The Netherlands Military Command has unilaterally and without
reference to the Committee ordered all military observers in the
Netherlands-controlled territory to proceed to Batavia. The Dutch
Headquarters today informed Senior Military Assistants that this
was done on Beel's instructions.

This is possibly reaction to our statement that we would ask
Council to instruct military observers to interview prisoners and
ensure no reprisals or executions. [1] Also it is obviously part
of strict censorship and means of preventing facts of the
situation being reported to governments through their
representatives. There can be no harm in making both points in
Council.

This defiant attitude should not intimidate Council but points to
the need of determined enforcement both by Council and by United
States in respect of Marshall Aid to Netherlands itself
Please consult United States Delegation and Government and
ascertain their intentions as to keeping advisers and also
Committee of Good Offices representatives at Batavia. Clearly they
can be of little use if they are to be confined to Batavia where
the only information available is official communiques.