Your 131. [1]

On 26th May Federal Transport and Waterside Unions, at a
conference summoned in Melbourne by the ACTU, decided to lift the
ban on Dutch shipping provided (according to press)-
(a) that an embargo be continued by the Australian Government on
the export of weapons of war, and
(b) that the same rights of freedom of trade between Indonesia and
Australia be accorded Australian vessels in Indonesian ports as
are accorded Dutch vessels in Australian ports.

2.While the desirability of increasing trade generally between
Australia and Indonesia has played an important part in
discussions leading up to the lifting of the ban, an equally
important consideration is the hope that the Dutch will respond
with relaxation of the restrictions they have imposed on
Republican trade. In emphasizing the importance which the
Netherlands Government has attached to the lifting of the ban, the
Netherlands Minister in conversations here has frequently
expressed the view that it would go far towards improving the
atmosphere and removing other causes of friction. We most
certainly expect that the Unions' decision will now be reflected
in a more liberal and generous attitude on the part of the Dutch
towards Republican needs.