NO APPROACHES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 75, 8 January 1949, Page 5

NO APPROACHES

NETHERLANDS AND REPUBLICANS Indonesians Hope for Foreign Action (N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copy right). (Rec. 10 a.m. BATAVIA, Jan. 7. No approach has yet been made to the Republican leaders by the Netherlands authorities for co-operation in the formation of an interim Federal Government.

Dutch sources when asked regarding the prospects for the release of Republican leaders, referred to Dr. Van Royen’s statement that restrictions on their freedom would he lifted on the understanding they refrain from activities endangering public security. The Republicans’ chief hopes are centred on Mr Nehru’s proposed conference and apparently they have not lost hope that strong international reaction, coupled with intense guerilla activity, might compel the Dutch to withdraw troops and permit re-estab-lishment of the Republic. Radio reports from the interior claimed that the guerillas have dynamited roads and railway bridges and made raids on small towns. INVITATIONS ACCEPTED (Rec. 11.10) NEW DELHI, Jan. 7. Pakistan and the Philippines have announced acceptance of invitations to attend the Asian Conference on Indonesia, on January 20. AUSTRALIAN BAN ON DUTCH SHIPS MELBOURNE, January 7. No tugs Aver© available when the liner Nieuw Holland sailed for Java and Singapore Avith general cargo, but the ship moved out unaided. It Avas thought that the seamen Avould allow tugs to be provided as the vessel was not taking special cargo to the Dutch East Indies, but apparently the seamen have reimposed a complete ban on Dutch ships in Australian ports. Tugs assisted the Dutch freighter Abberkerk on Wednesday, but she Avas bound for Europe. The watersiders refused to load certain cargo aboard the Nieuw Holland, which Avas then believed to be outside the seamen’s ban.