FREEING BATAVIA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 25, 28 December 1945, Page 6

FREEING BATAVIA

MEASURES IN OPERATION. CLEANSING~THE CITY. (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.5 p:m.) BATAVIA, Dec. 27. The cautiously worded and somewhat vague statement issued b3' Lieut.-General Christison is ■ really an announcement that th« Allied Command is finally taking measures to free first Batavia and later other parts of Java from terrorism, says the Australian Associated Press correspondent. Action already lias begun to make it possible for law abiding people to go about their business in the capital without constant fear of being shot in the back by irresponsibles of all colours. Early this morning a cordon was thrown around Batavia. This will ensure that the terrorists cannot infiltrate in trains and cars along with peaceful civilians. Within the cordon ail not authorised to carry weapons will be disarmed. The Indonesians are being asked to co-operate. General Christison called Mr Sjahrir (the Premier) and Mr Sjari Fuddin to his headquarters this • morning and told them what had been done and what was being done. He told them that he wanted to use the T.K.R. (Peace Preservation Corps), along with the British and Indian troops, to carry out the task of creating safe zones in Java. It is understood that the T.K.R. will go through the cleaning up process and sort out undesirables who will then be put to work. It is not clear yet what action will be taken against proven terrorists who come into the dragnet, but at last it looks as if an end will be put to Batavia's fantastic reign of lawlessness. -

Only in Batavia would it bo possible to find the present paradox—a nominal state of order in which the people go about their daily tasks, yet where any hour of the day or night an innocent person may be killed by a chance bullet fired into the air by a half-wit or with chosen aim by a fanatic. General Christison's main target is the gangs of Indonesians, Rampokkers and Pemoedas, but they are not his only worry. A great deal of the trouble in Batavia is being caused by ex-internee native troops under nominal Dutch control. Even Dutchmen who are slipping into Java in warships and merchantmen are roaming the city armed and uncontrolled. It was such as these who held up Mr Sjahrir Yesterday and tried to take his life. The infiltration of this element is having the effect of sabotaging British attempts to achieve a state of law and order with the least possible resort to force. General Christison had conferences this morning with the Dutch and In- j donesians. Both parties are understood somewhat surprisingly to have adopted; a friendly and acccmmodating attitude.