SWIFT MOVE

Evening Star, Issue 25679, 31 December 1945, Page 5

SWIFT MOVE

BRITISH CONTROL BATAVIA INDONESIAN POLICE DISARMED ’ COUP EFFECTED WITHOUT INCIDENT (Rec. noon.) BATAVIA, Dec. 29. British airborne troops lftade a surprise descent on the Batavia headquarters of the Indonesian, civil police, ,confined them to barracks and disarmed them. The move, which was carried out under General Ch&istison’s orders, is a preliminary to the formation of a new police force. Meanwhile British and Indian, military police are controlling the city until the new mixed-police force is organised. All public services in Batavia were taken over by the British without a shot being fired. A British communique states that local technicians co-operated fully and are working willingly under British orders. Members of the Fifth Parachute Brigade, who searched the two most troublesome groups of native buildings, arrested without incident 91 suspects, including seven extremist leaders. Before the search loud-speaker vans entered the areas, telling the people they need have no fear if they followed instructions. Interpreters accompanied the troops. The Netherlands News Agency says that the Indonesian police, many of whom are suspected of co-operating with extremists have been concentrated for interrogation in their barracks in Batavia.

The civil .police paraded outsidte their stations and gave up their arms quietly. The deputy provost marshal (Lieutenant-colonel H. C. G. Harding) will, command the new force. The Indonesians and Dutch will control their own. quarters of the city, while the British (including Indian) military police will be responsible for general good order, particularly .in districts where nationalities are mixed.

Dr Sjahrir, asked to comment on the arrival of a Dutch marine battalion, said: “This was agreed on long ago when we requested the removal of British troops. The British suggested that they should be replaced by Dutch marines, to which we agreed.”