BRITAIN’S TASK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXVI, Issue 26, 29 December 1945, Page 6

BRITAIN’S TASK

SECURITY IN INDONESIA LONDON COMMUNIQUE. (N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright.! (Rec. 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 28. Britain has re-affirmed to the Dutch Government her obligation to establish without delay conditions of security in the Netherlands Indies, states a Downing Street communique, after a meeting of Mr Attlee, Lord Alanbrooke, ■ Professor Schermerhorn, Dr Van Mook and other Dutch representatives.

Tli© British Government agreed that a solution of the political conflict should be regarded as an essential contribution toward Britain’s task of 1 the liquidation of the Japanese occupation of territories. Dr Van Mook, at a Press conference, said that definite plans were agreed upon which would be discussed with the ■ legitimate Nationalist Movement, led by Dr Sjahrir, on his return to Java and should lead to a solution of the political problems very soon. It was ultimately envisaged that the Indonesians would be selUgoverning, but this was not possible immediately and would be' only achievable by co-operation between the Dutch and the Nationalises over a period of years. The Dutch recognised that before the Japanese occupation there was a deepening Nationalist feeling among the Indonesians. This was the legitimate Nationalist Movement which established a kind of Republican Government last September, but some supporters were young military police armed and trained by the Japanese. The Dutch always intended that the Nationalist aspirations should be handled in a liberal and constructive manner. An element of terrorism made conciliation or agreement difficult and the extremist wing must be controlled whatever Government held power. It was certain that Dr Sjahrir’s group by itself would be unable to control the extremists.

Good relations were already generally restored on other Dutch islands, principally because the i 7 <jung natives were "not so thoroughly trained by the Japanese. Dr Van Mook will return to Java on January 5.

WITHDRAWAL OF FORCES DAILY MAIL’S COMMENT. (Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 28. Regret that the discussions with the Dutch Ministers in London on Indonesia do not appear to have resulted in any clear-cut plan for the early withdrawal of the British forces is voiced by the Daily Mail in. an editorial. , “Evpry day’ seems to add to difficulties encountered on the spot and to unmerited insults heaped on the British there.” says the Mail. Slanders accusing Britain of acting like the Germans in burning down villages have not been without effect in America. There are therefore many urgent reasons why British troops should cease to be involed in Indonesian affairs. The Dutch should take full responsibility without delay.”