For your own background information solely.

Officer reports that Netherlands Government regrets it cannot at
present authorise issue of visas, and feels time is inopportune
for discussions by N.E.I. authorities with third parties.

2. Netherlands Legation in Canberra will not issue visas without
authority from The Hague.

3. We have instructed Officer to press for immediate re-
consideration by Netherlands Government on grounds that important
progress towards finality in Dutch/Indonesian negotiations has
been announced, and exploratory discussions on official level,
would be beneficial. Also we feel it unfortunate if, by preventing
preliminary enquiries, Dutch were to hinder Australia from being
first to make trade arrangements. We understand Dutch Cabinet
meets this afternoon, 14th, and are awaiting Officer's reply.

Meanwhile we are making arrangements for party to reach Batavia
Sunday next.

4. A.B.C. news broadcast this morning, in connection with
announcement, referred to in previous paragraph, stated Dutch and
Indonesians had agreed to appeal to Australian waterside workers
to lift ban on Dutch shipping. Glad of urgent confirmation.

5. Glad of any information relating to week-end announcement of
Van Mook's resignation and appointment of Romme. [1]