It is reported here by radio that Van Kleffens at the Security
Council [1] stated it was impossible to negotiate with Republican
Government in [what] he called its present belligerent mood. It is
unfair such statements should be made unchallenged by one party to
the dispute. This, together with report that Council is allowing
tactics of delay which have the effect of nullifying its earlier
action. The facts before the Council are the Consular Commission's
report which clearly finds Van Kleffens's accusation unfounded
and, in fact, the Dutch to be in the belligerent mood. Full
warfare is at present going on, and every day's delay makes the
situation worse, as the Dutch are allowed to continue their
military operations by their untenable interpretation of 'cease
fire'. We have only radio reports to go on, and we do not know
other local factors, but it would seem to us that Australia should
be making a vigorous protest at the way in which the Security
Council's decisions are being circumvented.