HOPE FOR SETTLEMENT

Evening Star, Issue 25750, 25 March 1946, Page 5

HOPE FOR SETTLEMENT

DISCUSSIONS ON JAVA

CORDIAL AND OPTIMISTIC ATMOSPHERE

BATAVIA, March 23. In negotiations on the status of Java, Dutch and lodonesian delegates discussed the conditions under which internees are held in Central Java. The delegates also decided to form a subcommittee to handle judicial matters. A spokesman said that this was taken as indicating that the negotiations had reached a point of drafting a settlement or perhaps a new constitution. The atmosphere continued to be cordial and optimistic. He expsessed the opinion that the military operations in Bandoeng are unlikely to affect the negotiations. British headquarters have issued a warning to Indonesians that the southern area of 'Bandoeng would be cleared of all armed men immediately, "if Eossible without bloodshed," and peraps with the-use of tear gas. The action is being taken against extremists firing on Allied positions. Control of Bandoeng has been divided between the British and the Indonesians for several months. The British control the northern part, which houses former Dutch internees, and the Indonesians' control the southern part, in the suburbs of which there are some Japanese camps. A headquarters statement says that in the last few days there has been a grievous recurrence of incidents created by armed Indonesians in the Bandoeng and Soekabeomi areas to the north. A section" of including Rapwi camps, • has been indiscriminately mortared and women and children have been hit. A Rapwi convoy carrying food and medical supplies was machine-gunned, and houses have been set on fire; There have been more than 100 casualties in tho last fortnight. The commander-in-chief decided that this irresponsible, senseless mortaring must cease, and therefore ordered the divisional commander to take the necessary steps. The local commander has decided to clear southern Bandoeng of all armed men. The populace has been instructed to remain calm and to keep off the streets for 48 hours, and armed men have been warned to leave the area. The correspondent of the Associated Press says it is realiably reported that Dr Sutan Sjahrir received advance notice of the plan, and that Indonesian leaders have gone with a British liaison officer to Southern Bandoeng from 'Batavia. Previous British statements indicate that the Allied Command blames uncontrolled irresponsible elements rather than the Indonesian command for the attacks.