INDONESIA

My telegram 61. [1]

I saw the Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning and spoke on
the lines of your telegram 38. [2]

2. The Minister listened carefully and took notes. He took, as I
expected, the line that delays were due to Republicans rather than
the Dutch and repeated his former assurances that the Dutch wanted
and were determined to have a free Indonesia, but could not agree
to the Republic dictating the lines on which it was to be
established.

3. He denied that there was a blockade or anything more than
proper measures to prevent smuggling. I pressed him for specific
details of controls and regulations and some assurance that
channels of trade would be freed.

4. I gave him a note, the contents of your telegram 39. [3] He
appeared friendl[il]y disposed to the enterprise but said it was
being discussed with Batavia (apparently on the basis of report
from Teppema).

5. Finally the Minister said he would like to consider my
representations and send for me for a further discussion in a few
days time.

6. After leaving the Minister I saw Secretary General and repeated
my represen-tations to him.