Yesterday I had quite a long personal off the record talk with
Jonkheer H.F.L.K. van Vredenburch, Director of the Political
Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This man is thought to be
one of the most liberal minded men of the Dutch. The conversation
was very interesting and he told me quite definitely that since
his arrival from Holland (approximately three weeks ago) he had
completely changed his mind regarding the Indonesian dispute and
feels without doubt that the Dutch in their present manner can
clear the whole problem up themselves within a few months,
although he thinks too the Committee of Good Offices will be able
to assist. He confirmed my view that the Dutch attitude has
completely hardened on account of the proceedings in the Security
Council.

I think Judge Kirby and the Committee of Three are going to have a
very hard task and will soon be up against a blank wall which will
result in a show down and will require ruthless action to get
over. Vredenburch told me that the Dutch would not give away one
inch of the territory they now occupy as regards any arrangements
regarding the cease fire order, but they would permit an
honourable withdrawal of Republican forces from Dutch claimed
territory. Withdrawal of troops of both sides and the
establishment of a Joint Police Force in the disputed territory,
in my opinion the only real solution, will also not be considered
by the Dutch at this juncture.

Judge Kirby arrived back this day from Djokjakarta and I have not
had much chance to talk with him, but everything seems quite
satisfactory between the Committee of Three and the Republican
authorities.

My aeroplane leaves tomorrow morning with this letter for Darwin.

I realise the probably difficult position regarding the Indonesian
repatriates and, although Schuurman originally told me that no
difficulties would be involved, this morning he said there was a
difficulty and that until they got full information concerning the
Indonesians concerned no permission could be given. [1] However,
the aeroplane has gone to Darwin and I will inform the Department
as soon as I get the decision from the Dutch authorities. In any
case, the aeroplane should go there to pick up any Military
Observer Officers and possibly to change a cylinder of one of the
engines. Kirby agrees with me that it is difficult to ask favours
of the Dutch at this juncture and the question of foregoing the
normal routine inspection of an aircraft coming into the country
from outside is a delicate one. It should also be remembered that
by virtue of the PICAO [2] Conference it is incumbent upon all
aircraft flying to Java to land at either Sourabaya or Batavia.

I wonder what you will think of a suggestion that our Minister,
Dr. Evatt, if he is returning from England [3] by his own special
aircraft, calls in at Batavia to see our Consulate and for perhaps
some informal discussions with the Dutch. I feel it might do some
good. The idea, of course, has not been mentioned to anyone. If he
has his own special aircraft, he might make an excuse to come here
by bringing my wife from London, otherwise she is due to come here
by the Dutch ship Willem Ruys, leaving Southampton on 3rd
December.

The Consular Commission is going again, but the British, Chinese
and French members are a bit chary regarding asking their
Governments for Military Observer Officers until they know the
requirements of the Committee of Three. They seem anxious to avoid
being concerned in any possible political complications. In any
case, I am looking forward to a fairly busy time and hope to
receive information regarding the proposed new staff for the
Consulate-General.

[matter omitted]

P.S.

I feel that I should let you know what I have written [is] for
your own background knowledge. One other point is that I consider
it quite probable the Dutch may present in the future a 'fait
accompli' by establishing a Federal Government of the United
States of Indonesia from the various Governments they have already
set up, or will set up. I have no definite grounds for thinking
this but I consider it is a great possibility.