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 resident of Bangka [3] to
visit Pangkal Pinang for the occasion (K.266 paragraph 5).

Elaborate precautions were taken by the Dutch to avoid the
possibility of a demonstration.

3. In the course of conversations the Republicans declared that as
implementation by the Dutch of paragraph 2 of the resolution is a
condition precedent to the implementation of later parts they were
not prepared to negotiate with [...] [4] or anyone else regarding
the future of Indonesia until they were freed unconditionally and
restored to Djokjakarta. Any conversations they might have with
member of B.F.O. as a result of the latter's invitation (K.266,
paragraph 2 (3)) would be purely of an informative character to
clarify the Republican view to the Federalists and would not
constitute negotiations in any sense.

4. The Republicans made the following suggestions for the
restoration of the Republican Government.

(A) The territory of the Sultan of Djokjakarta could be initially
restored to the Republican Government.

(B) The Commission might contact the Dutch and the Sultan of
Djokjakarta to arrange for the restoration of the Sultan as the
council head of this territory (see K.245 [5], paragraph 2 A).

(C) Civil police should then be restored under the Sultan, who
would take over the responsibility for the maintenance of law and
order. At the same time arrangements should be made for the
withdrawal of the Dutch troops.

(D) Upon the completion of the Dutch withdrawals, arrangements for
the return of the Republican Government would be made with the
Sultan.

(E) The same arrangements should then be made at Bukittinggi:

(F) After its restoration, the Republican Government would need
immediate advisers, practical assistance to overcome the shortages
of food and fuel and deficiencies in transport and communications.

5. On February 11th, Hatta issued his first Press Statement since
his internment to Issacs, of the 'News Weekly'. The statement
which is strongly worded included the following points:-

(a) World reaction to the Netherlands Military action has proved
to the Republicans that 'it is not yet time to give up to dark
pessimism'.

(b) The Republicans stand by and accept the United Nations
resolution and will do nothing to help the Dutch evade their
responsibility under that resolution. The Dutch are trying to
evade the resolution and must not be allowed to do so.

(c) There can be no negotiations on the future of the Republic or
of Indonesia as a whole until the Republican Government has been
restored at Djokjakarta and the Dutch troops withdraw from its
territory as stipulated in the resolution.

(d) The Republicans do not believe in the rumoured 'plan' [6] for
an early transfer of sovereignty which they regard as a trick to
deceive the people of Indonesia and the United Nations.

(e) The Republicans have agreed to meet informally members of the
B.F.O. contact Commission simply for the purpose answering
questions and clarifying the Republicans' views. These talks will
not constitute negotiations and cannot be used by the Dutch to
evade the Security Council resolution.

(f) 'Any transfer of sovereignty will have to be a true transfer
of sovereignty. The longer it takes to reach that point the worse
it will be for the Dutch and for the Indonesian people.'
6. The Federalists have expressed the desire to proceed to Bangka
on February 15th, but the Republicans have asked them to delay
until two days after they have again met with the Commission
including Cochran. Cochran will arrive at Batavia February 14th so
the Federalists will be delayed at least until February 18th.

7. On February 8th, the Commission informed the Netherlands
Delegation that it had heard informally that 'proposals of
official origin' had been transmitted to B.F.O. and asked for
particulars. In reply, the Netherlands Delegation has informed the
Commission that proposals of official origin, if any, will be
announced by or on behalf of the Netherlands Government at a time
considered appropriate by the Netherlands Government.

8. No change in the Netherlands policy can be expected unless the
International world and the Security Council show clearly that
they are determined to oppose the Dutch intransigence. With this
in mind, I am seeking strongest possible report from the
Commission to the Security Council on February 15th.