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 Cochran's account, he used every effort to
convince Netherlands Cabinet and other leaders that it was in
their interests to comply with Security Council's resolution [5],
and pointed out 'unpleasant results' which will follow from their
failure to do so. Cochran did not know precisely results of his
arguments, but believed there was fair prospect that Netherlands
Government were convinced of necessity to take some steps to
satisfy Security Council. (On the basis of Cochran's and other
reports State Department consider Dutch may release the Republican
leaders and give them facilities, although not necessarily
allowing them to establish an administration in Djocjakarta.) One
of Cochran's objectives, which he believes he has achieved, was to
prevent any precipitate Cabinet decision disregarding Security
Council resolution completely.

2. State Department have been considering what action Security
Council should take, but at moment have not arrived at any plan
which they feel would have a compelling effect on the Dutch.

United States action will be determined in light of Commission's
report, which is now being drafted by Critchley, Herremans, and
United States Deputy, which will be completed after arrival of
Cochran. State Department assume report will contain
recommendations by Commission as well as reporting extent, if any,
of Dutch compliance. It would not, however, be the function of the
Commission to suggest to the Council what action they should take,
e.g. by punitive measures, to obtain compliance.

3. One factor which we believe constantly affects United States
policy is extent of guerrilla activity. While United States
desires cessation of hostilities by both parties they will be more
inclined to take initiative in the Security Council if there is
clear evidence that Republic is a continuing reality. United
States does not wish to be in position of attempting resurrection
of entity without strong roots amongst Indonesian people. Tragic
as it is, guerrilla warfare is perhaps one of the best barometers
of popular support for Republic. Any first hand information you
can give State Department showing activity by Republican forces
would, therefore, be helpful.