LIFTING OF BAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26471, 27 May 1947, Page 5

LIFTING OF BAN

DUTCH GOODS IN AUSTRALIA APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT BATAVIA, May 25. A joint letter, saying the Netherlands Indies and the Indonesian Republican Governments would appreciate the use of the Australian Government’s “ gooo offices” to secure the immediate lifting of the Dutch shipping ban, was sent yesterday to the Australian Con-sul-general, Mr B. C. Ballard. The letter was signed bv Dr van Mook and Dr Sjahrir. and has attached a threeclause agreement regarding the distribution of Dutch goods, which have been held up in Australia since September. 1945. , _ The letter says: “ Both Governments call attention to the fact that such a measure would be in the interests of the whole of Indonesia, as goods

which at present cannot be removed from Australia as a result of the ban will help to meet the needs of the republic on a basis of agreement to be concluded between the Netherlands Indies and the Republican Governments.” ' « . | ~ The signing of the joint letter is the result of several weeks’ patient negotiation initiated by representatives of the Australian Government who recently visited Indonesia as attaches to the Australian Consulategeneral. . .. „ A Dutch communique says that some 40.000 tons of goods valued at more than 40.000,000 guilders are lying in Australian ports. The main goods are textiles, but there are also such items as medicines, lighters, motor boats, cars, and agricultural impiemi?rS Akgani, Republican Economic Affairs Minister, said: “I hope this will be for the benefit of all peoples concerned, and will lead to a resumption of normal trade between our two countries.” '