Fourth Session E.C.A.F.E. Admission of Indonesian Republican
representative.

You will be aware that previous sessions of ECAFE have been marked
by long disputes on the question whether Republic should be
granted associate membership of the Commission separately from the
rest of Indonesia.

We desire if possible to avoid recurrence of this dispute at
forthcoming session and so enable Commission to devote its time to
its substantive work. In view of delicate stage reported to have
been reached in current negotiations between Netherlands and
Republican Governments, we have decided to support postponement of
Netherlands and Republican applications for Indonesian associate
membership rather than risk inviting breakdown in talks through
revival of friction between the parties. This decision is entirely
without prejudice what we may decide to do at 5th Session in 1949
if there is still no settlement in Indonesia.

At the same time we feel strongly that Republic representation
should be given some official standing at forthcoming session. We
understand that Republican Government will not be sending a
delegation from Djokjakarta but has authorised Dr. Usman to attend
in an unspecified capacity. Usman could be admitted under
paragraph 3(A)(iv) of Commission Resolution No. 69(v) [1] as a
consultant on Indonesian matters. If Netherlands Government were
to allow this to happen without raising objection it would, in our
view, be making a useful gesture at this critical stage of
negotiations with the Republic. Question of jurisdiction over
Republic's foreign relations need not be raised, Republic would
probably be satisfied, and needless friction and consumption of
time on political argument could be avoided.

Please discuss with Netherlands Government, indicating to them the
course we propose to take and seeking their co-operation.