DUTCH IN NEW GUINEA

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29379, 5 December 1960, Page 20

DUTCH IN NEW GUINEA

Sharp Clash With Indonesians (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) THE HAGUE, December 3. Two Indonesians were killed in a clash between Dutch and Indonesian troops in south-west Dutch New Guinea, according to reports quoted by British United Press. One Indonesian was captured, but a group of about 20 or 30 men, armed with automatic weapons, rifles and hand-grenades, is still at large in the mountain regions of the south-west coastal area, the reports said. The Dutch Government has asked the British Embassy in Djakarta, which is handling Dutch affairs, for the full text of a recent statement by the Indonesian Foreign Minister (Dr. Subandrio). Dr. Subandrio said that the possibility of an armed conflict between Holland and Indonesia could not be discounted. Further details of the clash are being sought. Dutch Air Force planes have been patrolliing the sea and coastal ranges near where the clash was reported and marines were flown into the area, it was reported. A Hollandia report says that the Dutch administration there considers the situation “more serious than when similar cases arose in the past.” Well-informed circles in The Hague said that Holland might ask Australia or Malaya, as nations interested in keeping the peace in the area, to bring the question of irritation raids by Indonesia before the United Nations Security Council. The request for the text of Dr. Subandrio’s speech could mean that Holland was collecting evidence to place before the council, the sources said. A week ago, the Dutch Navy intercepted an Indonesian coaster south of New Guinea, which according to Holland, was taking ammunition and food to Indonesian insurgents.