FOURTH SESSION ECAFE

Your 219 [1] (303 to C.R.O.) and C.R.O. 295 [2], repeated to New
Zealand 244). Admission of Indonesia
We agree that E.C.A.F.E. should avoid recurrence of political
arguments as far as possible and should concentrate on economic
problems facing it. At the same time it seems to us that it is
desirable to avoid further postponement of decision on two
applications for associate membership, if only for reason that
direct participation of Indonesia in work of Commission, which has
now reached the important stage, is desirable at earliest possible
date. You will recall that New Zealand Delegate at ECOSOC stated
that some decision would be necessary at Fourth Session of
E.C.A.F.E.

2. We would naturally support any solution which was freely
accepted by both parties but on present information we are not
convinced that either of your proposals will be satisfactory.

Under terms of reference grant of consultative status to Republic
would seem to involve decision on responsibility for international
relations. Admission of observer without right to speak or vote,
if it constitutes significant gesture, which we doubt, might carry
implications in regard to separate authority of Republic.

3. In these circumstances we intend to submit to E.C.A.F.E.

resolution which after necessary recitals would admit Republic to
associate membership 'without prejudice to political settlement in
Indonesia and without expressing an opinion of any aspect of the
situation in Indonesia under consideration in Security Council or
elsewhere'. We feel satisfied that resolution which we have
drafted, full text of which will be discussed with Australian and
United Kingdom Delegations at Lapstone, should not affect in any
way progress of negotiations between Netherlands and Republic
which we earnestly hope will be carried to successful conclusion.