INDONESIA

1. We have considered position very carefully and we have noted
statement by Foreign Secretary to Mr Beasley that the United
Kingdom Government would not wish to interfere with any action by
the Australian Government but would welcome any contribution we
could make to peaceful solution. [1] We have considered carefully
also your doubts about reference to Security Council. [2]

2. Australia is however in a most difficult position. This
situation affects us vitally and we cannot remain inactive.

Moreover we have consistently upheld United Nations and consider
that in this case we might place ourselves in untenable position
if we refrained from raising matter at Security Council.

3. For these reasons, and because there seems no alternative
action, we are disposed to draw the attention of the Security
Council to the situation in Indonesia under Article 35 [3], and in
doing so we are fully aware of and are prepared to meet any
procedural objections likely to be raised.

4. We would however wish to proceed in this direction with your
concurrence. In particular we would hope to have your support in
having matter admitted to agenda and discussed by Security Council
as a first step towards a peaceful solution of the problem.

Glad of your most immediate reply as it is becoming essential to
state our intentions on this matter.