CONFLICT OVER NEW GUINEA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 15

CONFLICT OVER NEW GUINEA

Appeal For Peace By U Thant

f N .-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, December 20. The United Nations last night joined the United States in an appeal to Indonesia and Holland to resolve peacefully their dispute over West New Guinea. The U.N. Acting Secretary-General (U Thant) sent an appeal to both President Soekarno of Indonesia and to the Dutch Prime Minister (Dr. Jan de Quay). He asked them to refrain from any action that might give rise to a threat to peace and security’.

Earlier yesterday. the United States, deploring the use of force, told Indonesia and Holland that it was imperative to settle their dispute over the area without a “shooting war." according to United Press International. The State Department spokesman (Mr Lincoln White) said the United States continued to believe the Dutch New Guinea question could be settled peacefully and in a way acceptable to both Indonesia and Holland Ambassador's Visit Diplomatic moves got under way yesterday to try to bring this about. The Dutch and Indonesian ambassadors had interviews with State Department officials to discuss the issue The Associated Press said the ambassadors of the two countries involved in the quarrel indicated that some outside help in negotiating a settlement might be accented. The Dutch Ambassador (Dr. J. H. van Roijen) said his country was willing to hold direct negotiations with Indonesia in the presence of a third party and under Un ted Nations auspices He said Holland had not asked for United States mediation. but would study care-

fully any proposals made by the United States The Indonesian Ambassador (Dr Zairin Zain). whose country had threatened to take control of 'he disputed territory by force, asked reporters interviewing him: “Why don’t you try to mediate before it is too late?” The “you” obviously meant the United States, AP. said In addition, the Indonesian Ambassador said the letter written by Dr. Soekarno to President Kennedv could be interpreted in effect as an appeal to Mr Kennedv to 'acilita'e negotiations. United Press International reported Dr Za ; n said in an interview: “We hope the United States will try to find a solution that is mutually satisfactory ” He told reporters later that Indonesia would not reject an offer of United States “good offices” to bring the two sides together for negotiations. It was also learned that Dr. Soekarno had expressed hope that Mr Kennedy's efforts would make Dutch transfer of the administration of West New Guinea to Indonesia take place in a smooth way so that a physical conflict -’-nM become unnecessary U P I said Dr Soekarno’s letter was in reply to one Mr Kenned)’

had written urging moderation in Indonesia's West New Guinea plans. In his letter, Dr. Soekarno said he would prefer to negotiate with the Dutch, but wa c prepared to use force if necessary to get the territory, which he claimed rightfully belonged to Indonesia Dr. Soekarno yesterday ordered his armed forces to prepare to “liberate” the territory, and spoke of ordering “total mobilisation” in Indonesia to attain the goal. However, in spite of h>is strong words. United States officials noted that he set no time on the invasion. The hope was that Dr Soekarno's military threa' was largely political and would not be carried out. U Thant’s Letter U Thant, in his identical letters to the Indonesian and Dutch leaders, said: “It is with deep concern that I have learned of the possibility of a serious situation arising between the Republic of Indonesia and the Netherlands. “I therefore urgently appeal to Your Excellency and to your Government to take no action which could give rise to a threat to peace and security. “It is my most sincere hope that the parties concerned may come together to seek a peaceful solution of the problem and I would therefore respectfully urge that Your Excellency and your Government take steps to this end. “Highest consideration.— U Thant, acting SecretaryGeneral ” (Earlier Report, Page 18)