23 October 1945

Subject: Free Indonesian Movement
Ref:. Our G/040.2/Int. of 19 Oct 45 [1]

Apart from incidents reported in the above-mentioned letter, there
is evidence that the Australian Communist Party is actively
engaged in further aggravating unrest among the Indonesian
inhabitants in areas within the AMF sphere of responsibility and
that it is also attempting to influence Australian troops against
the Dutch.

2. The following reports in this connection have been received:-

(a) On 15 Oct a printed propaganda leaflet entitled 'Hands off the
Indonesian Republic' was distributed in limited quantities in the
26 Aust Inf Bde area (TARAKAN). This leaflet has also been found
at this HQ. Copy of the leaflet, which was issued by the
Australian Communist Party in SYDNEY, is attached. [2]

(b) On 17 Oct cyclostyled pamphlets to the same general effect
were again distributed at an Indonesian meeting at TARAKAN. These
pamphlets were dated 'BRISBANE, 11 Oct 45'.

(c) On 7 Oct four members of the 2/1 Aust Armd Regt at BALIKPAPAN
produced a petition supporting the Free Indonesian Movement. The
four men concerned are reported to have strong Communist
tendencies and the petition was circulated within the unit and was
signed by some members.

3. While it is realised that Australian personnel are entitled to
hold whatever political opinions they like, it is pointed out that
any further increase in Indonesian unrest may lead to disturbances
in areas occupied by Australian forces and that our responsibility
for maintaining law and order in these areas may necessitate the
use of our troops in preventing these disturbances with the
consequent risk of casualties to our forces. Thus the activities
of the Australian Communist Party in encouraging the adherents of
the Free Indonesian Movement may have a direct influence on
increasing the possibility of casualties to Australian troops.