RELIEF SHIP FOR EAST INDIES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24814, 2 March 1946, Page 7

RELIEF SHIP FOR EAST INDIES

DUTCH OBJECT TO UNION OBSERVER

(Rec. 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 1. The Netherlands Government will not agree to a union observer accompanying a trial relief ship to the Netherlands East. Indies. This means that if the unions do not lift their ban (which they show no signs of doing), the Dutch ships which have been immobilised in Australian ports will remain here.

The Netherlands Minister (Baron van Aerssen) said the proposal to send an observer meant control of the actions on both the Netherlands Government and South-east Asia Command. Moreover, it cast doubt on the sincerity of the promises made by him on behalf of his Government. Tlie as? stirances given to the Australian Minister of External Affairs (Dr. H. V. Evatt) on Januaiy 23 were the only basis Qi) which negotiations for the lifting of the ban could be held. That statement accepted the principle that relief goods would be distributed among former internees, prisoners of war, and others in the greatest need, without regard to nationality or political persuasion, with preference for women and children, and with South? east Asia Command arranging dietai? butiop. Meanwhile, work was resumed OR the Dutch ship Btagat Malakka, itfter the union received a letter from the Australian representative on the Brit? ish Ministay of War Transport (Bir Thomas Gordon) giving an assurance that the vessel was bound for Co? lombo. New Belgian Government- —The Regent of Belgium (Prince Charles) hag requested Spaak to investigate the ppssilhlUes of forming a new Government—Brussels, February 2&> 1