DIRECT ANSWER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26077, 14 February 1946, Page 5

DIRECT ANSWER

ONE WAY OR OTHER INDONESIAN COMMISSION MR MANIULSKY INSISTS LONDON, Feb. 12. When the Security Council met today the Ukrainian delegate, Mr Maniulsky, said he had been instructed to demand an immediate decision on his proposal that a commission of inquiry be sent to Indonesia to investigate the activities of British troops. Just as a vote was to be taken, however, M. Riaz (Egypt) moved an amendment, that the Council defer action, reserving the right to act as it thought proper at a later date. The chairman, Mr Makin (Australia), then suggested an adjournment to enable a proper study of the Egyptian proposal, and the Council adjourned until to-morrow. When the discussion was resumed to-day, Senor Diaz (Mexico) regretted the absence of a permanent organ to provide the Council with information on such problems. M. Bidault (France), opposing a commission, argued that 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. Senhor Defreitas (Brazil) supported Mr Stettinius’s opinion that any commission should be composed of competent individuals, not State members. Mr Modzelewski (Poland) said the difficulties ot obtaining information would be overcome if the Council sent a commission to inquire and establish facts on the spot. The purpose of the commission would not be to call into question the presence of British troops, whom they did not ask should be withdrawn. Dr van Kleffens (Holland) said he believed a case had not been made out. He opposed the commission of inquiry. He said he would not object—not that he would approve—to a commission, if both the British and Ukrainian Governments wanted it. He added that the commission might have a confusing effect on negotiations now taking place. Mr Maniulsky then said he had been instructed to insist on a decision either way, and added that if the use ox Japanese troops against the Indonesians was a purely internal question, as suggested by the French delegate, the Council must say so. The Council could not follow the example of Pon,tius Pilate and declare, “Who are we to decide? We wash our hands of wrongdoing which has taken place.’’ He regretted that certain representatives were not there to defend their own case, but telegrams were being sent to President Truman, Mr C. R. Attlee, and Generalissimo Stalin appealing to the world to avoid bloodshed. He submitted that the Council was in a position to avoid the shedding of further blood. M. Riaz then moved his amendment. Mr Vyhsinsky said the amendment deserved serious study. It might help in reaching an agreement which all desired. The Council then adjourned until 9 p.m. to-morrow.