CANBERRA, 9 July 1947

NEW HOPE IN INDONESIA AUSTRALIA WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST

The Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Evatt, stated today that
the Australian Government welcomes reports that further progress
has now been made towards a permanent settlement in Indonesia.

The de facto authority of the Republic, on the basis of the
Linggadjati Agreement, which has been recognised by several
Governments, including the United Kingdom [1] and United States
Governments [2], and which the Government of Australia also
recognises, implies the acceptance by the Republican Government of
very great responsibility; and the Republican Government, as one
of the negotiating parties and as a future essential element in
the Interim Federal State, has in fact accepted this
responsibility.

The Australian Government, because it believes that the revival of
production and trade is vital to the welfare not only of the
Indonesian area but of the world as a whole, sent representatives
to Indonesia recently to assist in solving problems related to the
recommencement of trade. The Australian Government wishes both
parties to understand that, if, in the interests of agreement
between Dutch and Republican authorities on economic and political
matters, the good offices of the Australian Government would at
any stage be helpful, Australia will continue to do anything in
its power to afford both the Netherlands and Indonesian
authorities its assistance.

Furthermore, the Australian Government would be happy to give to
the Interim Federal Government of Indonesia, when it is
established, advice and assistance in such matters as trade,
finance, communications, and economic rehabilitation and
development.