Your telegram 296. [1] From the signing of the truce agreement
there have been the inevitable so called infiltrations across the
status quo line, principally from Republican to Netherlands-
controlled territory, but until June these were unorganised and on
a small scale. Military observers have reported large scale
infiltrations into Netherlands-controlled West Java which
commenced in June, reached a peak early in September but
considerably diminished in scale thereafter. After a relatively
quiet period there is now a further report being investigated by
military observers of infiltration of a band of seven hundred into
Netherlands-controlled East Java.

2. Military observers are unable to assess accurately the scale of
the infiltrations but De Ranitz's reference to 'groups up to 8,000
strong' appears to be exaggerated. [2] Most extensive Dutch claim
to date is that infiltrators total 15,000. infiltrators include:

(a) TNI who were evacuated from Netherlands-controlled territory
in terms of the Renville agreement and subsequently demobilised
and who are now returning to their homes. (It will be recalled
that the Republican delegation made unsuccessful efforts to
negotiate an agreement with the Dutch on this). [3]

(b) Irregular and armed bands who are returning according to
definite plans for sabotage and disruption. (There are groups in
the Republic, particularly left wing groups who believe that a
political settlement with the Dutch is impossible and that the
present Government has delayed too long in organising an all out
struggle).

3. The Netherlands delegation has submitted documentary evidence
that infiltra-tions have been promoted by the Republican
Government. The Republican Government has denied the authenticity
of the documents and has disclaimed all responsibility. You should
already have relevant documents which have been sent by bag. I
believe that the Republican Government was inclined earlier to
overlook the infiltrations but is now making an effort to prevent
them notwithstanding the political difficulties involved.

4. There has recently been an increase in political unrest
resulting in sabotage and violence in the Netherlands-controlled
territories, particularly West Java, due to the activities both of
the Indonesians and of the local people.

5. The Dutch (in their press release) appear to be playing up both
the infiltrations and the sabotage and violence in the
Netherlands-controlled territory as breaches of the truce,
possibly with the intention of obtaining support for strong action
taken [4] the Republic. Unless it is established that the
Republican Authorities are responsible for the infiltrations these
can hardly be regarded as a breach of the truce. Disturbances in
the Netherlands-controlled areas outside the demilitarised zone
are clearly the responsibility of the Dutch.