We understand from our delegate to ECAFE conference at Ootacamund
that Netherlands Delegation are sponsoring Indonesia as a whole
for associate membership with two seats on the Delegation for the
Republic if they desire. Republican Delegation will not accept
Netherlands sponsorship, but will apply for associate membership
sponsored by India.

2. Our original instruction to our delegate was that he should
support admission of Republican Delegation as observers, but that
we did not think the Republic could properly qualify for the
associate membership. In view, however, of our delegate's latest
report, we have after careful consideration instructed him to
support Republic for provisional associate membership on the
ground that Australia has given de facto recognition to the
Republic and that nothing in the Renville Agreement can alter the
position until the principles of the Agreement have been
translated into a final settlement. [1] We consider that until
final agreement is reached in which Republic's authority is
incorporated in wider government or government for the Republican
area is otherwise provided for and Republican interests thereby
represented, Republic will continue to have de facto authority. As
such it should take its separate place as a de facto authority on
any international body dealing with matters of direct concern to
it.

3. Procedural difficulty may arise because according to terms of
reference of ECAFE a Government in juridical position of Republic
requires sponsorship for associate membership by the government
responsible for conduct of its foreign affairs, in this case
Netherlands Government. In order, if possible, to avoid protracted
procedural argument, we have instructed our delegate to explore
possibility of having Republican Government admitted to associate
membership for this session only, which would duly recognise
existing situation without prejudice to changes which may take
place if settlement is reached between Netherlands and Republican
Governments. [1]

4. Foregoing is for background if issue is raised with you by
Netherlands authorities.