Dutch And Indonesians Confer

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23347, 2 November 1945, Page 5

Dutch And Indonesians Confer

Impetus Towards Conciliation

Amicable Atmosphere, But No

Practical Results

By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright (Received 11.40 p.m.) BATAVIA, November 1

THE long-awaited meeting between Dr. H. Van Mook * (Dutch Lieutenant-Governor) and Dr. Soekarno (Indonesian “President”) was held at the house of Sir Philip Christison last night, when the Dutch and Indonesians discussed the future of the Netherlands East Indies. Those present were Dr. Van Mook, Mr C. H. van der Plas, whose present position is adviser on Dutch affairs to the Allied Commander, Dr. Edenberg, former Chef-de-Cabinet to the Dutch Governor-General, Dr. Soekarno, Dr. Mohammed Hatta (“Vice-President”), Mr Soebardjo (“Foreign Minister”), Mr Sjarifuddin (“Minister of Information”) and Agous Salim. An official statement said that talk was “informal .... there was an exchange of ideas but no decisions were arrived at.” The correspondent of the Australian Associated Press says there was a good atmosphere and, though there were no practical results, each side made discoveries about the other’s point of view which appeared to surprise and gratify them. Certainly the cause of reconciliation in the Netherlands East Indies received a considerable impetus from this, the first contact between the parties. No appointment for further meetings was made. This probably is a matter for instigation by Sir Philip Christison. The Indonesians’ point of view is that the present temper of the Indonesian people provides a wrong atmosphere in which to begin formal negotiations. The fact remains that with a military situation which the spokesman earlier described as almost war as a result of a further British-Indonesian clash in Central Java, it was possible for the interests most concerned to come together on neutral ground in an amicable mood.

The Indonesians are believed to have partly broken down the Dutch conviction that the Republican Cabinet is Jaoanese inspired and controlled. For their own part Indonesians learnt that there was a new spirit abroad in Holland—a more liberal attitude towards the colonial problem shared bv the rising generation and people who had themselves been interned and had experienced the miseries of the last three and a half years. Dr Soekarno in a broadcast appealed to all Indonesians to stop fighting “and solve all misunderstandings in close co-operation with the Allies.” Misunderstandings can be readily resolved. The Allies came only to disarm and evacuate the Japanese, take care of internees and maintain law and order in the occupation areas. Reports from Magelang state that fighting broke out at 10 a.m. The correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Agency reports that the situation is still under control. There are only 700 Gurkhas at this point, and their fighting power has been reduced, because they have to provide guards for hospitals and internment camps. Semarang is reported quiet "at the moment.”

say he was a changed man and the change is attributed to the fact that he sees hope that the impasse will yield to negotiation.

Perrhaps the best epitome of the meeting is the remark of one of the Indonesians: “They did not agree with us, but were not hostile.”

To-day Dr. Soekarno flew to Magelang to curb his unruly followers, while Mr Sjarifuddin has gone to Sourabaya with the same object. The Dutch are inclined to raise their eyebrows at the continued use of Dr. Soekarno, as chief appeaser, moving freely about the country in British planes and enjoying considerable personal prestige. The British say quite frankly that he has proved one of the best able to control the Indonesians and say that, even if he fails, it will have been of service since It would prove the Dutch contention that he has not sufficient influence really to lead the Indonesians. Using three Thunderbolts, which were engaged on armed reconnaissance, the R.A.F. helped Gurkhas to recapture most of the town of Magelang from the Indonesian extremists this afternoon. Troops on the ground marked the target with mortar smoke and bombs. Afterwards the Thunderbolts examined the area and the leader fired a burst. The pilots then individually shot up staff cars and lorries and observed hits. Planes yesterday were authorised to attack concentrations which might be seen moving from Jogjakarta to Magelang, but no movement was seen. and guns were not fired. A situation report, from Magelang to-day is awaited. This morning Sourabaya was reported quiet.

Officials close to Dr. Van Mook say there was a marked change in his manner to-day after last night’s meeting with the Indonesian leaders. Dr. Van Mook has been bearing a heavy burden of anxiety, comments the correspondent of the Associated Press. He knows too well that Holland’s retention of her share in the Indies rests largely on his capacity for statemanship in the next few weeks. At his only Press conference he was nervous and guarded. His manner was tense and he smoked endless cigarettes. Friends who previously remarked his air of reserve and abstraction to-day

The first British tanks have been landed. In Batavia there are still sporadic outbreaks of looting.