My immediately preceding telegram. [1]

Following is text of letter to Ballard signed this morning:

BEGINS:

BATAVIA,
Djakarta.

24th May.

Sir,
With reference to conversations you have recently had on the
subject with the competent Netherlands Indies and Republican
authorities the under-signed have the honour to inform you that
the Netherlands Indies Government and Government of the Republic
of Indonesia would appreciate the good offices of the Australian
Government to secure the immediate lifting of the shipping ban.

Both Governments call to the fact that such a measure would be in
the interests of the whole of Indonesia, as the goods at present
in Australia, which cannot be moved as a result of the said ban,
will also help to meet the needs of the Republic on the basis of
an arrangement to be concluded between the Netherlands Indies
Government and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. [2]

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.

(Signed) H. J. van Mook,
Lieutenant Governor-General of the Netherlands Indies

(Signed) Sjahrir,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Indonesia

Mr. B. C. Ballard,
Consul-General of Australia,
Pegangsaan West 14th,
BATAVIA.

ENDS.

2. Letter not yet formally acknowledged. Kindly forward urgently
formal reply you would desire made.