BIG STOCKS OF GOODS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25246, 26 July 1947, Page 9

BIG STOCKS OF GOODS

REPORTED SEIZURE BY DUTCH FORCES

(Rec. 11 pan.) BATAVIA, July 25. “Millions of pounds’ worth or tropic products to help to relieve world shortages have been captured by the Dutch forces in their swift moves on East and West Java,” says an official statement issued by the Netherlands East Indies Economic Affairs Directorate. “First estimates of the quantities indicate that they will exceed expectations. Most Dutch, British, and foreign-owned estates are in a neglected condition, but only a few factories were damaged. The Chinese suffered most. No difficulties in obtaining labour for rehabilitation are expected. “The largest accumulated stocks are at Cheribon and Probolingo. None of the stocks was destroyed in Cheribon harbour, but at Probolingo stocks of rubber and tobacco were set ablaze by the retreating Republicans. The latest estimates of rubber stocks at Cheribon vary between 20,000 and 25,000 tons. Experts have been rushed to the port to start selecting grades and to prepare them for shipping abroad immediately to relieve the Netherlands East Indies Government’s difficult financial position. The accumulated stocks are to be registered, but financial adjustments will not be allowed to interfere with an immediate start with reconstruction.”