Our 493.

Following is text:-

'At our request you have frequently informed the United States -
His Majesty's Government of our concern over developments in
Indonesia. These developments have been considered somewhat in
isolation as a matter between the Republic of Indonesia and the
Netherlands Government. In view however of recent events, not only
in Indonesia but in China and other parts of South East Asia, the
Prime Minister thinks that you should convey the view and
apprehensions of the Government of India to the State Department -
His Majesty's Government in somewhat the following terms:-

Begins. 'The Government of India are deeply concerned over the
breakdown of negotiations for a political settlement in Indonesia.

Apart from immediate issues involved, they view it in the larger
context of developments in China and all over South East Asia.

There can be little doubt that the whole of this vast region will
be powerfully affected not only by the failure of these
negotiations and what might follow, but also by the attitude taken
up by the Netherlands Government. Their refusal to recognise the
urgency of granting national freedom to Indonesian people and
their desire to continue in some form or other, both political and
economic domination of Indonesia, raises a vital question for the
whole of Asia. Not only the Netherlands Government but also the
French Government have been engaged in the conflict with national
aspirations in South East Asia. Both of these Governments are
associated with the Western Union in Europe which is being helped
in many ways by other powers. This help provided under the
Marshall Plan or in other ways thus seems to be utilized for
purposes opposed to movements for national freedom in South East
Asia and in attempt to maintain colonial domination. Intense
popular feelings roused against Netherlands Government in
Indonesia and elsewhere as well as French Government in Indo,
China have thus a tendency to become hostile to the concept of
Western Union and Marshall Aid Plan. This is most regrettable. We
[1] that United States - United Kingdom Governments have strongly
advised Netherlands Government to desist taking military action.

We appreciate this but it is clear that this advice and our
negative attitude has not produced much result and friendly
feelings existing in South East Asia for the United States -
United Kingdom Governments are being affected.

It will be remembered that even proposals of Good Offices
Committee were not accepted by Netherlands Government.

The issue is no longer one of coming to compromise about some
relatively minor matter but more basic one of the Colonial Powers'
agreement to grant National freedom without any reservation
whatever. Once this is done, it will not be difficult to determine
the nature of association which would exist between these
territories and countries with whom they have had long
connections. The United States of America - United Kingdom are in
the best position to judge how this can be done. If this is so
done and the situation deteriorates still further there will be
far reaching consequences not merely in South East Asia but
elsewhere. Anti Social forces which are already on the march will
be let loose and the precarious balance existing in the world
today will be affected. Government of India view this prospect
with considerable concern and we therefore earnestly urge action
as indicated in this telegram should be taken before the situation
gets altogether out of control.