With reference to our exchange of signals [1] regarding the 1400
Indonesians which you have guaranteed repatriation from Australia
to Dutch Timor, Java and Sumatra.

2. In view of your insistence that these Indonesians should be
repatriated to Timor, Java and Sumatra I had asked General
Christison their Force Commander in Netherlands East Indies to
make an exception and accept these people in the countries you
specified. I did this in spite of the very grave situation at
present in Netherlands East Indies in order that you might keep
faith in your guarantee.

3. I did not then know that these Indonesians included large
numbers of political prisoners exiled to New Guinea after the 1936
Revolution and who are extremists. [2] I understand Australia
accepted these when New Guinea was invaded by the Japanese. [3]

4. Christison has represented most strongly after consultation
with the Dutch Representatives in Batavia that they should be
returned to Timor only and other small islands but on no account
to Java or Sumatra where their arrival might tip the scales in
favour of the Extremists.

5. In view of Christison's representations and the likelihood of
civil war breaking out in Netherlands East Indies at any moment I
must request that you arrange at any rate as a temporary measure
that the 1400 Indonesians go to Timor and the neighbouring small
islands.