DUTCH IN INDONESIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26707, 28 February 1948, Page 7

DUTCH IN INDONESIA

VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT POLITICAL INTERFERENCE ALLEGED N.Z.P.A.—Copyright Rec. 11 p.m. NEW YORK, Feb. 26. Dr Ali Sastromaidjojo (Indonesian Republic) told the Security Council today that the Netherlands had contravened the U.S.S. Renville agreement on political principles for Indonesia by the “artificial creation of the State of West Java.” The action meant unilateral Dutch interpretation of the Renville principles. It had been unequivocally decided at the Renville meeting that new States would be created only as the result of plebiscites, and any variation of this procedure called for the prior consent of both parties. There not only had been no plebiscite in West Java, but also there had been interference by the Dutch authorities. At the time the so-called elections in West Java had been held by the Dutch most leaders of the popular movement there were either still in gaol or exiled. All urged that more power be given the Committee of Good Offices so that political principles could be carried out. Mr Andrei Gromyko (Soviet) said it was clear that the Renville agreement was just a screen behind which the Dutch could continue their former policy. Ali’s statement proved that even before the ink had dried on the Renville pact the Netherlands had begun to interpret unilaterally even this “ slavery agreement.” The Security Council could not allow this situation to continue if it wishes to remain worthy of its high mission. The Soviet could not accept any resolution calling up the Council to sanction the Renville agreement. Dr E. N. van Kleffens (the Netherlands) said the whole question should be ironed out on the spot by the Committee of Good Offices. The Council will take up the Indonesian issue again on Saturday.