CLOSING OF AERODROME

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 November 1950, Page 5

CLOSING OF AERODROME

SINGAPORE, Nov. 19 (Recd. 7.10 pm).—Because of “military ac.tion’’ a 8.0.A.C. Constellation airliner was unable to land at Jacarta this morning, and had to return to Singapore. Captain A. M. Carroll, commander of the Constellation, said on return that he was ordered by the Indonesian aviation althorities not to land because of military action in Jacarta. He was told over the radio that if the plane landed, it would be impounded. At this time, the Constellation was less than 25 miles from Jacarta, having flown nearly 700 miles from Singapore. Radio Jacarta had been broadcasting hourly all the morning Instructing the civil population to stay indoors. The radio declared that ah traffic had been stopped in view of the “special steps being taken by the National Army and military police.” At noon, however, the radio announced that the military and police order, confining Jacarta people indoors had been cancelled. Cable and Wireless Ltd. were still in contact with Jacarta today. It Is understood their Jacarta staff has been confined to the building since last night. No official news is available in Singapore, but authoritative circles pointed out that the Indonesian Communist Party had declared its intention to hold demonstrations today in connection with the reburial of tlr remains of Amir Sharo r udin, a lending Communist, who was killed in the Maduin revolt in 1948. The Government had banned the demonstration, and decreed that flags would not. fly halfmast. An official source at Singapore • a report had been received that Jacarta had been nlaced under curfew today to enable Indonesian police ana the Army to make a surprise search for arms. A message from Darwin stated Jacarta aerodrome was closed and reopened tn international air traffic todav because of what Is described as “military activity.” The closing caused confusion to passengers travelling on two Constellations between Darwin and Singapore.

Action to have the aerodrome reopened is believed to have heen taken on Ihe highest level in Canberra. The Civil Aviation Department received a report this morning that, custom?, and immigration facilities at Jacarta had heen withdrawn and' that the aerodrome could, therefore, not b? used by international aircraft. Advice that these facilities had been restored was not received until la'l this afternoon.