With reference to your letter of January 20th No. 20/1/2 [1] and
to conversations between yourself and Jhr. de Ranitz concerning
the supply of post-UNRRA relief goods from Australia to Indonesia
I have the honour to provide the following information.

(1) The bar on the import of textiles of a colour resembling that
of military and/or police uniforms will not be lifted for at least
2 months. It is therefore suggested that the Government of
Indonesia provide textiles in similar quantities but of a neutral
colour in exchange [for] the khaki and blue textiles.

(2) Regarding the supervision by an official from the Australian
military observers team of the distribution of the goods in the
formerly Republican-controlled areas I have to inform you that
this supervision is not acceptable to the Government of Indonesia
as the Australian military observers have been assigned to a
special function within the framework of the resolution [2] of the
Security Council of the United Nations and do not occupy
themselves with other duties in this country. The Government of
Indonesia therefore suggests that, should the Government of the
Commonwealth deem it necessary to have the distribution
supervised, such supervision should be effectuated through the
intermediary of the International Red Cross in cooperation with
the Netherlands Red Cross, section Indonesia.

I would greatly appreciate your advice as to this suggestion and
avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Sir, the
assurance of my high consideration.