INDONESIA’S STATUS

Grey River Argus, 20 November 1946, Page 5

INDONESIA’S STATUS

AGREEMENT IN JAVA

Equality with Holland

(Rec. 6.30.) LONDON, Nov. 18. It has been arranged at Batavia that directly after the conclusion of an agreement both parties shall reduce their armed forces, consulting together concerning the rate of reduction and their co-operation in military matters. The Great East is defined as the Celebes, the Moluccas, Dutch New Guinea and the lesser Sundas.

A Hague message says there is little doubt that Parliament will give its approval to the agreement proposed. (Rec. 6.30). LONDON, Nov. 19.. A Times correspondent at Amsterdam says: The Netherlands Cabinet met on Monday to consider the situation following the publication of an agreement reached in Java regarding the future status of Indonesia. The agreement, it is understood, is one giving to Indonesia equality with Holland under the Crown. The Cabinet, however, decided to await the return of the Commission-General from Java, which is expected at the beginning of next week. There will, undoubtedly, be Parliamentary opposition to the agreement. It will not only come from the Right"( Protestant Parties and Liberals), but also from the Catholic Party, whose leader, Professor Romme, is known to be against any agreement that would mean giving to Indonesia equal rights With Holland. A decision by the Catholic Party to turn down the agreement would, however, end the present Catholic Party-Labour Party coalition, as the Labour Party will certainly support the agreement. Commenting on the agreement, The Times, in a-leading article, says: “In view of the precedent furnished by the British Commonwealth, the retention of the Netherlands Crown as a supreme link between the partners is a serviceable proposal, because while it does not limit the practical autonomy of' the constituent States, it will increase their combined value in the eyes of the world, and will appeal to traditions which are deeply rooted in Dutch history. Nevertheless the agreement will shock certain sections of Dutch opinion, and the Dutch Cabinet, wisely has suspended judgment. until the Commission-General returns home”.