Beginselprogram van Van Heutsz was the six-point statement of principles in which Joannes Benedictus van Heutsz set out the new Dutch policy towards the self-governing landschappen of the Buitengewesten.
It required that judicious extension of Dutch influence be regarded as a duty of the Government where existing conditions obstructed the freedom, welfare, civilisation and development of land and people; that the policy of abstention be abandoned; that peaceable means be used to obtain guarantees for the gradual improvement of administration and justice; that financial management be placed under supervision where necessary; that even in the self-governing landschappen administrators work to develop the natural sources of prosperity and improve the economic and social condition of the population; and that incorporation into government territory take place only at the request of the chiefs and population or where unavoidable in their interest. “It stands there in stiff official words, in official ink on official paper, but through the long rows of stiff words there nevertheless shines the gleam of a new and better insight.”
See Also
Source
Generaal Swart, Pacificator van Atjeh (“General Swart, Pacifier of Atjeh”), by M. H. du Croo, Colonel K.N.I.L. (retired), with the collaboration of H. J. Schmidt, Titular Colonel K.N.I.L. (retired), with a foreword by His Excellency Lieutenant-General K.N.I.L. (retired) G. K. Dijkstra (Maastricht: N.V. Leiter-Nypels, 1943), Chapter V.