Following is a summary of Cochran's reply to Schuurman's telegram
of December 17th (K210). It was handed to the latter in Batavia at
10 a.m. December 18th-
(a) Even had Hatta accepted without modification, in a declaration
clearly binding on the Republican Government, the conditions set
out in the Netherlands note (K210 paragraph (e)) this would not
have been sufficient according to the note to prevent the
promulgation of the Interim Government decree on the basis of the
present text. In such the Netherlands would merely have
[consulted] [2] with the Republic and Federalists on minor
changes, the text as promulgated.

(b) Cochran regrets that the Netherlands made a reply by the
Republican Government to their notes subject to a time limit which
left approximately 18 hours for the necessary consultations
between Hatta and his Government on the question of a considered
reply and all attendant mechanical details including journey from
Kaliurang to Batavia. Hatta's letter of December 13th [3] on the
other hand was handed to the Netherlands on the same date and the
reply received only on December 17th. In these circumstances,
particularly as Hatta is under his doctor's orders in Kaliurang
and so far apart from members of his Government, Cochran 'cannot
in justice press Dr. Hatta for an immediate reply to a letter
which calls not for a mere expression of willingness to resume
negotiations but rather for a surrender to the position of your
Government on every material point'.

(c) During Cochran's four and a half months in Indonesia neither
he nor other members of the Good Offices Committee have been able
to participate in, or observe a discussion between parties on any
of the issues, nor has there been the opportunity to examine in
any detail or in full context the opposing positions of the
parties in the recent talks. Cochran, therefore, raises the
following points regarding the substance of the Netherlands note-
(1) The first Netherlands condition (K210 paragraph (e) (1))
appears to require adherence by the Republic without negotiations
to a federal organisation whereas the Renville principles
contemplate that 'the provisional federal organisation itself is
to be the product of political agreement'. It also appears to
require the Republic to assume from the beginning the same status
as Negara[s] who have been unilaterally established by the
Netherlands authority.

(2) The second and third conditions (K210 paragraphs (e) (2) and
(3)) require acceptance of the original position of the
Netherlands on points dealt with therein and failure to take into
account considerations raised in Hatta's letter. Cochran considers
relegated issues should be the subject of negotiations and that
any other procedure is in contravention of the first of the twelve
Renville principles. [4]

(3) As to the requirements regarding the truce Cochran considers
that recommendations by the parties for better truce
implementation should be thoroughly evaluated with the aid of the
Committee rather than made subject of 'unilateral demands'.

(d) Cochran declines to press Hatta 'to reply summarily on
conditions imposed by [5] (reports) because it calls for a non-
negotiated blanket assent which would preclude the possibility of
bona fide negotiations rather than effect their resumption'. He
repeats the plea for further negotiations.

2. I understand that the United States Delegation will submit
Hatta's letter, the Dutch letter and Cochran's letter to the
Committee today December 18th. If the Belgians are agreeable the
Committee will immediately forward these documents to the Security
Council to supplement special report. [6] This will give publicity
to the latest developments and a further opportunity to press the
Dutch to resume negotiations.

3. I understand Cochran is pressing the State Department to
maintain a firm line with the Netherlands whom he regards as off
balance.