Dutch Ministers To Discuss Indonesia With British P.M.

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 5

Dutch Ministers To Discuss Indonesia With British P.M.

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.) THE HAGUE, Dec. 20. The Netherlands News Agency announced that the Prime Minister (M. Schermerhorn) will leave for London on December 26 for discussions on Indonesia with Mr Attlee.

Dr van' Mook, the Colonial Minister (M. Logemann) and the deputy-Foreign Minister (M. van Royen) are accompanying him. In its first policy statement on Indonesia the United States State Department expresses increasing concern over the situation and hopes that all parties will soon renew their attempts to reach agreement. The statement adds:

“Extremist or irresponsible action, or failure to present or consider specific proposals can only lead to a disastrous situation. The primary responsibility rests on the Dutch and Indonesian leaders but the United States cannot fail to be deeply interested.

“Our sole desire is to see such a peaceful settlement as will best aid world stability, and the prosperity and happiness of the people. It is hoped that a settlement will be reached in harmony with the principles and ideals of the United Nations Declaration and Charter.” RESPONSIBILITY

The department acknowledges that the United States shared responsibility for the decision to send British troops to Indonesia, but only for the purpose of accepting the surrender of the Japanese forces, removing them, liberating prisoners of war and assuring the safety of civilians ‘interned by the Japanese.

“The United States had no thought of extending the Allied mandate beyond these specific responsibilities,” says the statement. “However, it has been necessary for British troops to assure such order as is necessary for the execution of the Allied objectives.”

The Lieutenant-Governor of the Netherlands East Indies, Dr. H. van Mook, has arrived from Batavia, says a message from The Hague. He is expected to come to London this weekend for consultations with the British Government.