I hear that the question of lifting the ban will be raised at the
meeting of the Federal Unions' Conference in Melbourne on Tuesday,
25th of May, 1948, at which, I understand, Mr Healy will be
present.
In connection with our discussion of last week [1] I feel, that if
you were to give Mr Healy the word to go ahead now, we may get rid
of the boycott. I honestly believe, that if your desire to end the
present situation is stressed, your efforts will be entirely
successful.
I would have hesitated to write to you again but for the fact that
the matter is too important and urgent to let the occasion go by
to reach a satisfactory solution this time. [2]
1 See Document 129
2 In a telegram to Boetzalaer on 22 May, Teppema reported a
conversation with Chifley held on 21 May. According to this
account, Chifley told Teppema that he had conferred with union
leaders in Melbourne and Hobart since his discussion with Teppema
on 11 May (see note 1 to Document 129) and that Kirby had talked
to the unions in Queensland. Teppema recorded that Chifley said:
'Perhaps there was a reason for [the boycott] once but it is a
bloody stupid thing now'. Teppema reported that Chifley then took
a piece of paper containing six telephone numbers from his desk
and declared: 'You know what they are? They are the principal
Union leaders and I am going to talk to these "blokes" on the
phone this evening and tell them to finish with the bloody
business. 'Teppema replied that, with the ending of the boycott, a
solution would be found to other problems still pending between
Australia and the Netherlands, given mutual good will. Chifley
warned Teppema that 'it will have to be mutual because if some of
our fellows are tough so are your people.' See Rijks
Geschiedkundige Publicatien, Officiele Bescheide De Nederlands-
Indonesche Betrekkingen 1945-1950, 1948, Vol. XIII, The Hague,
1986, PP.717-18.
