My telegram 217. [1]

Interviewed Vigeveno who hopes to give visas for Carne and
Hetherington tonight or tomorrow. He was authorized to give visas
for permanent attache's to Ballard and would not issue same to
Carne and Hetherington pending further instructions. Vigeveno,
sought further information as to the purpose of the visits because
he said it had already been pointed out, and agreed between
Australia and the Dutch authorities, who in this case claim to be
representative of Indonesia, that it was undesirable at the
present stage for any trade delegation from Australia to visit
Batavia to discuss trade with the Indonesians ex parte. In view of
your desire for the utmost secrecy, Vigeveno, was informed that
Carne is an old identity of Batavia [2], therefore as Ballard is
new to the area, you consider it desirable to give Ballard the
benefit of Carne's knowledge of local colour. Re Hetherington,
informed Vigeveno that Hetherington is a shipping man and the
visit to Batavia is part of the survey he is making of the
position generally in eastern areas in view of the government's
ultimate intention of establishing overseas shipping services. No
mention whatever has been made here regarding Forsyth and
Richardson, but Vigeveno referred to a delegation from Australia
of four officials and said his principals would not agree to such.

I made no comment on the matter one way or the other.

2. Unfortunately the recent public statements of Campbell [3] have
caused much hardening of the Dutch attitude generally here. These
statements have undoubtedly caused difficulties regarding visas. I
strongly recommend that I be authorized by you to make the
following public statement-Begins:-

I am instructed by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia
to announce that Mr. C. H. Campbell, an Australian who is reported
as being a representative of the Indonesian Republic, has no
connection whatever with the Australian Government, and has no
authority whatever to make any statement on behalf of the
Australian Government. Ends.

This statement would, I am sure, ease the situation although it is
obvious the shipping ban is the main stumbling block which has
been aggravated by Campbell's activities. [4]

Mr. Campbell in a broadcast last night referred to a meeting to be
held in Java of trade unionists from various South East Asian
countries. [5]