INDONESIA
Reference my immediately preceding telegram. [1]

The Netherlands Government recognise the legitimate aspirations of
Indonesians towards a national existence, and are convinced that
these aspirations can be realised by a process of evolution
through friendly co-operation between the Indonesians and the
Netherlanders.

Their general purpose is therefore the rapid development of
Indonesia as a partner in a Kingdom which will be constructed to
guarantee the national self respect of all member peoples. To that
end the central government of this country will have to be
reconstructed by legal process in such a way that it will consist
of a democratic representative body, with a substantial majority
of Indonesian members, and a council of ministers under the
Governor General as representative of the crown. This organisation
will govern the internal affairs of the country assisted by
subordinate organisations to take care of regional and local
public interests. The suffrage shall be a subject of further
consultation, but it will have to rest on the foundation of a
freely shaped public opinion, and of an adequate representation
for all important sections of the body politic.

In the Government of the Kingdom, Indonesia shall take its part in
the manner to be proposed by round table conference, and to be
decided on by constitutional authorities of the Kingdom. Problems
like that of a regional flag besides the flag of the Kingdom, will
also have to be decided on recommendations of the same round table
conference. The admission of Indonesian and other non-Dutch
citizens to general services of the Kingdom such as the Foreign
Service, shall be systematically increased forthwith. Regulations
and institutions based on radical [sic] discrimination, or
considered as such, shall be abrogated or reformed. The
distinction between a Netherlands and an Indonesian civil service
shall be abolished. The admission of citizens of non Netherlands
origin to the highest posts in all public services will be
vigorously extended, and full mutual co-operation ensured. It will
also be necessary to find a place for Indonesians and other non
Netherlands citizens in staffs and managements of business.

The educational system will have to be reformed in such a way that
illiteracy is eradicated as rapidly as possible, and that it can
offer to the inhabitants every form of training needed by the
community. The Indonesian language and other important native
languages will be systematically developed for modern use in order
to make them fully serviceable for the needs of cultural, social
and economic life. Recognition of the Indonesian language as the
official language besides Dutch will be made complete.

Economic policy will have for its objective, rehabilitation and
extension of general prosperity of the population. Room will be
made for development of business of every size for all race groups
and participation of Indonesians, Indo-Chinese and Indo-Arabs in
big business will be furthered by all means, including
industrialisation. An increased production and an improved
distribution of income will be pursued, and expansions to capital
will be vigorously advanced. An efficient cooperation with
Netherlands and with other countries will strengthen the base of
this policy without influencing its aim.

A strong armed force will be built up on a base of popular
service, implying duty of every citizen to contribute to, and
right of every citizen to take part in, defence of the country.

Reconstruction of Indonesia can only be attained by a real
cooperation between its citizens of different race, and between
the Netherlands and Indonesia who are far stronger together than
apart. That reconstruction will have to be quickly taken in hand
as other-wise debts, impoverishment and lawlessness will grow to
such an extent that recovery may hardly be possible.

It is urgently necessary that the reconstruction of Indonesia is
started as soon as possible. Present dissensions carry the country
ever nearer to chaos, which neither the people nor international
world can tolerate. The moment has come for all who want to
undertake work of reconstruction to join hands. Moreover, as it is
the intention of the government to convene the round table
conference at the earliest possible date, it is doubly necessary
to restore order to enable us to proceed with nomination of
representatives by a general consultation that is free of threats
and intimidation.