467 Critchley to Department of External Affairs

Having prepared the way with Graham, I propose to submit to the Committee a paper suggesting the United States-Philippine model as a basis for settlement. [1] The proposal will be presented as a working paper; not in expectation that it will be accepted but rather so as to enable me to compromise and build up our position.

I presume that your views remain the same and you have no objections but I should be glad to know if you would like the parties to know of the plan irrespective of any Committee decision.

2. Scott has informed me confidentially- (a) That Graham has only one instruction-to bring back an agreement.

(b) That his own instructions are to endeavour to base agreement on Linggadjati on which he says the State Department is sold.

3. The United States have at last realized that insistence on unanimity will only bring delay and stalemate in the Committee.

They have agreed to do everything they can to get the Netherlands acceptance of the truce plan [2] within a week to ten days.

Failing this they will support us in majority vote if necessary on interpretation of the 1st November resolution. I have put on record our revised paper [on] interpretation [3] and have stated that I will move for a vote on this if the Dutch fail to accept the truce plan within a reasonable period. Nevertheless as suggested by 2(a) above the Americans are still most anxious to avoid any reference back to the Security Council.