U.S. CONCERN AT EVENTS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 7

U.S. CONCERN AT EVENTS

THE HAGUE INFORMED BEFORE ATTACK

REGRET EXPRESSED BY STATE DEPARTMENT

. WASHINGTON, July 21. The United States Government announced to-night that it “profoundly regrets that negotiation has been discarded as a means of achieving a voluntary association between the Netherlands and the Indonesian people.” The State Department, in announcing its views, did not directly condemn either side, but it disclosed that the American Embassy at The Hague had twice during the last four days expressed concern over developments. The United States considered that the specific programme for implementing the Cheribon agreement, proposed by the Dutch on May 27, furnished a reasonable basis for negotiation, and it had urged both sides to make every effort to reach a settlement in a spirit of good faith and compromise. The United States also informed both sides of its willingness to discuss economic aid for the rehabilitation of Indonesia as soon as an Interim Government had been established. The State Department said that both sides had expressed appreciation of this action, and the Indonesians had announced acceptance of all points in the proposals of May 27, except the one relating to the police procedure. The subsequent discussion reached an impasse, and the United States expressed concern to the Netherlands Government on July 17 and again restated its position on July 20, when it was learned that the Dutch intended to use force. \ To-night’s statement did not indicate whether any mediation effort by the United States was in prospect.