Your 51. [1]

1. Announced here today and supported by Ballard that important
progress towards finality has now been made in Dutch-Indonesian
negotiations on trade arrangements and that both parties had
decided on appeal to Australian waterside workers to lift ban. In
view of this we consider our move most appropriate. It will be
sign to all countries to enter into negotiations and we would
regard it as most unfortunate if Dutch authorities by hindering
immediate preliminary enquiries were to prevent Australia being
first to make trading arrangements.

2. We propose to go ahead and will be asking for visas. Please
press immediately for immediate reconsideration. We adhere to our
view that these proposed discussions which are only exploratory
and on official level can do nothing but good. On other hand
refusal to grant visas to Australian officials would be regarded
most seriously and could be especially embarrassing to Australian-
Dutch relations if arrangements which have reached an advanced
stage should become known publicly despite all precautions we have
taken.

3. Urgent reply appreciated.