HOSTILITIES HALT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26531, 5 August 1947, Page 5

HOSTILITIES HALT

Intervention in Indonesia FIRST MAJOR VICTORY FOR UNITED NATIONS Rec. 10 p.m. NEW YORK, Aug. 4. Reports from Indonesia that the Dutch and Indonesian Armies had agreed to halt hostilities in response to the United Nations call were received with jubilation by diplomats and United Nations officials. Many diplomats cautiously withheld comments on the quick end to the two weeks’ war until both sides have actually put down their guns, but the general feeling was that the United Nations had probably won its first major victory, and ~ through this victory had gained a sorely-needed increase in its prestige. It is recognised, of course, that even if the shooting stops on Tuesday, great difficulties will remain before a peaceful solution of the dispute can be reached. Mr Herschel Johnson, the deputy United States delegate fo the United Nations, declared that cessation of hostilities after the Security Council admonition to the two warring parties was an indication of the growing realisation by everybody that the United Nations meant to take effective action where necessary. The New York Times says that there was some puzzlement over the reports as they came in by radio in many instances. They indicated that the Indonesians may still be imposing conditions on their offer to cease fighting, particularly the condition that the Dutch troops return to the positions they held before the fighting started. Mr Johnson, commenting on these reports, insisted that it was impossible to place conditions upon such an offer, adding that the onus would be on the Indonesian Government if it failed to accede to the Security Council’s request. The Egyptian delegate to the Security Council, Abdul Ibrahim Saler Pasha, said that he regarded the Indonesian “ settlement ” as a good sign in view of Egypt’s intention to protest to the Security Council against Britain on the Sudan question. “ I cannot help but be hopeful for our case after hearing of the justice which has been done for the free and liberal Republic of Indonesia.”

Peaceful Solution Sought by Dutch

BATAVIA, Aug. 3. The Lieutenant Governor-General of the Netherlands East Indies, Dr i van Mook,- has given the order to terminate Dutch action in Indonesia at midnight to-morrow night,. This was announced by him in a broadcast from Batavia to-night. The Dutch authorities have released seven leading Indonesian politicians, whom they arrested in Batavia on July 20, an hour before the Dulcn opened their campaign in Java. A cable from the Security Council calling on the Republican Prime Minister, Dr Sjarifuddin, to cease fire, was handed to the Vice-Premier, Dr Gani. in Batavia by the Dutch a few hours after his release from custody. In his broadcast, Dr van Mook said: “Although ' the Netherlands Government remains convinced that there is no ground for the intervention of the Security Council, because Article 39 of the United Nations Charter did not apply, and that the resolution constitutes an interference in the internal affairs of the Netherlands Kingdom,* which has no legal foundation, it has, nevertheless, decided to comply with the request contained in the Security Council’s resolution. The Netherlands Government desires to prove again that it does not want to neglect any possibility of limiting an action made necessary by the untenable and lawless situation. “Moreover, it wants to give another opportunity to the republic to relinquish its attitude of aggression and provocation, and come to real execution of the Linggadjati 'agreement. It wishes finally to enable the United States Government in the fullest possible way to effectuate its good services.” ' ’

“Be it repeated that we do not want to leave any means untried which can further a peaceful, honourable, and reasonable solution of the conflict.” said Dr van Mook. “In doing so we are free of any feelings of revenge or hostility. Our forces have shown wherever they came a balanced and unruffled attitude, a clear sense

of order and justice, and a deep compassion for all who were, threatened, despoiled, or are miserable.* I am sure the present orders will be executed with promptitude and common sense, and with the assurance born of righteousness of our cause. I feel certain, too, that in those regions where they conserve public peace all citizens can safely return to their work in order, to lay the foundations, with our assistance, of a free United States of Indonesia.”

Security Council Arbitration Supported

BATAVIA, Aug. 4. In a six-point statement broadcast from Jogjakarta the Republican Government . said it agreed with the Security Council resolution that hostilities should cease. The Republican Government was prepared to exert all its efforts to execute the cease fire order, but, based on its experience, it was of opinion that cessation of hostilities could only be effective if the armed forces of both sides were withdrawn behind the demarcation lines fixed by both sides on October 14, 1946. The other points made in the statement were:— First, in principle the Republic did not object to arbitration under supervision of the Security Council if performed by a commission oi several countries appointed by the Security Council, and agreed to by both the Dutch and the Indonesians. Secondly, the Security Council de-

cision was highly valued by the Republic as the first attempt to end the conflict, indicating that the United Nations adhered to the ideals and principles of the Charter. Thirdly, the Republic had not yet officially received the Security Council decision, and hoped it would b'e officially conveyed. Fourthly, considering its experience in the past two years, the Republic considered of greatest importance that the Dutch forces should be withdrawn from the whole archipelago. Fifthly, for smooth and just execution of the Security Council’s task the Republic deemed'it necessary that a representative of the Republic be heard and allowed fully to address Republic views in the council. Sixthly, to all nations desiring to preserve peace based on human rights and freedom, the Republic earnestly appealed to exert all efforts to stop Dutch “ colonial aggression.”

Madurese Seek Food and Protection

Rec. 11 p.m. BATAVIA, Aug. 4. At the request of representatives of the population, safety measures have been taken in Madura Island, east of Java and close to Sourabaya, says a Dutch communique. Earlier reports not given in the communique said that representatives of the island’s 4,000,000 population had asked for protection against the Republican Army and food to relieve more than a yearold famine that had seriously depleted the population. The communique did not say whether Dutch forces landed

i on Madura, but reliable but unconfirmed reports stated that a landing had taken place. The communique reported that large rice shipments were in preparation for despatch to the Madurese population who were in a starving condition. In the middle of Java, the communique reports the occupation of Kroja and Sumpiuh. near Tjijlatjap. which fell to the Dutch advance on Saturday. The latest Netherlands casualties are given as 60 killed, 131 wounded and 17 missing.