The Chairman [1] presented to the Netherlands Delegation today the
Committee's best estimate of availability of Military Assistants
as follows. United States 15, Australia 15, United Kingdom 10,
France 6, China 5, Belgium 4. Total 55. The Delegation was asked
to state specific maximum numbers which it would accept within
these limits.

2. Van Vredenburch considered this number and proportions
satisfactory and will telephone The Hague this evening to obtain a
decision. Eaton will confirm as soon as possible.

3. The improvement in the Dutch attitude may be attributed in part
to the United States decision to increase the number of its
assistants and also to the British pressure which British Consul
General informs me that he has requested.

4. The Netherlands officials expressed surprise and indignation at
the Committee's New York press statement. [2] They have issued a
statement in reply claiming inter alia that 'there are serious
misapprehensions on the side of the Committee of Good Offices in
respect of its task, its competence and factual situation in the
N.E.I.'
5. Meeting of the Steering Committee was cancelled this morning at
the last minute. Understand unofficially the reason [was] New York
press, statement.