Your 239. [1] You can well imagine reaction here of reports of
Dutch attacking Indonesian positions. It was previously arranged
that ships at present loading should call at Indonesian ports on
grounds that distribution through Batavia might not be regarded as
satisfactory unless with the concurrence of Indonesians.

2. In the present situation, it is all the more important that
intention to distribute according to the agreement be demonstrated
and therefore that ships should first off-load at Indonesian
ports.

3. Please see Schuurman and make this point with him. Also
indicate, in reply to his paragraph 3, that Australian Government
has already honoured its undertaking, which was to use its good
offices for ships to load on the basis of agreement made between
Indonesians and Dutch. Two ships are loading and undertaking has
been carried out. If loading ceases, it will be because of
subsequent developments which create doubts as to whether terms of
agreement can be implemented by both parties.

4. You should reply in a memorandum to Schuurman along these
lines, pointing out that, because of the new situation, we would
like assurance that arrangements already made, and in particular
off-loading at Indonesian ports, have not been changed. [2]
Quickest possible reply necessary to handle situation here.