Confirming my 'in clear' message [1], Bevin has expressed view
that United Kingdom Government having twice attempted to reach a
peaceful settlement and having failed, now looks to a totally new
approach, and considers it would be unwise for either the United
Kingdom Government or for Killearn to be associated with any new
attempt at settlement. The reasoning is curious and Killearn's
non-acceptability to the Dutch is probably behind it.

2. The Prime Minister considers we should not press United Kingdom
unduly for Killearn as we would probably have their opposition
throughout negotiations. He mentioned Foster as an alternative. If
you were able to have Sayre as Chairman, it would seem to me
preferable to have as Australian representative someone more
directly in touch with us, for example Kerr.

3. Eaton anticipates observance of 'cease fire' will terminate end
of month when a report will be lodged [2], and the Dutch are
anxious for early report. It will be essential for Committee of
Three meeting prior to that date and for recommendations in the
'cease fire' report, for example, troop withdrawals, to have been
carried out.

4. Eaton's reports on reported shootings at Consular Commission
are that there was shooting in the area which he regarded as
normal, particularly in view of the convoy movements which would
arouse suspicion. [3] He is moving round fairly freely and will be
at Sumatra this week, having been to both Djokjakarta and
Sourabaya. Meanwhile, Sjarifoeddin has asked the Prime Minister in
a shortwave message to despatch an officer to Djokjakarta in order
to discuss with him questions which the Indonesians wish to raise
before the Committee of Three. [4]