OFFER TO INDIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21944, 12 February 1946, Page 3

OFFER TO INDIES

FULL PARTNERSHIP

NETHERLANDS KINGDOM

terms not welcomed

(9.30 a.m.) BATAVIA, Feb. 11. The Dutch Government’s statement of policy, announced by the Lieutenant Governor of the Dutch' East Indies, Dr. van Mook. says that the Government, taking the view that the people of Indonesia should, after a given preparatory period, he enabled freely to decide their political destiny, considers it its duty to do everything in its power to create and fulfil as scon as possible conditions which will permit such a free decision to be taken, thereby com pi ring with Article 73 of the

United Nations’ Charter. The Government therefore intends, in consultation with the authoritative representatives of Indonesia, elected from a large variety of groups, to dratt a structure for the Kingdom and Indonesia based upon a democratic partnership. This new structure is to remain in force for a given time believed to suffice for the fulfilment of the conditions for the free decision referred to above.

Full Independence Assured

At the end of this period, the partners shall decide independently about the continuation of their relations on the basis of complete and voluntary partnership. After the new organisation in the form of the Commonwealth of Indonesia becomes operative, the Netherlands Government will promote the soeedy adoption of the Commonwealth of Indonesia as a member of the United Nations. Regarding the structure mentioned in the statement, Dr. van Mook says that a discussion will be held in accordance with several of the main points which include the following: There shall be a Commonwealth of Indonesia composed of territories possessing different degrees of autonomy. There shall be established an Indonesian citizenship for all born _in Indonesia. Netherlands and Indonesian citizenship shell be entitled to exercise all civil rights in all parts of the kingdom.

Form of Administration

The domestc affairs of the Commonwealth of Indonesia shall be managed independently by the Commonwealth's own institutions. For the Commonwealth as a whole, the creation of a democratic repfesentative body, containing a substantial Indonesian majority. is contemplated and also a Cabinet formed in political harmony with the representative body, with a representative of the Crown as head of the Government Executive. The constitution of the new structure guarantees all fundamental rights.

It is also proposed that the central institution functioning for the entire kingdom shall be composed of representatives from all parts of the king dom. The Cabinet for the whole kingdom shall consist of Ministers from all parts of the kingdom and legislation for the kingdom will be enacted in conformity with the Parliament of those parts. Crown Representative’s Powers

Dr. van Mook said the representative of the Crown would possess under his responsibility to the Government of the kingdom special powers to guarantee fundamental rights m efficient administration and sound financial management, these powers to be Pxereisod only when such rights and interests are affected. Dr. van Mcok said: “The choice before the Indonesian people and their leaders is grave, but simple in essentials. It lies between self-determination in our time after a period of constructive co-operation and with the best guarantees obtainable for the lasting structure of their country, or the continuation of fruitless and destructive civil war.

"For the first time in the history of the relationship between 1 lie Netherlands and Indonesia, a definite goal is so* for the political development of Indonesia, recognising the right of selfdetermination for the citizens of this country.

Way Towards Liberty

“The proposals embody a clear, workable way towards democratic liberty. At the end of the period of transition, Indonesia will be completely free to decide its political future. The confusion clue to the Japanese oppression and the circumstances attending the surrender of Japan have obscured for Indonesians, especially in Java and Sumatra, these developments in the Netherlands’ attitude. Although it is the natural result of boili of the principles of our policy, ns they have been laid down as far back as 1901 and of the general trend of affairs before and during the war the lack of contact and, misrepresentation have caused a ’ serious misunderstanding between the two peoples which has been regrettably increased by acts of violence.”

In Indonesian Government quarters the reception of the Dutch policy was unfavourable but it was generally recognised that the statement was made as a starting point and that the talks will proceed, says the Australian Associated Press correspondent. The veteran official spokesman, M. Haji Salim, said: “Personally. I am not surprised at what has been offered. Practically none of the Dutchmen responsible for the offer have known this country and the Dutchmen here, who spent the war years in camps and were treated badly, are not in a fit state of mind to be ready to give up Indonesia to the people who belong to it. Nor can we expect impartiality from the British who are so closely involved with the Dutch in Java. The statement gives us something on which to start discussions.”