CONSULS FIND DUTCH NULLIFIED U.N.O. CEASE FIRE IN INDONESIA

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 October 1947, Page 5

CONSULS FIND DUTCH NULLIFIED U.N.O. CEASE FIRE IN INDONESIA

Recd. 8.50 p.m. New York, Oct. 14. The seven who investigated the situation in Indonesia reported to the Security Council today that the Dutch forces had nullified the United Nations cease fire order by interpreting it as allowing them to mop up by-nassed Indonesian troops. The Consuls, who represent Britain, America, Australia, France, China, Belgium and Switzerland, unanimously stated that th P Indonesian Republic Government originally issued an unequivocal cease fire order, but later told its isolated troops to defend themselves against Dutch mopping up operations. The report, which was requested by the Security Council in August, added that a considerable amount of banditry, including murder, arson and looting, is still being carried out to some extent by irregular bands. Cease fire orders were duly given, but there was no confidence by the Dutch or the Indonesians that the other side would cr'ry them out, and no attempt was made by either side to come to an agreement with the other. When the Security Council considered the report today Mr Julius Katzsuchy (Poland) criticised the Consuls for making “political statements.” The part of th e report which offended Mr. Katbsuchv stated: “Influential Indonesians, who number not more than 5 per cent, of the population, are practically all Nationalists and seek some form* of independence, although not necessarily supporting the present Republic. There is little hatred of the Dutch, whose assistance in running the country is recognised as essential ” Mr. Gromyko (Russia) said the | Netherlands had clearly violated the ; Security Council’s orders. The matter was so serious that the United Nations existence was at stake. The Council adjourned until Thursday without voting on a Soviet proposal to order both sides to withdraw to their pre-hostilities areas.