRET We have been asked to let you know for the information of the Australian Government that at an interview with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 13th August the Netherlands Foreign Minister told Mr. Bevin that at the conference at The Hague...’
482. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 7 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C9 THE HAGUE, 7 September 1949, 10.45 p.m. RESTRICTED The following is a summary of developments in the various committees. 1. Steering Committee. A sub-committee consisting of one Representative from each of the three delegations has been set up to screen applications from ‘Representatives of significant interests’ who wish...’
483. STUART TO EVATT AND BURTON: 8 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 460 SINGAPORE, 8 September 1949, 4.88 p.m. EMERGENCY TOP SECRET For the Minister and Secretary alone. I learn from a secret but absolutely sure source that a Dutch Army - engineered crisis threatens in Indonesia. 2. The Dutch profess alarm at the skilful infiltration of their areas in recent...’
484. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C10 THE HAGUE, 8 September 1949, 5.15 p.m. SECRET SUMMARY OF NETHERLANDS ORAL NOTE [1] PRINCIPLES TO SERVE AS A BASIS FOR THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC AGREEMENT. 1. The object of co-operation is mutual prosperity. 2. Essential that the R.I.S. form an economic unit and that every effort be...’
485. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C11 THE HAGUE, 8 September 1949, 6.45 p.m. SECRET Progress at the conference continues to be slow and it would appear that it will take another three weeks to crystallize the issues. Hatta is not satisfied and at the suggestion of the Republicans the midweek excursions which have occupied...’
486. BURTON TO FOSTER: 9 September 1949; ‘Letter CANBERRA, 9 September 1949 My Minister [1] has asked me to pass informally to the Ambassador [2] certain information [3] which has come to us from a Dutch source in Singapore concerning the present position in Indonesia. I should be glad, if you should send this message forward for...’
487. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 September 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 6, K340 BATAVIA, 12 September 1949 SECRET On September 9 the Deputies [1] submitted a draft Board press release stating that there had been a very substantial decrease in armed clashes and incidents, that such difficulties and disagreements as arose from time to time were mostly being...’
488. HOOD TO BURTON: 13 September 1949; ‘Memorandum NEW YORK, 13 September 1949 SECRET DUTCH NEW GUINEA Dr Palar, the Indonesian representative in New York, called on the Mission this morning and discussed the question of Dutch New Guinea in a friendly and very frank way. The points he made however have some most disturbing aspects as...’
489. CHIFLEY TO WILLIAMS: 16 September 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 16 September 1949 SECRET I desire to refer to your 2/173 [1] of 5th September, 1949, on the subject of negotiations about Dutch New Guinea at the round table conference between the Dutch and the Indonesians at The Hague. This subject has received consideration and it is desired...’
490. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C13 THE HAGUE, 16 September 1949, 6.50 p.m. RESTRICTED UNION STATUTE Special attention has been directed this week to seeking an agreement on the Statute of the Union. All parties agree that if agreement can be reached on this major political problem, discussions on other subjects would be easier...’
491. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C14 THE HAGUE, 19 September 1949, 6.14 p.m. RESTRICTED In informal Steering Committee discussions on the Statute of the Union this weekend provisional agreement was reached on all points but one. The leaders are continuing to discuss the remaining issue-the Netherlands proposal that a head of the Union should...’
492. PYMAN TO MCINTYRE: 21 September 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 21 September 1949 SECRET MEMORANDUM [1] FROM AUSTRALIAN MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS REGARDING DUTCH NEW GUINEA 1. The argument in this memorandum appears to be based on the view that the inhabitants of Dutch New Guinea ‘have some political consciousness and are capable of expressing a useful...’
493. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 21 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C15 THE HAGUE, 21 September 1949, 10.25 p.m. RESTRICTED The Provisional agreements on the Statute of the Union reached by the Steering Committee at the weekend (C.14 [1]) have not been fully accepted by the two Indonesian Delegations. Their request to re-open discussions has been strongly opposed by the...’
494. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 September 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 7, K341 BATAVIA, 24 September 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET On September 20, s’Jacob went to Djocja with proposals [1] from The Hague, which provided for co-ordinated patrolling and joint administration by the Dutch and Republic in the Semarang Recomba, Central Java and the East Java Recomba territory. These...’
495. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 23 September 1949; ‘Cablegram C16 THE HAGUE, 23 September 1949, 9.52 p.m. RESTRICTED Discussions on the Statute of the Union were reopened and the following modifications of the points set out in my C.14 [1], have now been agreed upon: A. The Character of the Union. The two paras have been consolidated ‘The...’
496. CRITCHLEY TO PRITCHETT: 24 September 1949; ‘Cablegram 3 THE HAGUE, 24 September 1949 Agreement has now been reached on all difficult points of the Union Statute except one and I believe the Dutch will be forced to give way on their remaining demand that the head of the Union be permitted to take decisions on the...’
497. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 27 September 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 8, K342 BATAVIA, 27 September 1949 Wongsonegoro reported agreement in Pasundan on (a) Dutch supply to the TNI, (b) withdrawal of TNI administrative units and (c) the establishment of a Republican Commissariat in Bandung to review in conjunction with the Negara the position of the Republican administration....’
498. PRITCHETT TO MCINTYRE: 1 October 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 1 October 1949 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL I enclose herewith (attachment ‘A’ [1]) a copy of the Dutch proposals on which I reported in my cablegrams Nos. K.341 and 342. [2] At s’Jacob’s request the Republican Delegation agreed to treat the proposals as confidential and I was given the...’
499. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C17 THE HAGUE, 1 October 1949 Discussions in the Sub-Committees of the Financial and Economic Committee have made some progress but the parties are still firmly opposed on a number of important points. In general the Indonesian Delegations are prepared to- (a) Grant natural [1] treatment to Netherlanders and...’
500. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C18 THE HAGUE, 4 October 1949, 1.44 a.m. TOP SECRET Economic and Financial Talks over the week-end, which were held in a good atmosphere, centred on the two difficulties outlined in paragraph two of my C.17. [1] The Netherlands Delegation appeared to be ready to meet the Indonesians by...’
501. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C19 THE HAGUE, 8 October 1949, 12.55 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED My immediately following telegram contains the text of a compromise for the solution of the Debt problem as informally recommended to the Netherlands and Indonesian delegations by Cochran. 2. The Netherlands Delegation appears to have been thinking in terms...’
502. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 8 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C20 THE HAGUE, 8 October 1949, 12.55 p.m. IMPORTANT RESTRICTED United States compromise debt proposals [1] ‘on the calculation that the Foreign Debt of Indonesia is 3.3 billion Netherlands Guilders divided approximately as follows: 900,000,000 consolidated debt. 400,000,000 Foreign credits guaranteed by the Netherlands. 2,000,000,000 floating and other debts...’
503. AIDE MEMOIRE OF THE INDONESIAN DELEGATIONS: 10 October 1949; ‘THE HAGUE, 10 October 1949 AIDE MEMOIRE OF THE INDONESIAN DELEGATIONS 1. The Indonesian delegations are of the opinion that the discussions on the subject of economic and financial relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia have reached a crucial stage. Reference is made to the numerous discussions among the delegations...’
504. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C22 THE HAGUE, 10 October 1949, 6.30 a.m. RESTRICTED The Military Affairs Committee has reported that so far agreement has been reached on the following points:- 1. Discussions concerning the implementation of the ‘Cease- Hostilities Order’ do not belong to the task of the Committee; 2. After the transfer...’
505. CRITCHLEY TO MCINTYRE: 14 October 1949; ‘Letter THE HAGUE, 14 October 1949 Attached is a copy of the Working Paper referred to in my C.23 [1] of today. Developments of this week have already been dealt with by telegram. ATTACHMENT DRAFT WORKING PAPER DRAFT PROPOSALS TO ASSIST IN AN EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE MAIN ISSUES OF...’
506. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 14 October 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 9, K343 BATAVIA, 14 October 1949 My No. 8 (K. 342 [1]). The Republicans delivered their reply to the Dutch on October 8. They accepted the Dutch proposals [2] as a basis for discussion, but made preliminary counter proposals for (a) troop ‘dislocations’ rather than concentrations, (b)...’
507. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 15 October 1949; ‘Cablegram [The Hague] 10, K344 BATAVIA, 15 October 1949, 10.15 p.m. Received 16 October 1949, 8.30 a.m. SECRET My telegram 9 (K343). [1] At the Central Joint Board meeting yesterday, October 14th, the Netherlands Representative explained [that the] [2] s’Jacob proposals [3] could not, for the time being, be implemented...’
508. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 16 October 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered THE HAGUE, 16 October 1949, 4.05 p.m. SECRET You will see from my C23 [1] that there are urgent problems facing the Conference but that there seems to be no effective way in which I can have the Commission bring pressure to bear to solve them. 2. Although...’
509. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 16 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C23 THE HAGUE, 16 October 1949, 4 p.m. RESTRICTED Agreement has now been reached on the Union Statute [1] with the proviso by the Dutch that the citizenship sub-committee must find an acceptable solution for the problems of the citizenship. The major difficulty the question of whether the Head...’
510. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 17 October 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 11, K345 BATAVIA, 17 October 1949 IMMEDIATE SECRET PART I The Sultan issued a press statement before his departure for Djocja in which he stated that the rapidly deteriorating situation in East Java was full of explosive possibilities and if the Dutch continued to be unreasonable it...’
511. HAMILTON TO BURTON: 18 October 1949; ‘Minute CANBERRA, 18 October 1949 NETHERLANDS-INDONESIAN NEGOTIATIONS PRESENT POSITION Though agreement has been reached on a large number of problems previously thought to present serious threats to the success of the round table conference, the atmosphere is not as cordial as in the earlier stages, nor prospects of a fully...’
512. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 20 October 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 12, K346 BATAVIA, 20 October 1949 SECRET Owing to Wongsonegoro’s late arrival from Djocja the Central Joint Board did not meet until yesterday evening, October 19. 2. The parties agreed to accept the arrangement reported in paragraph 2 of my No. 9 (K.343 [1]) with the reservation...’
513. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 19 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C24 THE HAGUE, 19 October 1949, 11.50 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED The following is a summary of a formal statement on the situation in Indonesia made to the Steering Committee by Van Royen on behalf of the Netherlands delegation. (a) In talks with the high representative of the crown the...’
514. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HIGH COMMISSION IN LONDON: 21 October 1949; ‘Cablegram 4575 CANBERRA, 21 October 1949 RESTRICTED Your 4370. [1] Minister has discussed this question with Netherlands Minister [2] and previously considered it when raised at Round Table Conference. Dutch New Guinea has never been regarded by us as forming part of Indonesia as demonstrated by inclusion of Dutch New...’
515. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C26 THE HAGUE, 22 October 1949, 6 p.m. RESTRICTED The main problems outstanding are still those set out in paragraph 3 of my C.23. [1] Intensive high level discussions are continuing and it is expected to conclude the Conference on or about the 1st November. 2. The Steering Committee...’
516. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C27 THE HAGUE, 22 October 1949, 6.10 p.m. RESTRICTED The following is a summary of Hatta’s reply to the Netherlands statement (my C.24 [1]). (a) The Sultan’s statement shows he is seriously concerned lest the disarmament and arrest of T.N.I. troops by the Dutch Army in East Java arouse...’
517. PRITCHETT TO CRITCHLEY AND DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 October 1949; ‘Cablegrams The Hague 14, K348 BATAVIA, 24 October 1949 SECRET My No.11(K.345). [1] The Republic replied to Lovink’s Aide Memoire [2] on October 19. The reply stressed the difficulties involved for the Republic in a satisfactory implementation of the Cease- Hostilities and that the Republic had accepted the Agreement because...’
518. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO CRITCHLEY: 24 October 1949; ‘Cablegram 91 CANBERRA, 24 October 1949, 11.45 a.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Dutch Minister [1] here apparently on instructions appealing informally to us to work on the Indonesians especially on military aspects of talks threatening to break down. Situation in Batavia causing anxiety. Financial aspects and New Guinea now not main...’
519. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 24 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C28 THE HAGUE, [24 October 1949], 6.55 p.m. RESTRICTED Reference my C.26. [1] The Debt Commission has recommended (a) that as of the date of transfer of sovereignty from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of the United States of Indonesia the latter assume responsibility for the...’
520. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 25 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C29 THE HAGUE, 25 October 1949, 5.30 p.m. IMMEDIATE TOP SECRET Your 91. [1] I fully agree with your reply to the Netherlands Minister. [2] The Steering Committee, with the assistance of the Heads of the delegations to the various Committees, is now thrashing out all the remaining differences....’
521. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 30 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C31 THE HAGUE, 30 October 1949, 7.20 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL Complete agreement has now been reached on items for inclusion in the Economic and Financial Agreement. [1] The Netherlands Delegation has given up its claims for interference in the Internal Economic Policy of the R.I.S. and...’
522. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 31 October 1949; ‘Cablegram C32 THE HAGUE, 31 October 1949, 5.40 p.m. RESTRICTED The Netherlands Delegation has proposed that the functions of the United Nations Agency in Indonesia after the transfer of sovereignty should be specified. The Commission has taken the view that in the absence of further specific instructions from the Security...’
523. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1949; ‘Cablegram C33 THE HAGUE, 1 November 1949, 4.30 p.m. RESTRICTED At the Steering Committee Meeting on Sunday, 30th October, the Netherlands Delegation accepted the Commission’s proposal on New Guinea (C.31 [1]) but the Indonesians continued to insist that New Guinea should be included in the transfer of sovereignty. A serious...’
524. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 November 1949; ‘Cablegram C34 THE HAGUE, 1 November 1949, 12.58 p.m. RESTRICTED Agreement has been reached on the right of self-determination. Paragraph 3 of the draft set out in my C.33 [1] has been dropped but the following qualification has been added to paragraph 1., ‘with the understanding that a plebiscite will...’
525. CRITCHLEY TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 2 November 1949; ‘Cablegram C35 THE HAGUE, 2 November 1949, 12.40 p.m. RESTRICTED DRAFT COVERING RESOLUTION The Delegation of (1) the Kingdom of the Netherlands (2) the Government of the Republic of Indonesia (3) the Federal Consultative Assembly, considering that they have assembled at the round table conference to achieve at the earliest...’
526. QUINN TO BURTON: 3 November 1949; ‘Memorandum Hague 335/49 THE HAGUE, 3 November 1949 CONFIDENTIAL As briefly described in my telegram No.186 [1] of yesterday the second and final Plenary Session of the Round Table Conference took place in the Ridderzaal or Knights’ Hall of the Parliament buildings in The Hague on 2nd November. The meeting,...’
527. DRAFT CABINET SUBMISSION BY EVATT [1]: 4 November 1949; ‘CANBERRA, 4 November 1949 SECRET Political Settlement in Indonesia The recently concluded Round Table Conference at The Hague has resulted in the agreement of the parties to: (i) Charter of Transfer of Sovereignty (ii) Statute of the Netherlands-Indonesian Union. 2. These Instruments require ratification by the Netherlands and Indonesian constitutional...’
528. QUINN TO BURTON: 7 November 1949; ‘Memorandum Hague 338/49 CANBERRA, 7 November 1949 With reference to my telegram No. 188 [1] which described references to the residency of New Guinea, I desire to inform you that Dr. Mohammed Hatta in the course of a press interview on November 4th made the following reply to a query...’
529. EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 10 November 1949; ‘Cablegram 1110 WASHINGTON, 10 November 1949, 3.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL In discussion with Lacy, State Department, following ascertained. (1) E.C.A. has released 40 million dollars which likely to be allocated textiles 27 million dollars, rice 10 million dollars, motor transport 3 million dollars. Textiles probably come from Japan, rice and trucks...’
530. NOTES BY EATON: 13 November 1949; ‘Minute BATAVIA, 13 November 1949 INDONESIA Within a few months and with the most probable straightening out of the confused situation after transfer of sovereignty in Indonesia and also taking into account the very probable reluctance both on the part of the Dutch and Indonesians to freely cooperate with regard...’
531. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 22 November 1949; ‘Cablegram K350 BATAVIA, 22 November 1949, 5.45 p.m. SECRET Your telegram 177. [1] There have been for a long time rumours, as in the British report, of a Republican split. They usually feature the Sultan in an ambitious and extremist role of plotting to overthrow either Sukarno or Hatta or...’
532. DAVIS TO MOODIE: 23 November 1949; ‘Letter BATAVIA, 23 November 1949 PERSONAL AND SECRET This is to acknowledge your letter [1] of the 4th November which was primarily about New Guinea. You will doubtless have seen my telegram No. 1110 [2] of the 10th November which gave in paragraph 7 a very brief report of State...’
533. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON: 24 November 1949; ‘Cablegram 656 CANBERRA, 24 November 1949 CONFIDENTIAL Your 1110. [1] We have had informal discussions with United States Embassy here on question of technical and economic assistance to Indonesia, and have informed that we are already surveying Indonesia’s likely needs in the light of our capacity to assist and that...’
534. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 26 November 1949; ‘Savingram K1 BATAVIA, 26 November 1949 SECRET NATIONAL PREPARATORY COMMITTEE The Republicans and BFO delegates met on Tuesday the 22nd November and adopted a Draft Regulation for the National Preparatory Committee. The text is given in the Appendix. [1] 2. Rum took the Draft to Jogja on 24th November for...’
535. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: 29 November 1949; ‘Aide-Memoire CANBERRA, 29 November 1949 AIDE-MEMOIRE With regard to forthcoming discussion in the General Assembly and Security Council of the United Nations, the Government of the United States considers that it should be the objective to aid the parties involved in the Indonesian question in carrying out agreements for the...’
536. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS: 30 November 1949; ‘Cablegram 601 CANBERRA, 30 November 1949 RESTRICTED Our 561. [1] United States Embassy here, in an Aide Memoire [2], has suggested that Powers attending New Delhi Conference might take initiative in sponsoring resolution on Indonesia. We concur in this suggestion and consider that you should join with other Powers which...’
537. AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION, UNITED NATIONS, TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 1 December 1949; ‘Cablegram UN938 NEW YORK, 1 December 1949, 7.45 p.m. IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED INDONESIA Meeting of Delhi Group this evening discussed the draft resolution for Joint Sponsorship. General agreement on welcoming the fact that agreement has been reached and looking forward to establishment of United States of Indonesia. Group also desires retention...’
538. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 4 December 1949; ‘Cablegram K351 BATAVIA, 4 December 1949, 7.15 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL My Savingram K.1. [1] The National Preparatory Committee was established on November 26th with sixteen Republican and sixteen B.F.O. members under Rum as Chairman and Anak Agung Deputy Chairman. Members then returned to their territories to attend R.T.C. ratification proceedings. The...’
539. CRITCHLEY TO BURTON: 6 December 1949; ‘Cablegram K353 BATAVIA, 6 December 1949 CONFIDENTIAL In connection with the forthcoming Security Council debate I assume you will be instructing Hood regarding the future of the U.N. organ in Indonesia. My views remain as set out in my cablegrams and letter from The Hague (references unavailable), i.e. that UNCI...’
540. QUINN TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 9 December 1949; ‘Cablegram Hague 218 THE HAGUE, 9 December 1949, 2.20 p.m. RESTRICTED INDONESIA Early this morning a bill for the transfer of sovereignty was passed by the constitutionally required two-thirds majority; 71 votes for, 29 against. The full membership of the Chamber was present and cast their votes as follows: in...’
541. PRITCHETT TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 12 December 1949; ‘Savingram K2 BATAVIA, 12 December 1949 SECRET My Cablegram K.351. [1] Arrangements under the Indonesian National Preparatory Committee are making good progress and it can now be said that the most adequate provisions possible in the time available will be made in all respects necessary to ensure a smooth takeover...’
542. DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TO HEYDON, MAKIN AND GOLLAN: 20 December 1949; ‘Cablegrams 5455, 694, 333 CANBERRA, 20 December 1949 IMMEDIATE RESTRICTED Recognition of Indonesia. We should be glad to know as early as possible specific intentions of United Kingdom/United States/Indian Governments regarding recognition of Indonesia. We understand all three Governments have designated diplomatic representatives to take up duty in Batavia as...’
543. SPENDER TO MCINTYRE: 26 December 1949; ‘Cablegram 208 CANBERRA, 26 December 1949 SECRET Please deliver to Dr. Hatta on 27th December the following message from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government and people of Australia begins: The Australian Government and people send to the Government and people of the United States of Indonesia warmest...’
544. MCINTYRE TO SPENDER: 27 December 1949; ‘Cablegram 224 BATAVIA, 27 December 1949 SECRET Your telegrams 208 [1] and 209 [2] received. I propose to hand the message to Dr. Roem, who is acting Premier in Dr. Hatta’s absence, at the conclusion of the ceremony of the transfer of sovereignty late this afternoon. I shall also release...’
545. QUINN TO BURTON: 27 December 1949; ‘Departmental Dispatch Hag 15 THE HAGUE, 27 December 1949 TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY FROM KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS TO INDONESIA I desire to report that I was present at the ceremony in Amsterdam on 27th December at which Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands signed the Acts transferring sovereignty to...’
546. MCINTYRE TO DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: 28 December 1949; ‘Cablegram unnumbered BATAVIA, 28 December 1949, 6.05 p.m. Transfer of sovereignty to Indonesia took place smoothly yesterday afternoon. Transfer was brief and quite impressive. Special Overseas Representatives, Consular Corps, U.N.C.I. Delegates and a few other guests were addressed in the Palace by Lovink and Sultan of Djokjakarta. Transfer protocol was...’

Documents on Australian Foreign Policy

Volume 15: Australia & Indonesia’s Independence – The Transfer of Sovereignty, 1949

Total

Earliest date

Latest date

Explore