THE EAST INDIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 266, 10 November 1945, Page 5

THE EAST INDIES

DUTCH STATEMENT OFFER TO INDONESIANS FULL PARTNER IN A COMMONWEALTH Batavia, Nov. 6 A plan for a democratic representative body, with a substantial majority of Indonesian members, to govern the Netherlands East Indies under a gov-ernor-general was announced by Dr. van Mook to-day in his long postponed statement of policy about the future of the Indies.

The statement says that Indonesia will be called upon to become a full partner in the Dutch Kingdom, which will be organised as a Commonwealth consisting of participating territories. The manner in which the basic idea will be developed will be a matter for a round table conference.

It is added that it would have been useless and incompatible with the dignity of the Government to have published the proposals while antiNetherlands propaganda and a system of terrorism were operating against dissenting opinion. Now that danger for the liberated internees has been lessened through the qid of our Allies and the situation with regard to freedom of speech and contact seems to have improved somewhat, the moment has come to elaborate the Government’s programme based on Her Majesty’s speech of December 6, 1942. The Government recognises the ligitimate aspirations of Indonesians, towards a national existence. and is convinced that these aspirations can be realised by a process of evolution through friendly cooperation between Indonesians and Netherianders. PARTNER IN KINGDOM

“The general purpose therefore is the rapid development of Indonesia as ap artner in the kingdom, which is to be constructed to guarantee the national self-respect of all member peoples. To thst end the central Government in this country will have to be reconstructed by legal process in such a way that it will consist of a democratic representative body with a substantial majority of Indonesian members, and a council of Ministers under tjhe Governor-General, as the representative of the Crown. This organisation will govern the internal affairs of the country, assisted by a subordinate organisation to take care of regional and local public interests. Suffrage will be the subject of further consultation, but will have to rest on the foundation of freely shaped public opinion and the adequate representation of all important sections of the body politic.” The admission of Indonesians and other non-Dutch citizens to the general services of the Kingdom can be systematically increased forthwith,” adds the statement. “The admission of citizens of non-Netherlands origin to the highest post in all public services will be vigorously extended, and regulations based on racial discrimination will be abrogated or, reformed. Posts will be found for Indonesians in the management of businesses. Distinctions between a Netherlands and an Indonesian civil service will be abolished and unification of the penal courts’ proceedures will be completed.” EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

In educational activities, the statement promises a reorganisation to eradicate illiteracy as rapidly as possible and the development of Indonesian civilisation and the Indonesian language and other important native languages to make them servicable for. the needs ox everyday life, and recognition of Indonesian as the official language beside Dutch.

The replanning of economic policy will provide room for increasing participation by Indonesians, IndoChinese and Indo-Arabs in big business.

“The expansion of native capital will be vigorously advanced,” says the statement. “Efficient co-operation with the Netherlands and other countries will strengthen this policy, without influencing its aim.” The statement says that though much of what happened during and after the occupation was better forgotten, a number who had committed crimes against, fellow citizens and voluntarily assisted the enemy must be brought to justice. All’ stolen property must be restored and aL arms which had been passed over by the enemy or had been stolen must be restored to the Allies, and the carrying of arms restricted to people legally entitled to do so. Saying that the citizens of Indonesia would be clearly circumscribed on a foundation of racial equality, the statement winds up: “It is the intention of the Government to convene a round table conference at the earliest possible date. The present dissensions carry the country near to chaos, which neither the people nor the international world can tolerate. A way is pointed out whereby the present barren discord can be ended.” INDONESIAN ATTITUDE

“There can be no doubt that the Dutch have no logical or reasonable answer for the difficulties with which they are faced,” said Dr. Soekarno, in a counter statement to Dr. van Hook’s. “Up till now there has been no sign of their having other intentions than restoring the old colonial system, despite their proclamation statement made bv Queen Wilhelmina in 1942. The Dutch know that they are not. equal to t’.ie task of imposing their domination on us, but are buoyed up by a hope of being able to utilise th_£ Allied forces to crush the Indonesians’ determination to maintain their sovereignity. The Dutch will never be able to make us give up the type of government we have (•ho. en for ourselves, because the burning flame of our patriotism will render null and void all Dutch designs on us.

“When the republic of Indonesia Is formally recognised, we will take appropriate action regarding a number of important matters. All debts incurred by the Dutch East Indies Government prior to the Japanese surrender. and fairly chargeable to us, we will unhesitatingly take over. All property ot foreigner., will be handed ; over to them, except that we shalj reserve the right to acquire, at fair < prices such property as shall be deemj ed necessary for the welfare of the l country. In concert with our imj mediate neighbouis and the rest ot ' the world, we intend to take our place in the council of the United Nations to further and implement the idols in the San Francisco Charter. In a short time we intend to prove our adherence to democratic ideals by calling a general election, which may remit in far-reaching changes in the composition of the present Government and the Constitution.’’ '