BRITISH IN JAVA

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1946, Page 6

BRITISH IN JAVA

Soviet Proposal FOR U.N.D. INQUIRY LONDON February 12. When the Security Council met today, the Ukrainian delegate, M. Manuilsky, said he had been instructed to deinand an immediate decision on his proposal that a commission of inquiry be sent to Indonesia to investigate the activites of British troops. Just as a vote was to be taken, however, Mr. Riaz (Egypt) moved an amendment that the Council defer action, reserving the right to act as it thought proper at a later cate. The chairman (Mr. Makin) then suggested an adjournment to enable a proper study of the Egyptian proposal, and the Council adjourned until to-morrow. Britain, Australia, France the United States, Holland and Brazil, during previous discussions on the Ukraine’s complaint, had voiced their opposition to M. Manuilsky’s demand for a commission. Russia, Poland, China and Mexico had voiced their support. Egypt was the only country represented which had not indicated its attitude. M. Manuilsky, although allowed to speak, would not have been able to vote as 'the Ukraine is not a member of the Security Council. A majority of seven, including four permanent members, is necessary in the Security Council’s decisions. When Mr. Riaz indicated that he wished to move an amendment, Mr. Makin sought the Council’s opinion as to 'whether, having spoken before, Mr. Riaz could not intervene with a new proposal. The Council gave Mr. Riaz per mission to move what he described as an amendment. This urged that British troops in Indonesia should under the circumstances, be used against 'the Indonesian National Movement, and should be withdrawn as soon as their task is completed. It expressed a hope that the present negotiations would be successful and that the Council should be informed of the progress of the negotiations. When discussions were resumed to-day Senor Diaz (Mexico) regretted the absence of a permanent organ to provide the Council with information on such problems. The immediate establishment of such machinery was impossible and therefore the Security Council should be willing to establish a temporary commission to have the facts brought to notice. Such a commission should be impartial. M. Bidault (France), opposing a commission, argued it would not fulfil any useful purpose. The proper method of finding a peaceful solution would be by direct negotiation. M. Bidault (France), opposing a commission, argued it would not fulfil any useful purpose. The proper method of finding a peaceful solution would be by direct negotiation. M. Bidault expressed the opinion that the presence of British troops in Indonesia was not a danger to international peace and security. He suggested that from a practical viewpoint it were better not to put the matter to a vote for there was no doubt that .the Ukrainian proposal would not receive sufficient votes for its adoption. He thought it best to seek a solution by the chairman making a declaration taking note of all the statements made. Mr. de Freitas (Brazil) supported Mr. Stettinius’s opinion that any commission should be composed’ of competent individuals and not State members. Mr. Modzelewski (Poland) said Indonesia was linked by principle with Poland, which was so long deprived of national independence. It seemed clear that the Indonesian Nationalist Movement had become so strong that the Council was face to face with a great struggle. The difficulties of obtaining information would be overcome if the Council sent a commission to inquire and establish the facts on the spot. The purpose of the commission would not be to call into question the presence of the British troops, whom they did not ask should be withdrawn. The commission would be interested in the political question. Dr. van Kieffens (Holland) said he believed a case had not been made out. He opposed the commission inquiry. Ha said he would not object to—not that he would approve of—a commission if both the British and Ukrainian Governments wanted it. “I cannot admit that if a commission is sent it should deal with or mediate in what is a domestic question, namely, the talks now taking place between the Netherlands’ Government and the Nationalist leaders.” Dr. van Kieffens added that a commission might have a confusing effect, on the negotiations now taking place. M. Manuilsky then said he had been instructed to insist on a decision either way. He added that if the use of Japanese troops against the Indonesians was purely an internal question as suggested by the French delegate, the Council must say so. The Council could not follow the example of Pontius Pilate. ‘‘Who are we to decide, we will wash our hands of the wrong-doing which has taken place?” He regretted that the representatives were not there to defend their own case. Telegrams were being sent to Mr. Truman, Mr. Attlee, and Mr. Stalin, and the telegrams had been sent appealing to the world to avoid bloodshed. He submitted that the Council was in a position to avoid the shedding of further blood. They would have to determine whether, in fact, the troops had been engaged in setting fire to Indonesian villages as reported. After submitting that General Mallaby’s assassination was an act not of the Indonesian popular movement, but of Japanese agents, M. Manuilsky said: “I submit that the proposed commission could do much good. I appeal to you to make a clear decision. The memory of Pontius Pilate is not a happy one.” Senor Diaz then moved his amendment. Mr Vyshinsky said the amendment deserved serious study. It might help in reaching the agreement which all desired. ' The Council adjourned until 9 p.m. to-morrow. BATAVIA, February 12. Sjahrir’s Senior Minister, Sjarifoeddin, has been in a motor-car accident ■in Central Java. He was taken to hospital. Details have not yet been received, but suspicion of foul play have been expressed. Sjarifoeddin was en route to Batavia in response to an urgent summons from Sjahrir. The Pl ' em ‘ e ‘ had sent a special messenger to D-. Soekarno with details of the D « tch offer and urgently requested tne ence of Sjarifoeddin, who is noted loi his moderation.