West New Guinea

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29739, 5 February 1962, Page 3

West New Guinea

Sir, —Mr Sadler's letters and questions show howmuch the dispute is clouded by the principle of selfdetermination invoked by the Dutch Government with the uncommitted approval of Australia. Papuan self-deter-mination has always existed, in view of the limited interference of the Dutch administration until 1949, when the right of the West Papuans to choose their own future, became a subsidised enterprise. It has been termed "giving the United Nations a taste of its own medicine,’’ and Dutch scholars on Indonesia have repeatedly questioned the morality of the policy, while business circles have been critical on grounds of expediency. The considerable resources of Dutch skill and capital could have assisted Indonesia more than any aid scheme. Intrigues in West New Guinea and some outer islands have promoted an estrangement between the two countries for which a number pf resentful politicians must be held responsible —Yours etc „, dutchman. February 2. 1962.